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Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
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Author:  billcruise [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 10:21 am ]
Post subject:  Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
For as long as we've had our Seadoo RXP we've towed it behind our 328 at every speed imaginable. We simply put a 'tube' line on one cleat and go. First it runs in the center of the wake and once we get past about 25 mph it rides in the curl. In rough water, high or low speeds we've never had a problem and can pretty much forget about it. Even though the Seadoo weighs close to 900 Lbs you can barely tell you're pulling something. I'm sure I lose a couple mph but don't really care.

We now want to buy a 17-20' runabout to bring along with us every where we go and yes, I want to tow it behind. I've been considering only outboard powered boats since they are usually about 500 Lbs lighter than an I/O and I want NO additional maintenance/winterization work to do. I've been looking at the Glastron GT180, Checkmate 2000BRX, and Ebbtibe 188SE (no considering the FW OB due to 130 HP limit) and these weigh 1900, 1800, and 2200 Lbs respectively. I can tilt the OB completely out of the water to tow but I'm wondering if this is a pipe dream. If I can't do this, I might as well consider some of the other larger I/O's.

For reference, I have towed the Seadoo and another Yamaha Waverunner without too much challenge. Started to feel the drag. Do you think this is a) legal (in TN) and b) not too hard on the 328 or runabout? I hate the thought of spending $30-40K only to find out this wasn't a good idea. I seriously doubt I can arrange for a dealer to let me 'try' doing this before buying a boat.
Author:  aguyindallas [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 10:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
One thing you may consider is one of the smaller jet boats, like a Sea Doo Sportster etc. They offer some of the same...very light on maintenance, are light in general and will hold typically 4-5 people.
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
I just does not sound like a good idea to me. I can't really say why, but does not seem right to tow a heavy fiberglass bowrider behind a 328. I have however, seen many dinghy's towed behind cruisers, even larger ones. I suspect you have the need for speed with your "130 hp limit" comment. So this may not work for you, but I can guarantee it will be less weight to tow, and much safer behind your 328. You would be surprised how quick these are , even with a 115hp OB.
My BIL has a 12' AB with 40hp Yammy on it, and it will do about 30mph with two people and some beer.

Maybe the 17DLX would work for you.
Length: 17' 0'' - 5.18 m
Beam: 8' 1'' - 2.46 m
Inside Length: 13' 10'' - 4.23 m
Inside Beam: 4' 5'' - 1.35 m
Internal Area: 61.47 sq.ft. - 5.71 m²
Approx. Weight: 1181lb - 537kg
Max. Person Capacity: 10
Tube Diameter: 20'' - 0.51 m
Shaft Length: 20''
Image

2005 17dlx w/115 Yammy, $22K
Author:  wkearney99 [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Do yourself a favor and see what your insurance agent has to say about the practice. Are their going to be licensing issues with essentially operating a tow boat here?

It's one thing to be towing a jetski, but a whole other boat starts complicating things. Dealing with suddenly backing down seems like it'd be a lot more trouble with another boat behind you.

I'd also be worried about how the line is strung between the two. Doing this on a regular basis seems like it'd put way to much stress on the cleats (of both vessels).

If you want to bring along a tender then get a boat sized to deal with it. A trawler with a boom crane would let you winch it down from the upper deck.
Author:  billcruise [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
wkearney99 wrote:
Do yourself a favor and see what your insurance agent has to say about the practice. Are their going to be licensing issues with essentially operating a tow boat here?

A tow boat for hire would certainly be a licensing problem but towing your own boat would be a whole different situation IMO

If you want to bring along a tender then get a boat sized to deal with it. A trawler with a boom crane would let you winch it down from the upper deck.

Isn't going to happen... I hear you loud and clear that you don't think it's a good idea.
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Cap'n is on point with the RIB to tow.

You can get a big fiberglass tubbed inflatable that will perform.

A good friend towed his 17' avon with a 90hp honda outboard behind is Carver. The inflatable tube is nice because it's basically a huge bumper...

He has a full camper canvas for the RIB and can eaily haul 4 adults and 2 kids and still do 40+.

He easily pulls skiiers and wakeboarders with it.

He tows it everywhere. Works great.
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Sun Feb 13, 2011 10:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
If you do decide to tow a RIB or small jet boat behind your 328. Make sure you get a Towdster, if you do not have it already. It's a great set up.
http://www.towdster.com/

Image
Author:  billcruise [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Went to the Grand Rapids Boat show today and was fortunate to see the FW180B, Checkmate 2000BRX and Glasstron GT180 OB. I talked to some of the dealers about 'concerns' they have about towing their OB models. The Checkmate dealer in particular was absolutely certain it wouldn't be a problem and so did the Glasstron dealer. After giving this a lot of thought, I will not go in the direction of a small jet. The only true small jet you can buy from Seadoo or Yamaha is the 150 Speedster and this is not enough of a boat for our needs with the ability to only seat 5 people. At this point I'm still leaning towards a small outboard powered boat.
Author:  wkearney99 [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
So, you already have the 328 and more than 5 people. Why is it you need a whole other boat big enough for those five? I'm not arguing against the idea, I'm just puzzled why you'd need that much more when the 328 is already there.
Author:  billcruise [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Bill,

Let me try to explain a little more about what I'm wanting (no needing here BTW :) ). The way we typically boat is we head to a popular cove where there are 6-8 other cruisers/boats with our closest friends generally all tied side to side. We'll remain tied up most of the day, often times in the middle of the tie up, and there are many young kids that invariably want to do tubing around the lake to have some fun and right now I'm the guy who ends up on our Seadoo pulling 1 or 2 tubes for an hour or two. The Seadoo works fine but isn't very comfortable for long stints, doesn't have a bimini, and I get a 'thumb cramp' trying to hold 20 mph. It can be a lonely ride too which wouldn't be the case with a small runabout where others could join to watch the tubers.

That's the first scenario. The other scenario is the weather is marginal and we're hanging around in our covered slip and everyone is getting bored. We don't like getting caught in a storm in the 328 if we can avoid it because dealing with putting up the canvas and later drying it out and putting it away is a laborious task. It may sound petty but it's a lot of work and I'm looking for R&R not canvas duty. So with a small runabout we could go out, get wet, no big deal, right? It's a 17' boat after all, can't be that much work to dry it out. Plus with a small runabout you can quickly pick up and go and avoid the rain altogether. Not the case in a 328. The reason I'm looking for more than five seats is there are four of us and we commonly have 3 or 4 guests that spend the day with us and all told there's as many as 8 of us that would potentially go for a spin in the runabout. Whether it's a rainy day, a quick trip to have breakfast, going to visit with friends, no matter, it's a lot easier in a small boat and I just don't think 5 seats is enough.

Two years ago, we did briefly own a jet boat, a Seadoo 180 Challenger with twin 110HP 2 strokes for 2 days. We bought the boat used and subject to a water test. What a surprise! The boat handled poorly at the dock with handling that wasn't intuitive at all. The engines were noisy and prevented normal conversation while underway. There was a lack of wind protection and the ride was not that great. Fortunately the person I bought from was understanding and let me return the boat for a full refund. I have no regrets there. Both Seadoo and Yamaha make larger and better boats these days that aren't noisy and have wind protection but they are all heavier, some by a bunch, and require more maintenance than the modern 2 and 4 stroke runabouts. I'm convinced now more than before that a 17-20' OB boat is really what we're looking for. Jet boats are too small or too heavy and IO's are just plain too heavy at least if I'm able to tow underway. If towing turns out not to be an option, I'd very much head in the diirection of a 20' or so IO or just skip the runabout altogether and keep doing what I'm already doing. Why is picking the right boat so difficult!
Author:  wkearney99 [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Ah, thanks for the explanation. I figured it had something to do with pulling water toys and such. Not sure about the notion of trying to put 8 people into it for a spin. By scaling up for that many you're ending up with a lot of boat for what might be an infrequent use case. But it sounds like you've given a lot of thought to it.

I think the various towing rigs would be worth looking into for this. The kind with the PVC booms help deal with maneuvering a little better. They help keep the boat off the stern better than just using lines.

Good thing you're on a lake, out here on the Chesapeake it'd be a lot more work to tow something like that all the time.
Author:  billcruise [ Thu Mar 10, 2011 10:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
After talking to a few more dealers, I'm convinced I can tow a light outboard powered boat with the 328 so
I ordered a new Glastron yesterday with the 150 etec... should have it in ~6 weeks or so

In a couple of months, I'll follow up again with 'good' or 'bad' news with regard to towing. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and advice!
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Fri Mar 11, 2011 6:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Congrats Bill. I think you made the right choice in boats. That boat will be alot of fun for you as well as your tubers.
Author:  Winedown [ Sat Mar 12, 2011 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Reading through this made me curious about something. How difficult is close quarters maneuvering (like approaching a raft) with a boat in tow?
Author:  wkearney99 [ Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing Runabout at Cruise Speeds Behind 328
Winedown wrote:
Reading through this made me curious about something. How difficult is close quarters maneuvering (like approaching a raft) with a boat in tow?

If you have someone else on board that can operate the boat then one option is you'd just cast off and idle around nearby until you're rafted up or docked. Otherwise some of the Towdster and other towing mechanisms try to maintain a semi 'stiff' connection to the towed item using a sort of a 'boom' as part of the towing bridle. This helps keep it more or less in place while you maneuver the towing boat. Trying to do it using only lines would be tricky. I suppose if you have enough room along one side you could pull the boat up along side and secure it there. Sort of your own mini-raft. Then it'd come along with the main boat as you move it around.
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