Hobie Cat Forums

Hi all,

Considering towing an H17 behind a Whaler for a decent distance (12 - 15 miles) across semi-protected waters (Long Island Sound). No mast or rigging on the boat, which should help.

Anyone have any experiences or suggestions to share? Rudders up, down, or off? tow line length? have someone ride on the tramp? where to tie off etc?

Thanks for help.
Jim

I had to get towed in against the tide once. I rode and used the rudders to stay straight behind.

_________________
The ox is slow but the earth is patient

Best to have someone on the rudders as the cat doesn't tend to track to straight if left alone.

_________________
2001 Nacra 20
84 H16 108123

A person on the boat to keep it straight.

You should use two towing lines....
from the starboard side/stern of the powerboat to the port bridle,
and from the port side/stern of the powerboat to the starboard bridle,
and devise a 'quick release' so the line can be released immediately,
if a problem arises....

We've found it best if the towed boat tracks about one boat width to the left or right of the power boat.

_________________
1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Been there done that on both ends of the tow rope
someone on the hobie is the way to go if possible
don't really see the stuff about emergency release or two ropes

My best advise is to go slow attach the tow rope to the bridle and here again go slow keep a good eye on where you are headed also keep a eye on the towed boat
Former Hobie Admiral Gary

Not sure I'd attach to the bridal. Think about where that would distribute the loads through the forestay , the mast and the shrouds. Even mast down towing from the bridal isn't mechanically the best. I'd tie off on the front crossbar at the mast base. Also You need 2 people on the tow boat just like towing a skier. One drives the boat and one keeps an eye on the tow. 50 feet of dockline worked for us.

_________________
The ox is slow but the earth is patient

I've been towed before after becoming becalmed at night.

if tying to the crossbar area, the boat will want to 'hunt' around and requires steering to stay on course. if tying up front I'd add a connection from where the bridles attach to the hulls and pull from that, not the rig itself.

also, crossing the tow lines will induce hunting as well. better to run a pair of lines from the bows to a center cleat on the tow boat, if it exists.

_________________
Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Got towed after a dismasting on the 18. We had a rope "harness" tied straddling the mast base, that we used to winch the boat onto the trailer. Daggers and rudders down, boat tracked fine with someone aboard.

I also towed a jetski with the 18 once. Dude was mortified when his buddies saw it, the guys all made fun of it. The ladies with them were curious about the boat and liked the "yellow prism" sail pattern. I ended up giving some rides

_________________
Jeff
1986 Hobie 18 #13031
1977 Hobie 16 (As soon as I can get it out of a field...)

Caution...

Go slow and as in skiing... someone needs to watch the boat being towed from the tow boat. This can be damaging to cross members and hardware attachments. Tie off around the forward / main beam near the hull.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

I always side tie if possible. The Hobie will steer the powerboat unless the rudders and boards are up.

_________________
Sail Revolution
Join us on our new FB Page!

Everyone did read that i said go slow A hobie is not a towable water toy
If you go SLOW you will not hurt yout hobie in any way

Thanks everyone!

AWESOME ending to a GREAT story !!!!

Bille

I had put a bunch of thought into this wondering if I could tow across Lake St Clair (about 20 miles) with my 18 year old daughter on the hobie. I would put the mast/sails in the front boat, tie a 'Y' bridle to the front pylons, and then use a 50' float-able tow rope, with a 10' length of 1" PVC over it so that when I stop I will have some control to stop it by pulling up the slack and using the PVC to push against my fiberglass boat.

I never tried it (yet?), but am sure it would work fine.

_________________
Steve
1979 Hobie 16 "Orange Crusher"

Clove hitch around the front crossbar with the mast base captive in the hitch. Observer in towboat, and skipper on the Hobie. Do it when the water is calm, and not much boat traffic.