View Single Post
Old 07-19-2016, 10:44 PM   #1
Astral Blue
Veteran Member
 
Astral Blue's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: Astral Blue
Vessel Model: Bayliner Victoria 2750 Command Bridge
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Towing a Canoe at 6 Knots

Our canoe is beginning to become our new dinghy -- as the anchorages we have been visiting have been much more enjoyable to explore paddling with a canoe versus our inflatable Avon with the outboard. I'm looking for some feedback/insight/advice/tips from others who have done this.

We typically cruise at a maximum speed of 6 knots. Our canoe is 15'6", very stable, and (as claimed by the manufacturer) unsinkable, but have no desire to find out whether the latter is true. We have towed it 20+ feet behind us in relatively calm waters and have been fortunate enough to have avoided large wakes. It wobbles considerably when taking small wakes from the beam, but I haven[t been convinced it was anywhere close to capsizing. It was simply making us a bit nervous. Needless to say, it is far less stable than the Avon under tow.

One thought I entertained was side-tying it on the starboard side, bringing it relatively close to the hull, and placing a few bumpers in between. I have never seen it done, but would love feedback on the advantages and disadvantages...as well as potential risks.
__________________
Ed & Lindsey
California Delta

1977 Bayliner Victoria Astral Blue Repowered with Perkins 4.108 Diesel
Astral Blue is offline   Reply With Quote