I would like to hear from Trawler folks who tow a larger boat for more utility once at destination. Are you towling maybe a 17 foot Boston Whaler or an Alumaweld 16 footer. Would like to hear your experience both good and bad. Thanks, Scott
A couple of summers back I towed a 14' aluminum Duroboat with center console and a huge Merc outboard. We towed it from Anacortes WA and throughout all the Gulf Islands, across Georgia Strait and Juan de Fuca Strait -- never had a problem. Because my boat is a trawler we cruised at 7-8 knots. I still tow a dinghy but now it's an 8' Portland Pudgy. A few helpful tips: only use float line and rig a strong bridle for fastening to the boat being towed. Also, NEVER use a stainless steel shackle -- it will sink when you slow down or have slack in the line -- either tie it off or use a lightweight "plastic" shackle that floats. And ideally, assign the role of
"dinghy wrangler" to someone in your crew, particularly when you're entering a marina or crowded anchorage. Just common sense stuff. Good luck!
good advice. use polypropelene line for towing cause it floats. Nylon sinks and goes right to your prop. I know, I tried it
S of F,
I'll bet it turned and banked very nicely and probably ran quite level too. A nice boat.
To repeat, make no assumptions poly can't get sucked into the props as well with the engine in reverse. It can and will.
So when you tow a dingy, how do you tie it off? Specifically, on the trawler end, do you secure from each corner so the line forms a "Y" down to a single line to the dingy? I've heard the term "bridle"...is the "Y" the bridle? Hope my question isn't too stupid.
Sam, I also am afraid, because I'm cruising in a Latin countries that its easy to cut the rope and steal the dingy. So I am looking for a stainless steel cable to secure the dingy.