towing RIB behind 3607 Carver

[racerrick]

http://www.all-about-houseboats.com/hou ... avits.html

Has anyone seen, used, have knowledge of a towing rig as pictured in the attachment; it is from a houseboat forum & they go slow. We usually cruise at 12+kts. RIB is a Novurania 11.5L X 5.5ft.B, weighs 571 lbs. dry total including 197 lb. 25 hp Yamaha. I plan on using the existing typical Weaver Snapdavits on the swim platform as the pivots, hoist it with a winch or block & tackle & secure it with rigid stand off arms from the towing ladder arms to the stand off arm brackets on the transom plus the hoist cable. Probably attach the winch or block & tackle to one of the aft deck vertical stanchions. I'll get some exact measurements including angles & find a mechanical engineer to do a force analysis so I can check with Weaver & make sure the Snapdavits & standoff brackets will carry the load plus a substantial safe margin. That will be an interesting exercise as the amount of buoyancy at the bow partially supporting the weight will be tricky to determine. I'll have a stout cover fabricated to prevent shipping water underway. I've looked at roll on & typical hoist davits for a heavy RIB - cost substantially more than I paid for the RIB plus quite a lod on the swim platform I would think. There will be an issue berthing the boat. Will have to heave to, lower the boat, raise & secure the ladder & use snap davit rings on the RIB to secure it transversely to the swim platform & then proceed very slowly, as usual anyway, into the marina & berth. Won't be an issue anchoring. Any mech. engineers out there that want to take this on? I'm concerned about it bouncing in the close behind wake & forces that might transfer to the boat & attachments.

[bud37]

Sorry, wouldn't want to be out in any kind of substantial following sea with that.IMHO, there are a couple choices, tow it behind you, bridle on second wave back or get it up and out of the water......just my two cents.

[km1125]

I have a 3607 with the standard platform. Can't imagine using something like that on a heavy RIB, much less my current dingy. It'll be interesting reading the replies.

[StDuckie]

Good morning Admiral! I am stymied trying to post a new topic...

[MakinTime]

I tow my 17’ glastron (2300 lbs) behind my 3607 with something I made similar to the “Towdster”. It is basically 2, 10’ pieces of pvc with a 10’ strap going through it and a 10” flotation ball on the end of it. This has work GREAT the past 2 season I have used it.

[RGrew176]

Nice set up.

[Bentone23]

Makin Time, what is your towing bridle attached to?

[MakinTime]

Bentone, my towing device in attached to the boats transom with steel brackets and thru bolts.

[Tireless]

I have towed my rib. On plane at about 60 feet back and at about 15 feet for my channel work. Just purchased a Sea Weed (Tender Roller system) to get it out of the water. Towing a tender is a big pain in the aft. Will install the new system in the spring and see how it works out. Spring right now seems so far away, especially after the snow we just got.

[Midnightsun]

I am comfortable towing my 3 person PWC behind Midnight Sun with only a rope about 65' long. Did the same on my previous boat without issues at speeds up to 35 mph. Can be a little intimidating when docking but it always seem to work out well. Used to use rather big tow rope rated for 6 person inflatable towing but last year went with synthetic winch rope. Only about 1/4" in diameter good for 6,500lbs plus it floats and takes up almost no space when stored. Actually keep it in the locker of the PWC when not in use. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Grey-6m ... 4c4duH4DpI