NiagaraChillin wrote:
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.
Had a friend who had a motor go south on him here years back, and we all rafted up with him, and enjoyed the day before we were all ready to head back in, with the plan to tow him in. Of course, while tied up, the conservation folks stopped by to check on us, and we got to discussing our plan for the end of the day, and towing our buddy back in, and this was their strong recommendation as well, was to raft up basically, secure our boats to each other well, using stern bow, and spring lines, and lots of bumpers. Safety concerns was the main reasoning behind this, as what was mentioned earlier in this thread, the tow line becomes a concern, if something lets go, someone could be at risk of being seriously hurt, or worse.. So, that's what we did, slow and steady, on a two hour ride back to the marina, tied together.
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2004 Four Winns 328 Vista
1997 Larson Cabrio 290 - sold
1988 Rinker Fiesta Vee 248 - sold
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