Towing speed?

[mhinkle]

I'm towing a flats boat behind my express for the first time in a few weekends. What speed do you guys typically tow at to keep the tender from getting too beaten up or putting too much strain on the tow line? I realize there are a lot of variables involved, but assuming good conditions how far would you push it?

Thanks in advance.

[billschwabe]

I'm towing a flats boat behind my express for the first time in a few weekends. What speed do you guys typically tow at to keep the tender from getting too beaten up or putting too much strain on the tow line? I realize there are a lot of variables involved, but assuming good conditions how far would you push it?

Thanks in advance.

If it doesn't have a reinforced, VERY beefed-up towing eye, I wouldn't go much above 10 knots in any sea states above slick calm! I've towed small boats well above 20 knots but only with tackle up to the task. If you're going long distances (and I am presuming you mean across to the islands), you'll want a bridle on the express with a floating main line at least 300' but a full coil would be even better. You want to get the skiff well behind the rooster tail, between the "V" and "in step" with the big boat so one isn't surfing while the other is digging and that will take some adjustment as you go.

Try bringing up the speed gradually and having the tow point on the skiff as low as possible. Leave the engine trimmed down enough to act as a rudder to keep the skiff straight but not so low as to cause drag from the prop. Make sure your shackles and gear is extra heavy duty and you'll be suprised how fast you can go!

Putting a beacon on the skiff isn't a bad idea either, or at least make darn sure the anchor light can burn for twice the time you think it will take to cross WITH a lot of bilge pumping going on during the trip. Finding a broken-off tow is tough in rough seas at night, much more so when it's only light is dim or dead!

[Catcher's Mitt]

we have pulled my 21 baypro and a 20 foot bertram cc behind a 50' lugger. 10 knots. pulled from gulf port harbor to the chandelier islands. big lines off the front eyes to the mooring cleats on the the Madam. oh yea and one was about 80 ft back and the other was 25 ft in back of the first one. no problems.

[mhinkle]

I appreciate the replies guys. Thanks for the advice.