Towing your Dinghy

[Bill Balme]

We recently purchased an AB Aluminum 10ft dinghy. It's great but when towing, it wanders about like crazy. Mine has forward storage compartment where the fuel tank resides - and if that's full, the whole problem is exacerbated.

We've tried using a bridle, and have modified the bridle several times to try to eliminate the wander all to no avail.

Finally yesterday I decided to make a couple of rudders! The dink has eyelets on the outside which turned out to be perfect mounting spots. The rudders bolt on with wing nuts for easy removal (hopefully I don't loose them while towing!) and I made them out of 1/2" Starboard.

I towed it yesterday from Mattapoisett through Woods Hole to Oak bluffs - with a full 6 gallon fuel tank in the forward compartment - Straight as an arrow!

It also doesn't affect general maneuverability when driving the dink, so I think the only time they would need to come off is when I beach the dinghy.

It's not often I get to publish a success story...

Anyone want a pattern of what I did, let me know!

[paulajayne]

Sometime the simplest solution is the best.

Good Idea by the way.

[Tetepare]

Great another boat project! Thanks though good idea.

[puffcard]

The bridle helps us big time. The weight in the bow of a V-hull is the problem. If the rudder work for you, good deal. Another tip is make certain the lazy painter can be retrieved with a boat hook from the mother ship, if the bridle pulls out or breaks. We drape ours over the bow and pull it to a inside handle or over a seat. We had to do this drill.

[StuM]

Another point to consider is the attachment point if you aren't using a bridle. It there is a "trailer eye", low on the bow, always use that. If there isn't one, it's worth fitting one. The closer to the water you can get the attachment point, the cleaner the tow. And yes, that fuel tank in the bow will exacerbate the problem.

[SecondBase]

Maybe post up a picture when you get a chance?

[Bill Balme]

There should be a photo attached...

[SV Bacchus]

Good job, what a great solution. Agree with the painter attaching low on the bow but absent that I think a bridle is the way to go.

[fishsail18]

I'm going to be towing a 13' Boston Whaler behind our 41' ketch. I'm thinking of 3/4" polypropylene line for floatation and maybe splice in a 1/4" 3strand for strength?
Thoughts?