Towing Advice!-gctid386718

[RAVEN_SONG]

Hello all!

We are looking at towing an 11' AB RIB with a 30hp 4 stroke outboard behind out 3288 with twin 150 Hino's. Wondering what advice you can give: Will it affect our speed much? How far back do you recommend it to be? I am debating doing this or not because I've always liked having our dinghy up on the swim step ( Avon RIB with a 9.9 on Weaver system) but with the kids getting older and us wanting to keep them interested in boating and maybe some watersports I thought we would look into it. Any thoughts are always appreciated. Thanks!

[Guest]

I tow a 14 foot RIB (Aluminum Hull w 50hp) at 17 knots. Probably reduces my speed about a 1/2 knot. Certainly not any concern. Any faster though and the dink gets a little squirly. Rough water I also have to slow down. If I expect rough water I will often tow engine down.

[mmichellich]

Several good threads on towing, do a search. As far as drag it depends on if dingy tows well engine up or down. I have towed many dingys over the years. Best all around tow line length is 50 feet at mininum. You may want a bridle to center the tow. Use floating line several sizes larger in diam than you think needed.

[dmcb]

Plus 1 on the heavier line. Also heavier snaps that you think. I tow a 16'5 Sea Nymph with a 90 hp Evinrude. I have broke snaps you wouldn't think possible.

I use synthetic line which is very strong. However it is slippery and knots than have never failed, did fail in heavy seas. Just slipped apart.

Doug

[RAVEN_SONG]

J McCallum wrote:
I tow a 14 foot RIB (Aluminum Hull w 50hp) at 17 knots. Probably reduces my speed about a 1/2 knot. Certainly not any concern. Any faster though and the dink gets a little squirly. Rough water I also have to slow down. If I expect rough water I will often tow engine down.

Thanks! I see your in Vancouver, any issues with crossing the straits? when the weather is kicking up do you change your towing length?

[Guest]

nope, don't adjust anything other than speed. When the dinghy is airborne, you are going too fast!!! We cross the strait all the time. My worst was 27 gust 35, was a bit knarly, but most of the time no issue. 90 minutes of boring boating.

[Guest]

I tow a 15' Scout and I do adjust the tow depending on speed. Yes it does slow me down.