[Simon Peter]

This is a good picture of how the yoke that goes around the motor has a reinforced area as the "tow rope" part can easily slide to accommodate turns or twisting as it comes off a swell. Float is good to just mark where the yoke comes together at.

Should have pulled out the boat, but I was lazy. You can see plenty of room on the yoke to get around twin motors.

Good quality SS clip to clip in.

Here is it clipped onto the back of the boat.

 

[Simon Peter]

Action shot............forgive me if I have incriminated anybody. This person was SOOOO THANKFUL!!

Comes in a nice storage bag. Pliers for reference in size.

 

[fisherman_rick]

I fish nearshore, not way out like you tuna folk. Coastal Marine Services out of Astoria would be my first call if I needed it. I don't know what their response time is, but they claim 24/7 availability. I'm glad I've never had to find out. Their website mentions other ports, as well.

For the reasons given by Tinman, I don't think I really have the experience and gear to safely tow another boat. Still, I'd likely give it a go if I was really the only option (e.g. the other vessel was in imminent danger and not much larger than mine).

 

[Don G Baldi]

That's the new america unfortunately Don.....

Your offer was more than generous as we all should be in a case of need like this. Even though it's not about the money but helping a fellow boater out. Very sad the gratefulness is not there anymore but expected.

I just figured they were in the moment getting hooked up with the CG boat. Understandable as there is a lot going on at that time.

 

[Reel fortunate]

I just figured they were in the moment getting hooked up with the CG boat. Understandable as there is a lot going on at that time.

Oh, I totally agree they are spun up most likely, and totally understand we do it to help and dont need/require thanks.

I have always felt it is good to help as Jeff said. Sooner or later we all could or can get in a tight spot. I know that from experience and karma has a way of rewarding ya anyhow!

We had several towes over the years from Garibaldi via the cg for varies reasons in a cousins glass boat. We finally figured out the fuel tank was getting water in it and wouldn't show up until the tank got low (below half) and would notice it on the way in from halibut hill (that's how long ago). Twice in one weekend was our limit.
Always got the detailed check at the dock and never had a problem there.

I have learned to be as redundant as possible and try not to ask for help but stuff does happen at times that are out of our control.

 

[Don G Baldi]

I think it was in high school, but not sure exactly. Anyway I drove up to one of the reservoirs, either North Fork on the Clackamas or Detroit. I picked up a little motor and rented one of those aluminum skiffs to find some trout. Sure enough - ran it out of gas because I had no idea of fuel burn. Well a guy pulled up and handed over his gas can. When I offered to pay him, he said he was paying it forward. That lesson stuck and been paying it forward ever since.

 

[JeffO]

For comment, a post Joe Evans made on this subject in 2020:

——
A Y-bridle for towing, especially if attached to the tow boat near the stern, has a significant drawback. Maneuverability of the tow boat is reduced or even eliminated under load because when pulling at an angle to change or correct the heading of the tow, the pull transfers to the opposite side of the tow boat, pulling it back to straight. (the inside bridle line goes slack and all of the pressure is on the tight outside of the turn leg of the Y.)

This isn't easy to explain.

This isn't a major problem when the tow boat is larger than the boat being towed, but if of similar size or the smaller boat is attempting the tow, it can be a big problem. Unfortunately, the inability to change direction gets worse as power and pressure are increased, causing the problem just when control is needed most.

In these situations, you can usually achieve the direction change by slacking the tow line then turning the tow boat to tighten back up with the rope at an angle to the bow of the boat being towed. (kinda counterintuitive)

Make no mistake, this effect can completely stop the attempted turn, especially if trying to make headway against current.

It is important to actually use that new tow bridle before it is needed. There is a learning curve.

A smaller boat can successfully tow a larger boat and effectively maneuver with a bit of practice and understanding of the mechanics involved with a Y bridle, but there is another option.

Towing from a single point, a simple strap around the main engine, greatly enhances control of the tow. Direction changes become simple and intuitive. Pulling from directly over the prop is a game changer, IMHO.

 

[JeffO]

The above is interesting to me because I’m unlikely to ever be towing a boat smaller/lighter than my 20’ aluminum out on the ocean. Most boats out there are at least a little bigger than mine, often a LOT bigger.

 

[Don G Baldi]

Joe is spot on about a "Y" bridle with a fixed connection point to the tow line. Having a tow connection that can slide laterally on the bridle reduces the steerage issue while providing a reduced load at the connection point on the tow boat. 2 contact points split the load and less likely to pull a cleat or tie down eye. So the bridle is more of a "U" than a "Y". If you are just towing someone in to the bar for a hand off, tight turns aren't needed anyway.

 

[Reel fortunate]

I think it was in high school, but not sure exactly. Anyway I drove up to one of the reservoirs, either North Fork on the Clackamas or Detroit. I picked up a little motor and rented one of those aluminum skiffs to find some trout. Sure enough - ran it out of gas because I had no idea of fuel burn. Well a guy pulled up and handed over his gas can. When I offered to pay him, he said he was paying it forward. That lesson stuck and been paying it forward ever since.

That's a great lesson we all should learn! Use to be like that alot. Then things changed and now it seems like we are navigating back to lending a hand again. (I hope)

 

[haggardscove]

I carry a tow bridal made up by Top Knot (same as Simon Peter has). It has seem duty several times helping out other boaters. Top Knot makes a quality product for a reasonable price. This product is well worth hauling with you.

 

[xstreme357]

So how many feet back from the rear end of the outboard to you put the connecting point of the two legs to the single line?

Mine is 20'. ten feet on each leg of the y.

 

[bweybright]

Mine is 20'. ten feet on each leg of the y.

Thank you.

 

[Rod Buster]

I hope Top Knot will be at the Saltwater Sportsman Show.

 

[ThePatriot]

I carry a tow bridal made up by Top Knot (same as Simon Peter has). It has seem duty several times helping out other boaters. Top Knot makes a quality product for a reasonable price. This product is well worth hauling with you.

Do you know which one you bought on Top Knot? There seems to be several options.
I definitely want to have one on board.

 

[Jeb]

So, looking at their FAQ -- looks like 5/8" covers the general range that many of us are running in. Anyone know what the difference in size is between the 5/8" vs 3/4" stow bag they ship?

 

[Don G Baldi]

This came up earlier on liability of towing someone.

What is your obligation to assist at sea?

If you break down while driving, roadside service plans promise prompt help, no matter the hour. On a stormy sea, the options are less assured. When it comes to rescuing life at sea, two international

www.workboat.com

Basically, you are required to lend aid at saving people - not property - as you are able to safely do so.

You are not liable when acting as an ordinary, reasonable and prudent individual would have acted under the circumstances.

 

[Jeb]

Also, I'm seeing two different bridle designs on some of the other sites. Such as here:

Custom Colored Tow Bridles|Denver Rope

Tow Bridles have different configurations, V-Shaped Tow Bridle, Y-Shaped Tow Bridle, Y-Y-Shaped Tow Bridle. Customize tow bridles to your specifications.

denverrope.com

Sliding is one and one fixed. Does the sliding help with turns? Or does it become more of a problem than what its worth with chafing? I see the chafing guard as an add on for the sliding bridle. Assume that is worth the upgrade if you go with that design.

 

[bweybright]

Another point of consideration if needing a tow relates to maritime salvage law. I know for a fact of incidents off the coast of NY and Mass where boats grounded and needed a tow off and had to buy their boats back from the individuals doing the tow. It doesn't happen often, but has happened....usually on holiday weekends where high rates of speed and possibly happy juice contributed to the grounding and drive train damage that made a tow necessary.

 

[kriznol]

You are not liable when acting as an ordinary, reasonable and prudent individual would have acted under the circumstances.

That's basically how liability works in all cases. Negligence + harm = liability.