Towing gear behind a 15ft runabout?

[canuckjgc]

Hi folks,

I need to tow camping gear behind a 15ft glass runabout as it does not all fit inside the boat.

Would something like a Chariot Warbird be a viable option? It is rated for 500 pounds, won't get waterlogged and can be used for hauling the kids around once we get to a marine campsite:
http://www.sportsstuff.com/dyn_prod.php?p=SPT53-1790&k=68049

My thinking is that gear in waterproof bags and secured by a cargo net should be ok.

We'll be in the ocean, mainly calm conditions, but could see 1 or 2 foot swells.

Alternatively, I was thinking of towing a good quality inflatable boat with gear, but I don't think the tow eyes are made for towing it when loaded with maybe 50-75 pounds of gear....

Any thoughts welcome. Thanks!

 

[rs2k]

Re: Towing gear behind a 15ft runabout?

I would imagine if the gear is extremely secure, very waterproof, you go less than 20 MPH, and you don't mind flipping the tow tube back over a few times that it would work quite well. 50 to 75 lbs will be easy to flip.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Towing gear behind a 15ft runabout?

put the gear in the boat and the kids on the tube, and drag them all the way to the campsite! They're already waterproof.

But seriously, the idea of being in the ocean in a 15' with a family and weekend's camping gear is frightening, towing or not. After all, you may have good weather going but you have to come back. Towing anything in bad weather will be difficult at most and could risk water over your stern.
"I've never gone out in ugly weather but I've sure come home in a few" to change an old saying.

 

[rs2k]

Re: Towing gear behind a 15ft runabout?

"I've never gone out in ugly weather but I've sure come home in a few"

Wow, that's an excellent quote. Remind me of: "It's better to be on the ground wishing to be on the air than it is to be in the air wishing to be on the ground" I've unfortunately experienced both parts of that quote.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Towing gear behind a 15ft runabout?

Yes I've been wondering about towing in bad weather. It may be time for a bigger boat so all the gear can fit.

 

[rs2k]

Re: Towing gear behind a 15ft runabout?

It may be time for a bigger boat so all the gear can fit.

Now's the time to get a bigger boat. I just picked up an 80s 28' twin engine cabin cruiser and trailer for about the monthly cost of owning a brand new 28' twin engine cabin cruiser.

IT is to be my ocean fishing and weekender rig.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Towing gear behind a 15ft runabout?

the quote is a modification of "I've never gone to bed with an ugly girl but I've sure woke up with a few."