Towing a fishing boat behind main boat

[rogerRey]

This is specific to the Pacific NW & Hiram Chittenden locks. However, eager to hear other locale’s experiences on the topic.
We have a 60’ Jefferson and I’m researching how we can tow/secure a 25’ fishing boat and transit the locks.

I’ve thought of a creating a “hard connect” apparatus whereas the trailered boat would literally be connected to the main boat, such that it would move in all ways if it were structurally part of the main boat. In essence a hard docking harness/receiver of sorts to accept the small boat’s bow like a trailer that would be built onto my transom to accept the bow of the fishing boat in order to be secured in place. I envision lines coming from the port and stbd stern of the fishing boat up to the corners of the main boat to prevent aft side-side sway as we transition the locks.

Anyone ever seen something like this or have any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[O C Diver]

If there's more than one able boat operator onboard, why not go through as two boats?

Ted

 

[psneeld]

Is a side tow out of the question?

 

[Sababa]

Your combined beam with a Jefferson 60 and a typical 25' center console should be under 28 feet, which would allow you go through the small locks with the fishing boat on your hip. That's how I've seen it done.

 

[hollywood8118]

I did the entire Columbia and snake locks with a 21' ski boat hip tied alongside our 48' trawler with no issues. It's either that way of go through as two boats.
Hollywood

 

[rogerRey]

If there's more than one able boat operator onboard, why not go through as two boats?

Ted

Thx Ted. My wife and I commonly take big boat through locks, yet it definitely takes 2. None else to take smaller boat through separately.

 

[rogerRey]

I did the entire Columbia and snake locks with a 21' ski boat hip tied alongside our 48' trawler with no issues. It's either that way of go through as two boats.
Hollywood

Thanks. Am learning the lock masters will allow a side-tie, haven’t been able to find that anywhere else. Thx!!

 

[rogerRey]

Your combined beam with a Jefferson 60 and a typical 25' center console should be under 28 feet, which would allow you go through the small locks with the fishing boat on your hip. That's how I've seen it done.

Got it, thanks. We’re likely 25’ beam while lashed together.

 

[rogerRey]

Is a side tow out of the question?

Apparently not, learning that by responses. Thx!

 

[Mac2]

I saw a Nordhavn refueling next to me, at Covich, prior to heading out through the locks. It had the exact setup you are looking for. A aluminum latching type system. The towed boat was a aluminum Stabicraft (white trim). It looked to be in the 23 foot range. I took some pictures, which I will look for. It was obviously a custom setup. With the above description, you might be able to call around and find out who made it. A long shot would be to call Covich with the above description. They record the boat name when fueling, which could lead to locating the owner. I got the impression the setup was for permanent towing-not just the locks. I’ve seen the gill netters towing the tender in a similar fashion. You might want to take a walk around fishermans terminal to see if you can find their setup.

 

[Lepke]

I have gone thru with a side tow. Not a skiff.

 

[psneeld]

Apparently not, learning that by responses. Thx!

A hip tow IS a side tow but in my experience is when a smaller vessel is side towing the large vessel.

When Googled "if side tows are allowed in USA locks".... this is what popped up first.

"Side tows of vessels are allowed in USA locks, but there are specific dimensions and rules to follow. Vessels are required to call the locks on VHF Channel 13 for passage through the Colorado River Locks. However, the releasing of vessel steam, water, or waste from side discharge openings upon the piers or lock walls is forbidden.

I couldn't find the parent document, so I suspect AI. After looking through over 20 documents on Army Corps locks... towing through them is permissible as long as you meet the dimensional restrictions. I would guess in many situations, if you fit in....you can lock through.

Life is always full of exceptions, to be safe, call the lock or controlling agency before proceeding.

If still interested in a "solid" connection astern tow, just set it up like a conventional tow rig of tugboats with come-a-longs on the backing lines. The most difficult part is the "no chafe connection of the fishing boats bow to mothership stern" and the time to set it up for just locking as open water towing that way dramatically increases the issue of chafe. The alternative would be or rather massive solid bars on either side with substantial connections to prevent the fishing boat's side to side motion and swinging.

Any kind of solid connection to the stern would impact the motherships maneuverability quite a bit.

 

[rogerRey]

I saw a Nordhavn refueling next to me, at Covich, prior to heading out through the locks. It had the exact setup you are looking for. A aluminum latching type system. The towed boat was an aluminum Stabicraft (white trim). It looked to be in the 23 foot range. I took some pictures, which I will look for. It was obviously a custom setup. With the above description, you might be able to call around and find out who made it. A long shot would be to call Covich with the above description. They record the boat name when fueling, which could lead to locating the owner. I got the impression the setup was for permanent towing-not just the locks. I’ve seen the gill netters towing the tender in a similar fashion. You might want to take a walk around fishermans terminal to see if you can find their setup.

Perfect. Your gill net tender example is one I have seen yet didn’t recall. That’s exactly the first situation I’d like to explore. Thanks!,

 

[rogerRey]

A hip tow IS a side tow but in my experience is when a smaller vessel is side towing the large vessel.

When Googled "if side tows are allowed in USA locks".... this is what popped up first.

"Side tows of vessels are allowed in USA locks, but there are specific dimensions and rules to follow. Vessels are required to call the locks on VHF Channel 13 for passage through the Colorado River Locks. However, the releasing of vessel steam, water, or waste from side discharge openings upon the piers or lock walls is forbidden.

I couldn't find the parent document, so I suspect AI. After looking through over 20 documents on Army Corps locks... towing through them is permissible as long as you meet the dimensional restrictions. I would guess in many situations, if you fit in....you can lock through.

Life is always full of exceptions, to be safe, call the lock or controlling agency before proceeding.

If still interested in a "solid" connection astern tow, just set it up like a conventional tow rig of tugboats with come-a-longs on the backing lines. The most difficult part is the "no chafe connection of the fishing boats bow to mothership stern" and the time to set it up for just locking as open water towing that way dramatically increases the issue of chafe. The alternative would be or rather massive solid bars on either side with substantial connections to prevent the fishing boat's side to side motion and swinging.

Any kind of solid connection to the stern would impact the motherships maneuverability quite a bit.

Wonderful input. Thanks!,

 

[DavidM]

Towing a small boat behind a big one works fine, but not in heavy seas. My dock neighbor has their small boat flip over and flood in 6’ or so seas while towing it behind their sailboat. They had to cut the tow rope and let it go as there was no way to keep going with it dragging behind.

So be careful.

David

 

[ben2go]

As others have said. I would not want a lose tow. Hip tie or man the tow to keep it off the lock walls. I have seen small tows get flipped by catching the wall with a rub rail. by the time anyone noticed, ker splash! She was upside down and all gear was lost to the lock floor.