Towing

While towing sounds pretty simple, it usually is only simple in perfect conditions – calm winds and seas. When things are easy like that you need only get in front of the other boat and toss it a line. (Note on tossing a line: coil the throwing line so there are no kinks. Separate the coil in two with the bitter end of the coil in your throwing hand, the rest of the coil on the other hand. Then toss the line over and past the receiver. The hand not throwing should be laid open and pointing toward the receiver so the rest of the coil will easily exit the hand.)

Nylon is the best line for towing because it is very strong and yet stretchy. When waves or wake make the distressed boat jerk, the nylon line will absorb the jolt.

Most folks just tie the line to the stern of the towing boat. But, that is the worst place you can secure it. Riiber, when you turn a boat the point on which it turns is usually near the bow and the stern swings out. If the tow line is on the stern, this restricts the stern from swinging out and thereby makes steering the towing boat almost impossible. So, the tow line should be as far forward as possible.

Keep the boats in the similar wave patterns by adjusting the length of the tow line so that both boats are either going up a wave or down a wave at the same time.

Always tow at moderate speeds. Think safely.

This helpful boating pointer is provided by Catamaran Sailors Magazine, http://www.catsailor.com/.These tips are useful to boaters of all types.

ABA assumes no responsibility or liability for events that occur due to actions you or others on your behalf take based on the information given. You are proceeding at your own risk.