Cruiser in Tow.

Phillbo

Phillbo

Well-known member
Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
2553
Messages
563
Going on a family house boat trip to Lake Powell this summer and will be taking my boat to use as a day tripper. I'll want to tow my cruiser behind the house boat as we move it up the lake to a camp site.

Boat is a 26' Maxum.

What is the best type of line to use to tow it?
 
I'd use nylon, same as your anchor rode. In fact why not use the anchor rode?

When I tow my dinghy I cut "pool noodles" into short sections and run the tow line through the middle, this keeps the tow line on the surface and out of the prop. I don't trust floating poly line for ANYTHING, not even to stay out of the prop.

Note: Should you run aground or have to stop suddenly, you stand to be RAMMED by your own tow (been there). Could get expensive.
 
Make a bridle of two lines coming off the stern of your houseboat. Then attach your tow line to that. I use spliced eye with soft chafe sleeves on them so there are no metal thimbles involved. At that point you could add a small float if you want to keep the line from sinking when you stop and perhaps get in the running gear by accident. Run a painter about 6-10 long off the smaller vessel and attach the tow line to that. That makes it easier to hook up or drop the tow line from the smaller vessel.

If you were going to tow on a regular basis I would recommend you use Spectra/Plasma line for the main tow line. Super strong and it floats. But for a once in a while thing nylon is fine. Run the tow back 100 - 150.
 
Consider towing a sea anchor or small drogue behind the cruiser. It will keep the cruiser nice and straight behind the houseboat.
 
Something like Yale Cordage's Yalon could be a good choice. Strong braid line with ability to absorb shocks but without the greater elasticity of 3 strand that can be very dangerous if the the line or cleat or fastening point gives way in major slingshot mode. It doesn't have the beneficial bouyancy of the essentially no-stretch Spectra Plasma Capt. Bill recommends, so adding noodles or polyballs/fenders to help avoid fouling is wise. The longer the better to minimize stress, and try to adjust length to keep both boats on same part of waves to minimize yank stress. Use STRONG bridles.

It really comes down to personal choice for towlines depending on which risk one feels is greater: very real slingshot danger or greater chance of breaking attachment points due to lack of shock attenuation- much longer length can really help with that last. (Too weak and/or the stretchy 3 strand nylon lines may be most dangerous but anything may be appropriate to try at very slow speed in an emergency.)
 
Make sure the bow pad-eye you are securing to on the Maxum is in good condition and capable of holding the load.
 
Someone correct me but i do not think houseboats go all that fast anyway
 
Thanks for the advice guys.

If I take the helm of the cruiser I miss quality time with the family on the houseboat.
 
quote:
Originally posted by stmbtwle

I'd use nylon, same as your anchor rode. In fact why not use the anchor rode?

When I tow my dinghy I cut "pool noodles" into short sections and run the tow line through the middle, this keeps the tow line on the surface and out of the prop. I don't trust floating poly line for ANYTHING, not even to stay out of the prop.

Note: Should you run aground or have to stop suddenly, you stand to be RAMMED by your own tow (been there). Could get expensive.

Click to expand...


That's probably what I'd do. Just use the anchor line. I wouldn't bother with a drogue if I was footing the gas bill. You're not going to be (or at least shouldn't be) towing that fast anyways.

Just make sure you think ahead - the tow will move easier than the houseboat.
 
I'd plan for that "aw crap moment" when you realize too late that the cruiser is gong to ram you, and be sure the stern of the houseboat and the bow of the cruiser are properly protected for impact. If things go south with the houseboat you may have your hands too full dealing with it to remember, or have enough time, to get back to the stern to fend off the cruiser. Might consider a side tow if you're not moving too fast.
 
A side tow will give you the best control over the tow, but it will virtually guarantee you'll be waked by some jerk coming by for a better look at what you're up to. Use LOTS of fenders!
 
the aw crap moment does not have to be anything too unusual. Could be you are headed into a big wake and houseboat needs to slow down to take it. Then you have the tow coming up on your stern pretty darn quick. I've seen this happen.

Those wakeboard boats purposely throw big wakes and would expect to see them all over Lake Powell
 
quote:
Originally posted by stmbtwle

A side tow will give you the best control over the tow, but it will virtually guarantee you'll be waked by some jerk coming by for a better look at what you're up to. Use LOTS of fenders!

Click to expand...

I'm sure if you show the appropriate day shapes everyone will know what you're doing and not be at all curious.

Sure they will......
 
I am at Powell all the time, a good tip the houseboaters use is to use the runabout to find a good spot and save it. I see the house boat rentals burning up gas looking for a spot, plus depending on when and where you go, it could be busy and having a go fast boat can find you a spot better than the slow mover.

That said tons of houseboats are towing something behind them, sometimes a lot of things. For those that have never been, we get a kick out of what we call the Mormon boats, the Mormons have tons of kids and it never ceases to amaze me how many kids, let alone the few wives, they get on those ski boats.
 
Guys.. I have been house boating on Powell since 1976. This is just the first time i will be towing something larger than a 21' open bow.

Side tow is not an option . The narrows get so rough it would destroy both boats. The narrows will be full of hundreds of boats throwing wakes. Me included.

I was simply looking for advice on the line to use.
 
Not the Narrows I spoke of but a cool video.. If they had slowed down to idle they would have had a much better experience. This situation with no wind and a dead calm canyon is my favorite happy hour cruise.

Pink Floyd playing :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1vkpdFmabg
 
Wow talk about spatial disorientation. That video made me dizzy. Very pretty though..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top