Ever need to tow someone in?

boater · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2012 4:09 pm

I'll tow anyone with a like size boat if they need it.
We boat just a few miles above Niagara Falls, so usually people help each other out.
I've towed plenty and have been towed a couple times.
Last year a guy with 34' Sea Ray wanted a tow. His batteries were dead
and he couldn't get his anchor to catch. That's too big for me.
I helped him get anchored and stuck around until he figured out how to
charge up his batteries with his generator.
Prepared or not, things happen that aren't expected.

Jafo4U · **Joined:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:33 am **Posts:** 1026

TX H210SS wrote:

I agree on the decision you made for sure...it is a good idea to rig you out a couple ropes for such an occasion, because you never know which end of the rope you may be on:-) but keep in mind those cleat are merely for mooring only....the ski tow hook is beefed up more but the best supported are the stern and bow ties. Not sure about your model but I have four stern ties....use the wider ones.

They were lucky you were there...thought to check on them...and help.

I'm not familiar with the jet boat setup but have heard of them sucking in ski ropes....wonder what all havoc that creates.....I know props have spun a many of rope too, but that can be freed.

Two weeks ago my prop became a rope goblin when after a perfect day on the water we came in to have lunch at the marina and my cousin let a rope fall in the water while getting off the boat to tie up.(Loose rope on the stern just in case we had to tie up to the opposite side of the dock) he didn't notice the rope in the water neither did I. So I missed the approach to the dock so I did a touch N go no biggie very slow speed next thing you know the engine shuts off and I am dead in the water drifting toward some pretty expensive looking big boats. Luckily for me the guy right behind me noticed what had happened and was beside me in what felt like seconds without me even asking for help. He tied a rope to my boat and a minute later I was tied up to the dock. Never again will I have loose ropes anywhere on my boat. Pulled her out cut the rope off and splashed her again and we were boating again in less than an hour.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

On my model, the two stern hooks are way under the swim platform, so its tough to use those. What length of tow rope would you guys suggest keeping on hand, either for yourself or to two someone in. I used 100' of rope when I did this.

boater · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:39 am

Quote:

On my model, the two stern hooks are way under the swim platform

Same with me. I use the cleats. I realize it's not recommended, but I've never seen or heard of
one pulling out of a boat. Every situation is different. Just take it slow.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

They pulled out of Captain Quints boat.

boater · **Posted:** Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:26 am

I stand corrected.
And a whole lot worse! :shock:

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

So to revisit this whole thread, I'm going exploring a bunch of lakes I've never been on this year, and stuff happens. So I am going to pick up a tow line from these guys

http://www.mooringlines.com/tow_lines.htm

ric · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 1:56 pm

I tow people monthly. I use dock line. It floats.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:49 pm

I've had trips where I'd swear my boat said "Sea Tow" on the side. Towed two boats in as many days, each of them a few miles and I won't tow any faster than dead slow - so it takes a couple of hours out of the day when it happens. And yes, as best I can remember, every one of them has been due to either lack of planning, unfamiliarity with their boat, lack of maintenance, etc. That doesn't change the fact that they're people stranded in the middle of a lake, sometimes with no hope of anyone else being around (we boat at night a lot). One of them would have sunk if their bilge pump or battery had given out before I got them to a dock. Apparently either their bellows had ripped completely open or they left the plug out; the pump was running full tilt (and probably had been since they launched), and they didn't even know it. Then their engine died and wouldn't re-start.

I've always used our heavy tube line attached to the other boat's bow eye, but now that you bring this up I think I'll look into a purpose-made tow line.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:58 pm

Yeah, I've typically used a heavy tubing line also, but getting a bridle to attach to the stern eyes sounds like a good call....

psusound · **Joined:** Sat Feb 04, 2012 4:08 pm **Posts:** 69

I have towed a buddy in before, took to 25 foot 1/2" lines off of each of my stern cleats, to make a Y, then attached a 25' 5/8" line from the point of the Y to the bow hook on his boat, and towed him in. Then once close to dock, we rafted up, and I docked him at the ramp. I have a 348 I towed him in with, and he is a Wellcraft 26'. Slow and easy is the way to go....

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 8:32 pm

Last summer when I had to get towed in by the Coast Guard (impeller gave out), they tied up on my port side, cleat to cleat, at the bow and stern, with dock fenders in between us. On the way in (which was very slow), we were chatting and they said that is the safest way to tow another small craft as you don't put stress on the stern eye as the towed boat usually plays accordian with you due to wake and such. You don't need long lines and also, you are in constant communication with the towed boat as they are right next to you

Worked really good, but of course you have to be pretty good at manuevering as you approach the docks. If I have to do any towing this summer, I'm gonna try that method.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 8:48 pm

^ that's how we booze cruise here in FL. 3 boats, center one powers, one on each side engine off. Can't get an alcohol ticket when you're in tow. State laws haven't yet caught up with that one

Decision · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 9:10 pm

Depending on the size of boat in need of tow, lake conditions, distance involved in towing and expected weather you'd experience while towing the other boat I'd consider towing it, especially if I viewed them as appreciative and not them thinking I owe it to them. Ideally I wouldn't tow and simply help them obtain a towing company, but I would tow based on circumstances.

I would be very, very carefull though if you decide to tow a boat along your side with fenders in between. Any kind of significant wave or boat wake I could see one or both boats being damaged. Smooth waters is one thing but I'd be concerned if waves where calm that someone wouldn't notice the towing taking place and a three foot boat wake would rock us into damage.

Ended up towing a friends 268 Searay (454 engine with Alpha 1 drive - drive let go) with our previous 25 foot Doral Citation approximately 16 miles back to our home port. Had to stop for a swim during the tow in as it was so darn hot that day. He had no tow insurance, that would of been an expensive tow for him should he of had to call a tow company.

Mike

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 9:27 pm

I forgot to say, every one of the people I've towed was appreciative to the max. They've insisted on paying me, offered free services at the businesses they own, offered to take my family to dinner, and thanked me 50 times. I considered taking them up on the dinner deal - maybe they'd end up being new friends - but I would never accept money. As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the responsibilities that goes with boating, as long as the one being towed appreciates the help.

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Ever need to tow someone in?

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