On the right side of a tow today....

[nola mike]

40 mile ride, and much to everyone's surprise in board I was the one who gave a tow. I needed some good tow karma, so that's good.

 

[alldodge]

All good, boater help boater.

Best to get as many as possible into your boat, so much easier to tow. Actually get everyone on your boat until you get close, then move back over

 

[roscoe]

40 miles ! That took a while.

Good Job.

Maybe look into options/techniques, so no one gets hurt, including you, if the tow rope snaps.

Anyone have info-suggestions on this ?

 

[nola mike]

No, I only towed 2-3 miles. The 40 was prior to that. Still took a while though, wasn't moving quickly. I don't think tow rope snapping would have done much damage. ..

 

[roscoe]

Actually could be deadly.
Ropes snap and anchor point let loose every year, and come hurtling toward you.
Use the wrong kind of rope and there is enough stretch to send the end into your head.

Some light reading on the subject:

https://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/tow-manship/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLdeqY_2VN0

Glad it went well for you.

 

[nola mike]

The line didn't have much elasticity. Hadn't thought about the hardware letting loose though, point taken.

 

[alldodge]

Slow and steady is they way as you do it. I like a lot of rope between and tie a bowline at the bow eye. Using the bow eye helps pick the bow up, and if folks stay in the boat, then have them move to the stern of middle, no bow watchers

 

[JimS123]

All good advice. I was going to comment on the picture but many beat me to it.

Stern eye to bow eye - that's the only way to tow.

A bow cleat that pulled loose and hit the towboat owner's little daughter right between the eyes is the lawsuit that that put the Chris Craft Boat company out of business.

 

[wahlejim]

A couple of safety things that I always have in my boat specifically for towing and backup of my water toys:

-self centering tow harness
- 6 rider capacity tow rope

As others have mentioned, tie off to the bow eye, not the cleats in the front. 2 reasons for this, bow lift and strength of anchor point. use the tow harness and attach to both eyes on your transom. It splits the force and is easier on your boat. The weakest point in the setup is the rope of the harness. The forces are pulled in such a way that if it does snap, the rope is going sideways and is not long enough to injure someone in my boat.

Since I am towing, I consider myself in charge, the captain of both vessels. They listen to me or they don't get towed. Period. If the disabled boat is capable of doing so, their trim goes all the way up. If not, their steering wheel is centered and tied off to minimize movement. My least favorite thing to do is fight someone trying to "help" by steering their boat. As others have mentioned, everyone in my boat or the stern of theirs if I don't have enough room.

One other strict rule I have is the driver of the disabled boat is not allowed any more alcohol. They need to be in the right frame of mind to retrieve their disabled boat safely. This has only been an issue one time with all of the boats that I have towed, he cracked a beer while I was attaching my line to his boat, I told him to get rid of it or I would not tow him. He took that as a sign to chug it. I helped him flag someone down to help him and took off. If he isn't concerned about me, my rules, and safety, I am not interested in towing him. I would never leave him helpless and floating in the water alone, but I am not going to tow him.

 

[roffey]

I have been on both sides of the tow. When I have been the rescue boat to be honest I just hook up to the stranded boat, its not like the captain of the other boat has much control or say in how it goes. They are just along for the ride once we start the tow, lol. From my experience being towed in it is a very stressful time. I know some will disagree but I do believe you have to stop and offer help. common sense would be safety first, if the boater is not willing to comply then break out the paddles... in my neck of the woods there is zero tolerance for drinking and boating but I would still tow them in. Its his boat and his licence to lose.

 

[Mohawkmtrs]

Two things to help you (the tow boat) keep from being sued should anything go wrong:

- Have them agree to you assisting them AND save you harmless if anything goes wrong...say in front of witnesses.

- It is their responsibility to attach the tow line to their vessel.

After this they are merely passengers and you as captain are in charge.

 

[SeaCrow]

If you ever use a chain to tow someone take a cloth(towl, or whatever else you may have) and wrap it on the center of the chain, if it breaks that will keep it from flying. Same thing if you ever pull someone out that's stuck with your vehicle.