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Towing a Hobie 16 on the water
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1632		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  hobie.high [ Wed Mar 23, 2005 4:48 am ]
Post subject:  Towing a Hobie 16 on the water
My dock is located 1/4 mi. up a narrow channel from Lemon Bay here in SW Florida. I just got a wind damaged Hobie 16 that I am restoring. When it is complete I may want to tow the Hobie to and from the bay with my runabout. How is the best way to tow a Hobie with another boat on the water? Would I get into trouble if I installed a cleat on the forward deck of each hull? Thanks!
Author:  MBounds [ Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:46 am ]
Post subject: 
It's unadvisable and not necessary to install cleats on the foredeck of the boat.

If someone's going to be riding on the boat to steer, then you can tie a line around the front crossbar at the base of the mast. Do not tie it to the dolphin striker. Do not use the tail of the main halyard.

If no one is going to steer the boat, you need to tow if from the bows with a fixed bridle (Y shaped tow line). Since you're just towing it out of a canal (no waves, short distance), you could rig up a towing bridle with clips that attach to the bridle eyes directly above where they attach to the hulls. When you're done towing, pull the Hobie alongside, unclip your towline and hop on.
Author:  xanderwess [ Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:21 am ]
Post subject: 
Everytime we try towing without anyone steering, the boat is all over the place.
Its best to tie just where Matt says, and have someone steer. If you're moving slow, just have them hang on to the rope.
We've had the best luck using a jet ski with a really short rope and someone sitting on the back of the jetski backward to keep the boat from hitting the Jetski. If you get the distance right, the hobie 16/14 will surf. Its pretty cool to watch the rope go slack and run about 15 mph just by wave force.
No matter what you do, expect it to be a big pain in the a##. These boats don't like being towed, they must be free to roam! 8)
Author:  widerisbetter [ Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  towing redux
We have towed a whole train of Hobies tied up using the method that Matt B suggested with bridles to rear cross bars. Yes xander- they are wild creatures but you can exert a semblance of control :wink: It becomes important when everyone is becalmed, short of suds, in the middle of the lake, during what was supposed to be the BIG race of the day. :roll:

The rudders must be up and the arms of the Y have to be about 8 to 10 feet long. The leg of the Y should put you back about 15 or 20 feet. Not too far back.

I was thinking that an auxiliary power source would be another solution to consider. You know, like having your kids paddle while you steer and open the wine :) or any other small engine.
Author:  JaimeZX [ Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:24 am ]
Post subject: 
Or you can get in a workout and sit on the Hobie, steer with one hand and hold a tow rope in the other. Just don't let the tow boat go too fast or you'll get tired before you even get a chance to sail! :D
Author:  Roy [ Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
:idea: Well if we really want to be ambitious I have on occasion tied the rope around my waist and swam the channel pulled myself alongside and crawed on :) Now that I am over the hill I can't do that anymore :cry:
Author:  widerisbetter [ Thu Mar 24, 2005 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Well Roy
Better over the hill than under it :lol:

Keep on Rockin! (No, not in that chair :wink: )
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