Towing a dinghy close in

DBBRanger

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2013
Messages
262
Fluid Motion Model
R-25 Classic
Vessel Name
Still Crazy
I'm about to get an 8'6" inflatable keel dinghy for my R25 and am trying to figure out how I'm going to tow it. Most of the time (certainly for difficult passages) it will be deflated and on board. But for short trips there's been a lot of discussion about size and length of the tow line and how far back to tow it. But I'm thinking (without actually looking at it or trying it) that since some people tow it close in, it might work as good especially when speeds of 6-7 kts are expected. So what is wrong with having the dinghy bow on the swim platform, tying the bow D-Rings to the swim platform such that the bow cannot go forward and hit the boat transom and then lines from the dinghy's stern eyes to the boat's stern cleats on either side, holding it relatively rigid with only the aft half of the dinghy in the water? Does that have a prayer of working?

I found this on the internet. This is what I mean. Anybody have experience with it?

tow_1.jpg
 
I have the railing on my swim platform and tie the dingy tight to the back of the swim platform Tows fine and easier docking
 
You will notice in the picture they have it hard clipped to the platform by the dingy rings and then stabilized from the stern of the dingy. I think that is making it more stable. I would be reluctant to do this method in following seas, but in calm waters and 6.5 knots I can see it working.
 
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