Towing 8’6” inflatable

[Squid1962]

I have a 2008 330Express and would like to tow my inflatable. Suggestions, ideas, thought or land mines?

thx so much

 

[Fishtales]

PIA based on my experience. You'll need some line on it to get it out of the wash.

 

[billyttpd]

Going to burn more fuel which will affect your range.

 

[Squid1962]

Yup. Fuel burn an issue. Only going to Cuttyhunk about 7 mi. I am sure I will need to back off my speed too.

 

[jap201]

Was speaking to Bill Baert the other day, and he was telling me he tows his 8'6" dingy from his 305 express all the time. Just have to have it tied off good, and go slow so the dink doesn't roll. He prefers towing his dingy vs a foldable in the cockpit, wants the cockpit space. I know a guy that towed a 19' CC with his hatt 48'. All doeable, just take your time.

 

[Squid1962]

Now that’s good news. I’ve been told to run the line out beyond the wake. Now the question motor up or down. I’ve heard both answers: one up for fuel savings and one down for tracking. Thoughts?

 

[SkunkBoat]

idk how heavy your dinghy is but ....there was a guy at my dock with a 30 Pursuit express that put it on his bow to get where he was going.

 

[Squid1962]

It’s a hard bottom. Pretty heavy lift. I had a soft bottom that worked for me but I traded up. I question my wisdom….

 

[drbatts]

Its doable, but not ideal. I tow a 10 ft hard bottom with my 305. We usually just go short distances <5 mi. A lot will depend on conditions, obviously you want it smooth as can be. As far as the engine goes, mine is a 15hp four stroke and its too much of a pita to take off. I have tried towing both with the engine up and with It down. but usually tilt it up. The best setup I have found is to use a tow line meant for pulling tubes behind the boat, its bright colored and it floats. It also tends to keep the dingy in a good tow position. Use a towing harness/bridle on the dingy helps too. I also have a line that goes between the stern cleats that I attach the tow line too for longer tows.

 

[Squid1962]

Thank you so much. All of you guys have been very helpful.

 

[RockLobsterBOS]

I understand towing position, and motor on/off based on preference.
What I do not understand is when I try to tow from my rear cleats on my 33 Express the towing bridle goes directly over the outboard's engine covers.
This results in the line coming in contact with the covers and would cause excessive wear of the paint. I moved

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the bridle down to the water line eyes not sure of their technical term. The are large stainless eyes on each side of the transom. Here the issue is that the bridal now sits underwater. Now I know you want if possible, a canter in your tow line but it should not be submerged fully from point of tow inflatable.
How are folks tying off the bridle to the stern of the express?

 

[Squid1962]

Great question. I wonder about the stern eyes as well since thy are below the waterline. Help???????

 

[kitedude]

I have a 2008 330Express and would like to tow my inflatable. Suggestions, ideas, thought or land mines?

thx so much

See picture, as another person mentioned, have line long enough so the dinghy is in flat water behind your boat. Keep it short when idling away from dock etc.

use a line that gf transom of Grady that attaches from port to starboard running line through the loop of a line coming from the eye bolt on dinghy. This will allow it to follow and stay centered behind your Grady.

 

[RockLobsterBOS]

we will try it. However, when under tension and without a fishplate I would think the motor cover sides would be the next touch point.
Test it tomorrow as we will have calm seas here in Buzzards Bay and a good day to give it a go