FREE tips from the Safe Skipper App for iPhone/iPad/Android:
Getting a tow for your sail or power boat
- Plan how to secure a tow rope to your boat. The tow rope must be attached to strong deck fittings
- As a rescue boat approaches, warn them of any debris or loose lines in the water
- If you are being rescued by a lifeboat, follow their instructions – they are experienced in rescue techniques
- If necessary back the tow rope with other ropes to lead to other cleats and strong points on deck
- Avoid using knots or loops that cannot be released under load
- Protect the rope from chafing using plastic tube, rags or fenders
- When being towed in a small boat, you will need to keep the weight well aft to keep the bow up
- If the boat is down by the bows you may need to be towed from astern
- The towed boat should always steer to follow the towing boat unless the steering has been disabled
- The use of a drogue to aid towing can be used
