Towing other boats with a 2600SE

[scat]

Hi Folks,
I have the need on occasion to tow other vessels with my 2006 model 2600SE with wakeboard tower. Am I better off towing from both sides of the base of the tower (where it connects to the boat) or to the eye hooks under the swim platform near the leg?
thanks in advance.
JJ

[pascavone]

lower is better, since you have boat structure under the swim platform.

would you tow a car buy hooking it to a roll bar? or the rear bumper?.....the boat tower is just bolted thru the fiberglass and screwed into wood...

[biggerseagar]

This is a easy and safe way to tow a boat. No long line that could get into your prop or break and hurt someone. This idea is better also for manuvering the boat and having control of it when your trying to park it.




Roger

[seapuppy]

actually roger...it also depends on the type of water conditions too...your method is definitly the prefered way but if the water is rather rough or towing in long distance...it's best to tow from the stern and a drag line.....
so..what I'd do ..if it were me towing another boater in distress.....I'd use the drag line method but not from the pad eye's near the drive....I'd use a bridle from the port cleat to the stbd cleat and attach your tow line to the bridle....if your planning on doing more than a few times..I'd use a "D" ring to attach to the bridle and a float to keep the line on top of the water when slack...the bridle allows the line to ride side to side as needed..when your getting close to the marine and water conditions allow..switch to rogers method for exact control of the boat under tow...

I've used both methods and they work extremely well..
SP

[biggerseagar]

That is a very good point........and have used that method a couple of times. Making a bridle to go around the boat cleats will equal out the tension and not have so much stress just on a couple of cleats.


Roger

[pascavone]

my typical method of tow.....

[scat]

Hi all,
Thanks for the replies. Now I am in two minds as to whether to use the eyes near the drive or the port and stb cleats. Will the two rear cleats be strong enough, using a bridle and long line?
Thanks

[biggerseagar]

http://denverrope.com/industrial-rope.htm

Here is a website to explain the bridle hook up. You start from your bow cleats then to your stern cleats to equal out the stess aand tension.

Roger

[ss3964spd]

If I needed to tow anyone my first choice would be the stern eyes. They are fairly beefy and go through the transom which, on my boat, is at least 2" thick.

2nd choice would be the stern cleats - but only if towing a fairly light weight boat. Exception to this would be if the cleats were attached with 4 through screws and backing plates. Mine are not - only two screws with washers threaded in from the back. If a real light boat - like a jet ski, I'd tow it from the ski hook.

[scat]

Hi all,

a reply to the question from Maxum :

Without question the two trailer stern eyes on the hull are the strongest points to tow with. The eyes are there to anchor trailer tie downs to and you will want to watch the eyes and maybe even install backing plates on the inside if you tow heavy enough items frequently.

We hope this answers your questions.....good luck!