boat-boat tow setup

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I'm curious to know how one would setup for a tow into dock. If my boat was stranded, I would assume hooking a line to my bow eye and then the other end to the ski eye of the towing boat. Correct? Or would one go with a "Y" set up (tow boat= attach to two transom eye)? Any recommendation would be appreciated.

 

[Ron G]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

hope you never have to be towed in.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

basically, yes. depending on the conditions and how far you need to tow, you just need to get a line from your bow to his stern.<br /><br />a bridle that distributes the load from his stern is obviously preferred. also, you want a substantial tow line, and one that is several times the length of the wave period (as the tow boat is in a trough, your boat is 5 waves behind in a trough).<br /><br />as you get closer to the dock, you want to change things up. tie the two boats together, bow to bow, stern to stern. if you ever rafted up with someone, that's what you want. use fenders if needed, but make the lines very tight. then the tow boat can place you right at the dock. you tie up, and he casts off from you.<br /><br />you then offer money and/or cold beer.

 

[JB]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

Always have the end of the tow line rigged for instant release. I never tie it; I just loop it through the towing eye and have someone hold the end, ready to release it on an instant notice.<br /><br />I have read of several boats destroyed when someone didn't see the towline and tried to run between the boats.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

Go SLOW!

 

[Sublime]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

I was told; That when ever asked to tow another boat, always have them (stranded boat) throw the line. Something about "responsibility"?<br /><br />Ever hear this?

 

[txswinner]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

That is an old law of the sea rule about responsibility and bailment agreements under the salvage rules in international water. Forget it on small rigs.

 

[salty87]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

i wouldn't expect the towing boat to get you right up to the dock. when i'm giving a tow, i leave the towed boat as close to the dock as reasonably possible. they might need to toss a line to the dock or jump in and finish off the last 20-30 feet swimming.<br /><br />if they want to get closer, they'll need to hire a pro. if it's not close enough, well i got em much closer than they were.<br /><br />i find it helps to slow way down and agree on a plan of attack with the crews of both boats before arriving at the dock or ramp. that way, if you expect them to drop the line and float in...they know that i'll be expecting them to drop it. that also gives them a chance to rig the line in preparation for untying.<br /><br />if you let em untie and float away, they can't give you money that way too

 

[mattttt25]

Re: boat-boat tow setup

make him swim to the dock? get real.<br /><br />my explanation, regardless of how poor it was, is how you safely get someone to the dock.