When most people take their smaller boat along on a yacht trip, they store it onboard. However, this can be a hassle when you’re ready to use it. It’s a pain to load the boat into the water, and later, hauling it back up again. Because of this, many yacht owners are realizing the ease of towing their tender instead of storing it on board. To do so safely, take a look at the proper steps on how to tow a tender behind a yacht.
Proper Markings And Lights For Each Vessel
Once you start moving with this rig, you’ll legally be considered a towboat. Towboats have different regulations and restrictions, and they also have a variety of required lighting to ensure proper safety. Both the yacht and the tender must have the proper markings and lighting to be a legal craft on the water, so be sure to talk with a boating expert to ensure your boat is up to standards.
Without the proper markings and lightings, your boat may not be legal for the water, and you could create significant safety issues. Always have the right lighting and markings long before you tow a tender behind your yacht.
Use Sturdy Cleats And Bitts
It’s essential that you use the right bitts and cleats when towing a tender, as the equipment will undergo a lot of pressure. If you’re using low-quality equipment, it could snap or break, which means you’ll have to retrieve your tender. Breaking equipment can also create a safety issue and could cause significant injury.
It’s also important to note that the small eye that’s commonly installed at the front of a tender is often inadequate for proper towing, so you may need to replace this item—although Scout Boats models all come with a top-quality tow eye.
Use Floats On The Line
One major safety issue for towing a yacht is the potential for tow lines to become wrapped in the yacht’s prop. To reduce the chances of this occurring, make sure there’s a float on the line itself. This will keep the rope at the surface of the water and will significantly reduce the chances of having your rope caught in the prop.
Don’t Pull A Boat That’s Too Big
You have to make sure the tender you’re pulling isn’t too big for your yacht. A general rule of thumb is that your tender should not be longer than the width of your yacht, as larger boats will create drag and reduce the speed, efficiency, and ride quality.
Get the Boat You Deserve with Scout
Are you looking for a great yacht tender? Contact Scout Boats today to learn more about our excellent selection of luxury fishing boats and tenders. With outstanding engineering and world-class designs, Scout Boats is a leader on the water. You deserve the finest features and amenities on your boat, so get in touch with us today!
