Your insurance police should have an exception from its prohibition on towing, for responding to another vessel in distress, and for "good Samaritan" tows. The prohibition is likely coupled to the "commercial use" of your boat.
You can get into a situation where the only way to turn to one of the ways is to back down hard, letting the towed vessel's momentum pull your bow around
This is not for the feint of heart in crowded areas or when the wind/tide is strong.
But the magazine said side towing my 42' trawler was a cinch with my 11' dinghy.
In my experience the best way to move a boat in calm water this is called Towing on the hip that's where the towed boat is taken along side on the aft third of the Towing boat.
If towing on the port side a line is run from the towed boats aft starboard cleat to the towing boats aft starboard cleat. The towed boats bow line runs to a port Brest cleat on the towing boat.
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If you can't repair it maybe it shouldn't be on the boat
Funny set if coincidences--today I was out on the Whaler and ended up towing about a 20' wakeboard boat about 1/2 mile back to the launch. I followed the rules above and got him back without any problems.
Building Karma is always a good thing.
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Mike and Tina
1981 Boston Whaler 13'
Really? I checked with my insurance broker in Seattle about towing after this question came up a few years ago on another forum. I was told I would be covered for liability if I was towing and damaged someone else's property and would be covered for damage to my boat if I was towing someone.
I did the same w/ similar response from BoatUS...
"As long as you are not getting paid for your services because you have a private pleasure usage only policy with us, we are fine with you assisting other boaters on the water.
Any damages to your boat will be covered under Boat and Boating Equipment up to the declared value you currently have on the policy.
Any damages to the other persons boat will be covered under the liability limits that you currently have on the policy".
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Don
2008 MS 34 HT Trawler "Bacchus"
It is funny, seeing the diagrams. BUT they leave out the absolute best way to tow alongside. And NO I won't show it. BUT there is another way to tow along side, with small 'tugs' that makes handling a (comparative) breeze. But we can't ruin the moneymakers jobs can we?
Something y'all might be missing. While I have not towed a boat in years(I refer them to the professionals and tell them I would be happy to assist until professional help arrives), if I had ever towed anyone in the past I would tell them, make a DECLARATION, that if anything happens to their boat it is THEIR responsibility. And if anything happens to MY boat, it is THEIR responsibility. And if anyone is injured on EITHER boat, it is THEIR responsibility! It always takes them awhile to swallow that and it usually occurs with a funny look on their face. IOW, you are making them understand the seriousness of towing because they are agreeing to accept all liability for the entire operation. It also hammers home the seriousness of the situation...both the towing and what caused the tow(lack of fuel,mtx,etc)
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It is funny, seeing the diagrams. BUT they leave out the absolute best way to tow alongside. And NO I won't show it. BUT there is another way to tow along side, with small 'tugs' that makes handling a (comparative) breeze. But we can't ruin the moneymakers jobs can we?
And just what is the best way?
So many possibilities, so many circumstances.
Heck, in a marina, close quarters...the best tug I have seen is a small bow rider with a big paddle prop and pulls in reverse.
So I am sure I don't know all the ways....so I am curious, what's the "best way" ? And does it apply to every tow vessel and tow?
Here is a picture taken from the Mac Bridge of the Edgar B Speer (1000') towing her fleet mate the Roger Blough (853'). The Blough lost their rudder coming down the St. Mary's River. The Speer came down a few days later, rafted up to the Blough and towed them from Detour to Gary, Indiana. Both Captains did an outstanding job! The ships were both loaded at the time. The tow averaged over 10mph for the trip. That is a chase tug astern of them....just incase.
Except in a condition of immediate peril,as being stranded in a shipping lane,I personally would not consider a tow.It is best left up to the pro's like psneeld.Most of the time(at least on the east coast)there is always a towboatus,or sea tow within a reasonable distance.I would stand by the disabled vessel until the proper help has arrived,and assist if asked.I am not talking about a situation of peril such as a hard grounding,accident,or injury here,merely a breakdown,or soft grounding,before everyone jumps on me here.My boat is not equipped,nor do I have any experience in towing operations,but I have helped stranded boaters before.
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