towing inflatable

[mjscottinnc]

I have towed, never with the outboard on, in good and bad weather. It’s manageable, I single hand which makes reverse is a problem. If it’s any indication, I’m adding Davits.

[taoist]

Many thanks to one and all for your advice and recmds. I think that davits is the way to go. Too many other things to get stressed out about when voyaging.

[C420sailor]

Originally Posted by mjscottinnc

I have towed, never with the outboard on, in good and bad weather. It’s manageable, I single hand which makes reverse is a problem. If it’s any indication, I’m adding Davits.

When you’re coming into the anchorage, shorten way up on the tow line. That way you can reverse to your heart’s content with no ill effects.

[rwidman]

I have towed my inflatable dinghy for short distances, but I no longer tow it. My boat has no room for davits so I have to haul the dinghy up onto the foredeck.

Towing a dinghy is a risk and it is also a problem when coming into a marina.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by taoist

Many thanks to one and all for your advice and recmds. I think that davits is the way to go. Too many other things to get stressed out about when voyaging.

Davits add a lot of weight and windage aloft and in the ends of the yacht which is detrimental to sailing ability, visability, seaworthyness, stability, longitudinal balance etc. Serious passage makers know to avoid davits.
My friend who just crossed the Pacific now has to rebuild his arch with davits due to stresses which broke it in at least 15 places, and he did not experience any serious storms.
Better to find a dingy which fits in the foredeck, or better, deflates and stores below.

[mglonnro]

We never towed, always deflated and packed for storage on deck:

- Risk of mishaps
- Slower sailing
+ Get some exercise when carrying it around and doing the deflation/inflation stuff