Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

[BF]

Re: Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

he's gonna need to get the boat out of the water to work on it anyway... so he should definitely borrow/buy a trailer. 6 hours of slow towing or a couple hours of fast towing... either way, it would be a LOT of wear and tear on the tow boat.... the only person who might think either is a good idea is someone who isn't concerned about killing the tow boat!

IMHO, sometimes youngin's start some "project" without realizing the real cost of undertaking the project... e.g. the need for a trailer... Reminds me of my nephew who seems quick to pick up some "good deal" of a project, but usually fails to realize all the stuff needed (and cash involved) in completing it. As a result, there are dead cars accumulating on their driveway... He starts lots of projects but isn't so good at finishing them (just moves on).

 

[salty87]

Re: Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

these were being towed behind houseboats at the time...

 

[Capt Ron]

Re: Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

I can't believe that this question has any discussion.
Try this:

Take a rubberband and hold it to your nose with your right index finger. Using your left index finger stretch the rubberband out and release it. Hit you in the nose? Hurt?

Now imagine the stretched out end of that rubberband as a towed boat up on plane and your engine fails or you have the need to get out of the throttle. That towed boat WILL overtake the towing boat. It's a fact and it can kill you.

I have a towing endorsment on my license and have towed just about everything that floats, including a 1,200ton railroad bridge.

Capt Ron

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

these were being towed behind houseboats at the time...

A picture is as good as a thousand words.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

I recently towed this 17 miles ...

... in order to deliver it here ...

I limited my engine speed to 2,000 rpm. Why? Because anything more would have resulted in high manifold pressure, with the possibility of detonation and excessive heat. The trip was long and boring, but the job was done without damage.

Your friend needs to approach his tow the same way. If he doesn't, there will quite likely be a need to tow two boats.

 

[Capt Ron]

Re: Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

Jay_Merrill,
Good job!

The oil boom hanging almost looks like a set of bull balls.
And look at the big Snap On tool box, never had one like that, I was in the poor CG. Wood & steel 30', 40' open boats back in the old days.

Steady as she goes,
Capt Ron

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Towing another boat long distance, how fast?

I was in "the old Guard" too. The boat that I was on, before becoming an aviator, was built in the 30s and was powered by steam turbines, not deisels. It also had U-boat kills and did a tour in VN.

Semper Paratus!