Towing - (another boat)

U

UpstNYer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
105
Happened on a disabled Cuddy Cabin I/O today while fishing in my little 16' Deep V. Towed him a few miles to the dock. Didn't push it too hard, my new Merc 90 Classic is still breaking in with extra oil. He was about 20' long and probably twice my weight so I kept engine RPM down around 2200. Took about 20 minutes to get back.<br /><br />Don't have a temp gauge and couldn't reach back and feel Pee stream temp, so don't know how hard I was working the engine. Was wondering if anyone has tips on how to handle this situation to minimize engine stress. Was probably lugging the engine, but didn't want to push it any harder.<br /><br />Got a little dicey at the public launch ramp. He released the rope close in and moving slowly, but there was a storm approaching so boats were everywhere. Wind was blowing him into the dock as well. It ended well, but I came away with respect for the guy's boat handling ability. He had zero steerage.<br /><br />I'm sure lots of Iboaters have towed and been towed. What's worked for you? ....and what hasn't?
 
S

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Towing - (another boat)

You probably wouldn't notice anything different with the pee stream. I think your rpms were about right but the speed is almost best determined by feel. A lot depends on the weight of the tow & towed boat, sea consitions, wind and towing bridle.<br /><br />A short tale - Some years ago we are on our way back accross Biscayne Bay south of Miami. About a miles from the marina I see this inflatable sitting in the water with the motor cover off. There was an older guy on board with a young honey that probably was not his daughter. They were waving frantically at me so I went over expecting to tow them into the marina. When I got to them I offered the tow. They gladly accepted but they wanted a tow back to their yacht at Elliot Key, about six miles behind me. Seems they were out of booze. I told them that I would advise the dockmaster of their plight when I got in but as they were in no damger I was not going to make a booze run for them. I don't know what the dockmaster did.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Towing - (another boat)

It's fine. Don't worry about it. <br /><br />A good work out is just what the 2-stroke doctor ordered.
 
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