First Time Towing

[EVERREADY]

We were headed back to Newport on Sat ,when my wife pointed to a boat with 3 people waving in need of a tow. I wasn't sure how to tow anyone I have never done it before and have only been going out in the ocean for less than a year. We tied two ropes to the back cleats and then tied the ropes together and then clipped the tow rope to the two ropes. It seemed to work pretty good except the brass clip broke and went flying over the top of us. I did get a little nervous when we got close to the bar and the waves were pounding us perty hard sideways.

Once we got to the dock the guy was very nice and offered me lots of things. I just figure what goes around comes around. I figue the more experience I get out there the better. It did get me thinking that I need to get a tow rope for the boat for when I need a tow.

[Joe Schwab]

Eveready, Sounds like you did some things right. Remember when towing to give enough line out the stern to allow the boat being towed to ride just behind the crest produced by your boat. This prevents broaching by the towed boat and keeps things tight. If possible use a weight between the towed boats to take up the shock of the line tightening and slacking off. A danforth anchor or any lightweight anchor will work well for this. Attach the weight to the tow line and let it hang as you are towing. As the Coast Guard does, ask the people in the towed boat to wear life jackets. Stuff happens! Remember you are now in control of two boats and adjust speed and direction changes accordingly. sounds like you did OK. Thanks for being a good skipper and helping a boat in distress.

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[Bait O' Eggs]

I have towed several little boats that the marinas rent out of Garibaldi and I ALWAYS make them get in my boat. I dont like the idea of them in the towed boat when it is a small boat. Just to easy for that thing to roll over, or at least it appears that way when it is in my wake.

The boat tows easier with less weight in it also.

A longer rope seems to tow better than a short rope.

Make sure the rope is super strong, I was towing a very heavy person on an innertube once, The rope broke as the inner tube tried to punch thru a swell, and the piece of rope that was attached to the boat sling shot into the boat hitting the little girl of the guy on the innertube in the face as they were looking back at the innertube and waving to daddy. We were lucky we didnt lose an eye right there, huge welts on the face of a little kid really leave an impression. When rope is stretched and broke dont be near the anchored end because it comes and says hello before you can blink your eye. :shocked: