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Towing Inflatable Dingy
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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: Post-Classic Whalers
Towing Inflatable Dingy
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| Author | Topic: Towing Inflatable Dingy |
| Cole |
posted 06-28-2004 09:55 AM ET (US)  
My boat is a 2000 OUTRAGE 18 with a Yamaha 200-HP 4-stroke engine. I want to tow a 9'-foot Avon behind it (with a 4-hp) for about 25 miles. Is it best to use the ski pylon to tow? Or should I use the port/starboard stern cleats with a two into one configuration? What rope length? Will 25-MPH be a reasonable speed to travel? Speed will be a function of the stability of the inflatable and not what the Whaler could potentially do. TIA Chris |
| Bthom |
posted 06-28-2004 10:17 AM ET (US)
Cole, If there is any way at all of deflating and carrying the avon inside your boat, you will find it a lot easier than trying to tow it.The hull of the avon(I'm assuming its not a rigid hull) will stick to the water like it has a vacuum attached.It will feel like you are towing a sea anchor. Good luck. Brian |
| RonB |
posted 06-28-2004 11:02 AM ET (US)
Cole, I have the same boat with a much smaller Merc 135 Opti. If I were to tow, I believe I would attempt to use the rear lifting eyes and a towing bridle. The angle of the rear cleats makes me nervous about towing anything using those cleats. The ski pylon might work but any surging could cause problems. Ron |
| Cole |
posted 06-28-2004 11:08 AM ET (US)
RonB- Thanks Ron...I think you're right... |
| gimcrack225 |
posted 06-28-2004 11:17 AM ET (US)
Towing an inflatable dingy My two cents, Start slow. Make a towing bridle to spread the load and keep the dink from yawing. Adjust the line so the dink rides comfortably on your wake. It will be very clear to you how fast you can go. 25 might be to fast and rough on the inflatable. Keep an eye on it. I know people who have turned around to find their dink gone. Don't leave anything heavy, sharp or valuable in the dink - such objects may damage the fabric and you may loose them if it flips. Make sure the motor clamps are tight. I always use a safety line for the motor. Tip the motor up. You might find taking the motor off a wise precaution if the weather gets messy. I have a 12ft Zodiac which I have towed hundreds of miles. |
| jimh |
posted 07-01-2004 08:15 AM ET (US)
The POST-CLASSIC forum is intended for articles specific to Boston Whaler boats designed after 1990. Considerations about towing an inflatable dingy are really not specific to the year of design of a boat. See my article: Towing an Inflatable Dingy |
| Cole |
posted 07-01-2004 10:41 AM ET (US)
jimh you're always a good source of info (and thanks for site). Didn't see anything about towing at "speed (25+) in your article (which was really the main info I was looking for) have any input on that for me? In future...where shall I post a subject such as this; general or?? TIA |
| RonB |
posted 07-01-2004 11:18 AM ET (US)
Jim, "Considerations about towing an inflatable dingy are really not specific to the year of design of a boat." I'm probably wrong but I would think that putting undue strain on stern cleats that are on an angle of less the 180 degrees (horizontal) should be a concern of an owner of this specific boat design, especially when the dinghy is half the size of the tow boat. Ron |
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