Toy towing solution?

[beechkingd]

I've tried towing a tube with the stern cleats as suggested by quite a few people on here have suggested. It never seemed to work well, I think I'm going to get a https://turboswing.com/ tow mount. Any one had one on a Mac yet?

[NiceAft]

This looks like a terrific solution. I don't say this often, but it looks a bit pricey. Over $500 for such a simple device.

What is the challenge with using the stern cleats?

[kurz]

it looks like a perfect solution.

BUT: 600 bucks...

I use a bridle with the 2 stern clamps, and then go to the tube.

So for e I'm fine with the cheap solution...

[beechkingd]

I have the vertical rudders on my X and they always seem to be in the way, even when I lower them part way. It also appears that the cleats and the mount areas have some flex. I’m sure it’s not an issue, but I don’t like the idea of having one break off in the cockpit.

I could fabricate something like that but $600 doesn’t seem bad for a tested design.

[dlandersson]

Ditto

it looks like a perfect solution.

BUT: 600 bucks...

I use a bridle with the 2 stern clamps, and then go to the tube.

So for e I'm fine with the cheap solution...

[Tomfoolery]

I use a loop from one stern dock cleat to the other, with a block with the tow line on it so it finds its own center as you turn. Makes the effective attachment point much further forward than the stern like a fixed bridle does. And that helps with turning.

I lay the rudders down low but out of the water, and the tow line doesn't foul the rudders. Just have to be careful not to get off the throttle fast while turning, as the stern wave will catch up and grab the rudders.

[C Buchs]

Sorry, I don't have a picture that shows the whole thing, but here's how I did it back in 2016.






Here's the self-centering tow harness that I bought. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F ... UTF8&psc=1 It worked well with the rudders as Tom described. My boat was too heavy and too underpowered, but I'm working on a repower that will get these toys out of storage!

Jeff

[Chinook]

For trailing our inflatable dinghy, I use a short nylon line, just long enough to go between the stern stanchions. I attached a pair of snap shackles to each end of the line. I loop the line around the stanchions on each corner and then snap the shackle back onto the line. In the middle of this line I've tied a loop. With a snap shackle attached to the end of the tow line, I can snap onto the short line which goes across the stern, and my towing rig is all set up. Very inexpensive and simple. It keeps the dinghy centered behind the boat when being towed, it's completely out of the way of the rudders, and the dinghy is easily detached for trips to shore.

[NiceAft]

Chinook,

Do you have a picture to post of the line/lines from the dinghy?

[Chinook]

I know there are pictures on the website showing the dinghy trailing astern, but they probably don't show the towing line. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll clip it on and post a picture or two.