Towing R27

[Contento]

OK, I've searched the posts and can't fine an answer to this question: Is it feasible to trailer a R27 with the bimini (no side enclosures) up, AND an 8' RIB on Weaver davits on the stern? I've trailered the boat short distances with both the bimini up and the RIB on its davits, but we are leaving in a couple of weeks to trailer from Charleston, SC to California and I'd like to forgo problems with either the bimini or dink while on the road. Since we'll be boat camping (bamping) it would be nice to have the bimini up.

 

[knotflying]

People have towed with the dink on the Davit's. I have seen a shredded Bimini after it was towed 150 miles. I would remove the Bimini. On a similar note, here is my rule of thumb for everything, when in doubt make the conservative decision. If you take the Bimini down it will never shred. If you leave it up it might. What would you do?

 

[NorthernFocus]

3000 miles at 60mph is 50 hours of 60mph wind on the Bimini. It might survive it but will certainly be the worse for wear. Don't you have a boot for it? Folded up with the boot on would be fine and easy to deploy and stow every day.

 

[Favunclerich]

I would advise against towing with the bimini folded in the boot. I did that and some of the zippers wore holes in the fabric.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Do not tow with the Bimini up, don’t ask me how I know but I’m the idiot Mike is talking about. I towed from Stuart Fl to Punta Gorda and when I got there the Bimini was in shreds but we had fun dressing Gratitude up with Mardi Gras beads since she was topless now! You live and lean.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude R27

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We’ve trailered Kismet R29S across the country with the dinghy attached with its davits. As an extra measure of safety I zip tie the connection points on each stand off to help prevent it from becoming disconnected. I also added some stainless washers on the dinghy davit pad hardware, for additional support. It’s worked for me just fine. I’ve always taken the Bimini off and stored.

Jim F

 

[NorthernFocus]

I would advise against towing with the bimini folded in the boot. I did that and some of the zippers wore holes in the fabric.

That's a good point. If the boot doesn't fit tight it can still chaff.

 

[j&lgray]

We have a 2012 R-27 that we tow a lot up and down the east coast. All canvas is removed including the windshield cover, the stainless frames over the cockpit are tied together and our dinghy deflates and folds into two bags and get inside.

By the way, we have had a few dinghies and have been happy with different styles and design. For this tug, we wanted one that can collapse and yet is very stout when inflated and is only as long as the roughly the beam of the tug. We settled on the Newport Vessels, Dana model. Why? the tubes are 19" in diameter versus 14-16" of most dinghies and this makes more freeboard, carries 1,000 pounds and can handle a 10 HP motor though we row it now.

We just finished our fourth trip on Trilogy, 2 weeks of cruising on Chesapeake Bay, 320 miles, and 7 days of anchoring. The boat is stored in an RV storage yard in Brunswick, GA and we are driving back to Seattle.

 

[Contento]

Your responses much appreciated. Good to know the dink should ride well on its davits. Guess I expected the thoughts on the bimini, like sails and canvas on a sailboat, you expect high winds you strip’m off! Thanks again for your responses.

 

[scross]

I’m a bit hesitant to tow with the dinghy on the davits without additional support. For my 25 Classic, we take the two steel standoff rods off and use three thick lines looped through the swim platform at one end and tied to the stern rails at the top end. We weave the ropes through the big side handles and steel bow ring to ensure they don’t shift on the dinghy. I think this is stronger than using the two standoff rods. This configuration also puts the dinghy’s top side lean forward a bit with slightly less wind resistance.
I have seen the forward standoff pad on the dinghy rip off the dinghy from being towed at freeway speeds resulting in the dinghy only being held in place by the transom standoff rod.

 

[Contento]

Good idea on using extra lashing while trailering with the dink on its davits. My rib max length is 8’ so no hang over either end. I will certainly be using the extra lashing, and keeping a close eye on how it’s riding. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[knotflying]

Do not tow with the Bimini up, don’t ask me how I know but I’m the idiot Mike is talking about. I towed from Stuart Fl to Punta Gorda and when I got there the Bimini was in shreds but we had fun dressing Gratitude up with Mardi Gras beads since she was topless now! You live and lean.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude R27

I mentioned no names to protect the innocent! :lol:

 

[jkhiser]

Also check the set screws on your sport racks before long tows. I lost my sport racks and solar panel while being towed into a nor'easter.