| Towing your Inflatable |
Depending on the model you have purchased, it will be outfitted with towing rings. Please refer to the chapter on Specifications for more information. If your model doesn’t come standard with this feature and you are going to tow your boat frequently, it is best to add two additional towing rings, one on each side of the bow of the boat.
Notice
You should only tow your tender for short distances.
Towing a boat can be tricky. As a good backup you should keep two separate lines on your tender at all times. Secure a bridle to the tender’s towing eyes. If necessary wrap the bridle with chafing gear where it may rub against the boat. Clip the bridle to a long double-braided or braid-on-braid line. Leave at least 2 boat lengths between the boats for adequate movement. The exact distance depends upon the vessel being towed and should be determined by experience. Adjust the length of the tow line to match the wave action. Attach the second line to the towed boat’s bow eye (U-bolt) and tie it separately to the main vessel. This provides additional security should one line break.
WARNING
- Never tow a boat with people on board.
- Towing or being towed stresses the boats, hardware and lines. Failure of any part
can seriously injure people
or damage the boats.
-
Do not allow anyone to
be in line with the tow rope. If the rope should break or pull free,
a dangerous recoil could occur which may cause serious injury or death.
- Never use three-stand twisted nylon; it has too much elasticity and can snap back dangerously.
- Because of the tremendous stress caused by towing, use a tow line that is rated at
least 4 times the gross weight of the boat being towed.
CAUTION
- Do not attach the towing line to the bow grab handle or any other accessory not designed for that purpose.
- Tow ropes must always be in good condition, free of any cuts or abrasions.
- When attaching the towline to a fitting, be sure the fitting is fastened securely and through-bolted.
- The molded grab handles must not be used for towing.
- Keep the towing boat and the inflatable tender on the crest or in the trough of the waves at the same time. - In protected, calm waters, shorten the line for better handling.
- Never attempt to tow a much larger or grounded vessel.
- Always tow at moderate speed so as to prevent sudden strain on a slack line.
- Keep lines all clear of propellers.
- Keep hands and feet clear of the other boat.
- Never hold a towline after it is pulled taut.
- The boat structure can be damaged by excessive pulling strain.
- Be ready to cast loose or cut the line if the towing situation becomes hazardous.
DANGER
Do not allow anyone to be in line with the tow rope. If the rope should break or pull free,
a dangerous recoil could occur which may cause serious injury or death.
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