Dinghy Tow?

[carsail1260]

I think someone asked this before, but I can't find the thread.  Does anyone on this site have any experience with Dinghy-Tow on a boat smaller than 27'?  On Dinghy-Tow's website they show an Albin Vega 27 with it installed and our beam is practically the same 8'1" vs. our 8'.  Just wondering if anyone could share any of their experiences with it.  I haven't actually seen an installation in person, but it seems like a good solution for our 25' cruiser.

[Lynx]

There has been a lot of discussion and articles about this. If you in bussy waters you should not tow to far behind. I find about 15 to 12 feet good. When docking, I want the dink really close.

When in open water, Some say that right in front of the stern wave for better boat performance. Others say 60 feet back, that way if a wave breaks behind you, the dinghy does not get washed into the cockpit.

West Marine sells a 50 foot tow line with loops in the end. I do like this heavy line because it is 5/8 (?) it will take a lot of abuse and is easy on the hands.

[AdriftAtSea]

Lynx-

I think you're a bit confused.  Dinghy Tow is a bracket that allows you to tow the dinghy right behind the transom of the sailboat, with just the rear tips of the inflatable dinghy's tubes touching the water.  The dinghy is held nearly vertical by the device IIRC.

[Lynx]

Now I remeber it, Not an option for a MacGregor with the outboard and rudders in back.

Thanks for clarifying.

[AdriftAtSea]

Yes, it'd be a bit difficult on the outboard and dinghy... the rudder itself isn't so much a problem, since the dinghy tube tips would probably be outside of its swing, but the outboard would be a deal killer.

[carsail1260]

Anybody see an installation of Dinghy Tow in person?

[AdriftAtSea]

I've seen a dinghy tow installation, but only at a distance, and in passing.  Not enough of a look to get an idea of how well it would adapt to a transom-mounted rudder boat, like mine.