Towing a Cutwater C24 behind another boat

[captdavet]

I have a couple friends with larger boats that want to tow my C24 for fishing purposes on cruises up coastal BC. Are there any special precautions and/or modifications that are advisable before doing this? Beefing up the towing eye for example?

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Close all your sea cocks: engine, generator (if you have one), air conditioner (if you have one). Close windows to keep out salt spray. Also be sure that the towing line on the bigger boat is accessible and easily let loose while under way in case of an emergency. If you search YouTube for "quick release towing knot" you'll find a variety of knots with different types of attachment hardware (posts, cleats, eyes, etc.) to choose from. Finally, you may need to adjust the length of distance between your boat and the towing boat once underway to make sure it is riding in the proper portion of the wake and is not too close, too far, or plowing. HTH, GF

 

[bluestreak]

Keep the tow boat and the towed boat "IN STEP" where are climbing a wave or desending.
A long enough tow line for some catenary allowing for the line to give a little.
Less strain on the tow line.
A knife or hachet to break the tow if necessary and NEVER stand directly in line with the tow line.
If it parts, the line could snap back and injury someone!

 

[Red Raven]

While riding with a friend who was towing a 19ft boat with a 36ft trawler — he is a licensed ship engineer for a large tug boat company in Alaska— he used a twisted pair of lines to reduce the stress on the line and the towing eye. Run the tow line from two points aft in a Vee. At the Vee center point twist the line about 6 times before connecting to the boat under tow. When the lines pull taught the twists unravel some to lessen the force on the tow eye and line. When they slack from a wave the lines twist back up. Acts like a spring or snubber. You should not have to modify your towing eye.

Curt