How To Tow A Disabled Craft.

[Slipsinker]

I've read a number of reports where TF boaters have rendered towing assistance to disabled boats. Chapman's has it one way while different on line sites have it different ways. What is the proper way to tow another craft? How heavy a tow line is needed, how long, how far back should the towed craft be, and how and where to tie off on your boat? Where's the best place to tie off on the towed boat? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Jerry Grimes]

I`m not sure of the distance between the 2 boats,but I carry a 100`rope with and eye spliced in it that can be adjusted on the bitter end.I also have a bridle made up that will clear my engine ,it attaches from each eye bolt on the transom.the tow rope eye is slipped into the bridle.This method may be completely
wrong but it does keep the tow rope centered behind the tow boat.[wink]

[uncljohn]

The rule of thumb is always let the craft to be towed send you the rope, and you tie off to one of your rear cleats. That way if something goes wrong, you can easily uncleat it and get clear.

[mikie]

The correct attachment point for towing is in the center of your stern. Professional tows have a stanchion mounted to the deck much like a ski tow boat. With an outboard, Jerry's method of using a bridle is the only practical way to accomplish that.
In reality, in calm seas it's probably not critical. The two times in the last 26 years I've had to be towed in, they could have used fishing line and I would have still been happy!!
Of course, once in awhile you're going to find that a**hole who will try to sue you if something goes wrong. Just be sure you're not doing something really stupid or dangerous that would open the door to a lawsuit.

[BigWillJ]

mikie originally wrote:
....Of course, once in awhile you're going to find that a**hole who will try to sue you if something goes wrong. Just be sure you're not doing something really stupid or dangerous that would open the door to a lawsuit.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe a good samaritan(sp?) law exists which would prevent this.

As far as the "correct" way, I'm a non-professional and I dunno fer sure. However, the last time I towed somebody, it was a commercial crabber, and I was in a wooden rental boat powered by only an 8hp motor. Didn't have far to go, maybe a mile or so, and it was calm waters. We tied up side by side and all went really well.

We've only towed a few other boats with our own boat prior to that. I tied up to the rear towing eyes in my transom and the bow eye of the boat in tow, and it was a safe slow ride back to port.

Realizing how well the side-by-side tow went, and depending on conditions and size of other boat, I'm apt to try that with own boat and some fenders between us. Anybody see anything getting in the way of safety with that method?

[3bees]

The safest way for your boat and others is to run line around your bow and rig briddle. Conditions and common sense taking into account strength of your hardware go a long way

[Joe Bowers]

Good question, but we need someone who really knows the laws here. I have not heard of a 'good samaritan" law on the water.

When I took a class on boating safety, I asked the question and was told that my only obligation was to make sure no one was in danger. It was also mentioned that once I hooked up the other boat to mine, I was responsible for both boats, crews and contents. It is for those reasons, I will stand by and asssist as much as possible but never tow.

I joined Boat US just for that reason, I do not expect assistance from others because, other than making sure everyone is safe and have life jackets I will not tow anyone unless they are my closest friends who I hope I can trust.

JoeB

[mikie]

I don't believe the Good Samaritan law applies to maritime situations. Hence my warning of being careful about what you do. Maritime law has a lot of "off of the wall" interpretations for actions taken on the water. Perhaps you're better off making sure no one is in danger and standing by until paid assistance arrives.
Personally, I was extremely happy when someone stopped to tow me, but it's a crap shoot in today's world.

As an afterthought, the Good Samaritan Law, where it applies, protects you if you don't perform any acts of "gross negligence". If you do, you can still be sued. (i.e., don't grab a guy in a car wreck by the head and drag him out if he has a neck injury).