Gear Raft

[lncoop]

I already have a little Intex Seahawk, 8 footer I believe. It's fine for a cheapie, but I plan to buy a better raft soon to use for extended camping floats on rivers with mild to moderate whitewater. My question is this. Would it be feasible to tow the Intex as a gear raft? If so, what would be the best way to do it? Long line or short, best attachment method, etc., and what impact would it have on handling, safety, and overall enjoyment? Any answers, including to questions I forgot to ask, will be appreciated.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Gear Raft

Well, since you asked?

You can tow it, but I would highly recommend the "boot" that you can get for some of these Intex boats, not sure if it's available for that one or not. You have to remember the hull speed of the boat you're towing and that becomes the hull speed for the entire setup. In the case of the Seahawk, about 5mph tops. You try to tow it any faster than that and it will want to sink on you. I assume you're planning on towing it on rivers? Short to med. length line will work best, but know it will severely limit your maneuverability. Especially if you're going to need to navigate among rocks or deadheads. You'll definitely want to practice on calm zero current water before you head out on the river. Usually where people get in trouble is towing like you're describing downstream and then you end up not being able to maneuver quick enough to avoid something. But now the current has you and reverse isn't available because you have a boat behind you. For tricky stretches of river, it's often best to turn your rig around and use what's called an upstream ferry technique. Point your boats upstream and use just enough throttle to jockey back and forth across the current letting the current pull you down stream. If you get in trouble, just power out or increase your throttle a little and try again. It takes some practice but it's much safer.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Gear Raft

Is the purpose of the boot to add rigidity?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Gear Raft

Never mind. Found the info. Thanks again.

 

[fathairypirate]

Re: Gear Raft

i can never find any info on the intex boots, did you find a place that sells them?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Gear Raft

Amazon has the boats cheap. I got the Seahawk II. It is what it is, but it's fine for a relaxing float down a fairly calm river, but I don't think there is an Intex boot. I'm wondering if one from another manufacturer could be made to fit.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Gear Raft

Hi Incoop,

It's not the rigidity that's important when towing, but rather the strength of the attachment points. Using a boot spreads the load over more of the inflatable. It's not necessary, just better than not having it. If you can't find one, you can still tow your boat. Use a bridle that uses as many attachment points (at least two) on the front of your boat as possible. You should use a pulley in the middle of your bridle so the load is equal regardless of how the boat tracks behind you. Do not exceed a fast idle speed and enjoy!