towing inflatible

[Mark]

I am planning to tow an inflatable as a tender. A recent issue of Good Old Boats suggest that the best way to tow an inflatable is with the bow of the inflatible raised up against the stern of the towing boat, so that only the stern of the inflatable is actually in the water.If you recommend against this, how far behind tow boat should the inflatible be?Any thoughts, comments or recommendations on this topic? Your input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[justin - o'day owners' web]

I tow like that . . .

I agree with the Good Old Boat article. I find that having only the tips of the pontoons in the water makes for greatly minimized drag when conditions permit. If conditions do not allow you to do that you might consider taking the dink aboard.If you're going to tow it flat the idea is to put it far enough aft so that its always surfing down the second wave aft of the transom. Its hard to get right but when you're in phase its great.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Herb Schiessl]

Don't let it flip over!

Years ago I was sailing with a friend on a 38ft boat with an inflatable on a long line behind the boat, when we suddenly felt the boat slow down. We did everything to trim the sails but no improvement. We looked behind and found that the inflatable had fliped over and because the attachment was on the under side of the bow, the inflatable had submerged and was spinning under the water like a large fishing flasher. So in higher winds, make sure that the wind doesn't get under the bow and flip it over.

 

[Dave]

lessons learned

someone I know with a Catalina 38 was towing with the inflatable tied to the stern rail last summer. The boat flipped and did severe damage to the stern pulpit. Required major surgery to repair.Make sure your tow attachments are adequate for the job. The best way is to mount two straps to the hull with through bolts providing a strap on either side at the stern to attach a bridle.regardsdave