Need advice, I just purchased a used inflatable dinghy w/o propulsion (West Marine RU 260). I need to tow my 28’ sailboat to the mooring (transmission problems). How big/HP can I use on this dinghy? Your wisdom appreciated.
Dinghy Power
- Thread starter Plymouth Sailor
- Start date
Based on the capacity plate you can have a max 4hp motor on that dinghy.
Sometimes easier to manage tied alongside than to handle as a tow.
Sometimes easier to manage tied alongside than to handle as a tow.
Attachments
From the specs page... 10 hp
- Manufacturer's number : NZ11450C
- Dimension : 2,60m (8,5')
- More Information : 5 years Warranty
- Model : Cadet RIB 260
- Floor type : Coque rigide
- Engine : 10 hp max
- Overall length : 2.60 m - 8’6”
- Inside length : 1.72 m - 5’8”
- Overall width : 1.56 m - 5’1”
- Inside width : 70 cm - 1'5"
- Hull : Fiberglass
- Total trailer weight : 52 kg - 115 lb
- Tubing : 43 cm / 17"
- Tubing color : White grey
- Number of passengers : 3
- Maximum authorized payload (Cat C) (Kg/lb) : 400 kg - 882 lb
- Airtight compartments : 3
- Outboard Shaft Data : Court
- Length : 2.6 m
- Fabric : PVC-Strongan
This is called a hip tow.
Towing your sailboat with your tender | Cruising World
These three techniques help you safely move your boat when the engine, or the wind, doesn’t cooperate.
www.cruisingworld.com
Hip-tow would be better if in restricted area, such as in the marina, where you might need to maneuver the sailboat into its slip. If out in the open going some distance with no “sharp” turnings a long tow would be the better.
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Thank you, yes agree with side tow, the harbormaster does the same and I did see the plate and HP but was a bit unsure of the weight requirements - thank you!