Towing a Walkaround Boat

Mike · **Joined:** 09 Jul 2008 12:51 **Posts:** 251

I have a 17' Key West walkaround that I would like to tow a small day trips and use while gunkholing. Granted it's not a dinghy so before I attempt it I was wondering how many how you have done the same. It would be handy to have my fishing boat with me on those 3-4 night stays in a good bay cove etc. I'd never attempt it if conditions weren't right... any feedback ?

conch · **Joined:** 21 Jan 2010 12:57 **Posts:** 168

Why not? I wouldn't want to be towing it with any kind of a following sea as it might end up in the cockpit with you, but for putzin' around in protected water it would add another dimension to cruising. I'm thinking of the back-country in the lower Florida keys: you might just catch more fish than you can eat.

d4founta · **Joined:** 24 Nov 2016 08:25 **Posts:** 28

Mike-

That seems like a rather large vessel to be towing. Aside from slowing you tremendously while sailing in the best of conditions, towing in harsh conditions could become problematic/dangerous. I would expect towing that under sail will reduce your speed by half at a minimum.

I found that while on a mooring with no wind or during wind-shifts, our dinghy has a tendency to bump into the back of our boat, over and over and over causing scratches until human intervention occurs.

If you feel that you are willing to tow it while cruising, you might consider anchoring it on it's own while you are at anchorage. Not ideal, but I'm going to choose a short swim over scratches/damage to my boat any day.

Hope that helps.

Mike · **Joined:** 09 Jul 2008 12:51 **Posts:** 251

Thanks guys,,,, you gave me something to think about....

Mike · **Joined:** 09 Jul 2008 12:51 **Posts:** 251

Dave,,,, having the boat secured to the side makes the best sense... in fact I see it a lot down along the bays and ICW. If I do it,,, that's the way to go.... thanks

When I've had to be towed by BoatUS in the past, that's the way they moved me..

WayneH · **Posted:** 30 May 2018 20:26

It is doable. I saw this guy in Fly Creek on Mobile Bay.

Attachment:

05240.JPG [ 164.79 KB | Viewed 0 times ]

puffcard · **Posted:** 30 May 2018 21:08

Last year there was a T37 cruising the Bahamas towing a 13ft Boston Whaler. He had to pick his weather when crossing the Gulf Stream, coming from Fla. The Vee bottom will tow a little worst, they seem to yaw back and forth. Verify or strengthen the bow tow eye.

Tartan37.com

Towing a Walkaround Boat

Who is online