Towing a Tender

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Trig.

Thanks for sharing you expert experience.

[Pmary]

I have a 42' Bertram and regularly tow a 21' Contender from Lauderdale to the Exumas. I have a 30' nylon bridle attached to 150' of 1/2" Spectra, I keep the outboard tilted about half way up where the skeg is just in the water. I experimented with the angle a good bit until I found the "sweet spot". A reenforced towing eye is essential as is plenty of chafing gear.
Towing a tender makes for smaller weather windows and slower speeds if the weather kicks up.......but I have crossed the Gulf Stream in 3 to 4 foot seas at 15 knts with no problems when the seas flatten out I can run 20 knts or so. I estimate that I consume about 10% more fuel when I have the tender.
I love having the tender here in the Exumas but it definitely can mean longer waits for the right weather window and it would foolish to take chances.

[C Skip R]

We have a 43 Cabo and tow a 15ft Boston Whaler sport to the Abacos every summer. We cruise at 25 knts in 2-3 ft seas and have never had any issues. Would guess fuel burn is 5-10% more. Usually run 125-150' of line from the bridle. Agree with Pmary on the angle of the outboard. Tried running outboard all the way up to all the way down and this seems to be the best position for straight tracking.

[NY GIN]

Great thread. I recently picked up a 1965 Crestliner 17 to use as a tender. I'm looking to tow it behind my 38' Egg Harbor and am interested to keep hearing ideas and advice.

[River Cruiser]

I have a Walker Bay10 that I could carry on the swim grid if I bought a set of davits. But I like my 17' logic marine center console & would much rather have it with me. The problem towing it is going thru the locks, I've thought of rafting it along side of the 38', has anyone else done this & how well has it worked out.

[Bill Lee]

Thanks all for the info.
Cheers,
Bill