Tow by Sea

[barryassheton]

Hi, I have recently acquired a Senior 31 as some of you who answered or read my other posts will know. The engines at the moment dont start and I need to get it to a boatyard some time around August. Does anyone know of a company that would tow a boat by sea from Ryde harbour to Fishbourne. Once she is out the water I can refit her and repair or replace the engines its just getting her there and it seems silly to transport by road for the sake of a mile or two down the coast.


Thanks Baz

 

[Nick_H]

Could you borrow an outboard and rig it up temporarily on the back?

 

[barryassheton]

Could you borrow an outboard and rig it up temporarily on the back?

I had thought about this option but I wouldn't be able to operate an outboard and see where I was going. My uncle has a 21ft carvel boat but I dont know if it would have the power to pull it and unless I know for sure I didnt want to get stuck in the solent with a boat with no working engine and another that cant pull. My uncles boat has a top speed of 4-5knt and last time I took it out it struggled to get out the harbour mouth which is why I have concerns about it.

Baz

 

[Croak]

Long piece of white drainage pipe as a tiller extension, on an outboard, is what I did...300 miles.

 

[barryassheton]

Long piece of white drainage pipe as a tiller extension, on an outboard, is what I did...300 miles.

Thanks I will look in to the possibilities again although there is no outboard bracket on the stern just a bathing platform. It is sometimes the most obvious answer that eludes me when over thinking things.

Thanks Baz

 

[PCUK]

Row out of the harbour then call the lifeboat to tow you - sorry, I'll get me coat!:ambivalence:

 

[barryassheton]

I spoke to the boatyard I now intended to use and they can arrange it for a good fee.

Thanks Baz

 

[macnorton]

I had thought about this option but I wouldn't be able to operate an outboard and see where I was going. My uncle has a 21ft carvel boat but I dont know if it would have the power to pull it and unless I know for sure I didnt want to get stuck in the solent with a boat with no working engine and another that cant pull. My uncles boat has a top speed of 4-5knt and last time I took it out it struggled to get out the harbour mouth which is why I have concerns about it.

Baz

Once moving the drives will give you some steering, 21ft boat would struggle to pull a Senior. (tail wagging the dog!)

 

[Dill et Bound]

Anybody moving something like that would probably not tow it.
We use to move boats up and down the river at Lymington [ pre marinas ] with a launch securely moored to either the port or starboard quarter.
That way you only need to steer the launch..
It was surprising how big a boat you could move if you picked your tide..and watched out for ferries..
It has to be tight, and sprung, Yachts were easiest, you could use their winches to tighten up..

 

[barryassheton]

Anybody moving something like that would probably not tow it.
We use to move boats up and down the river at Lymington [ pre marinas ] with a launch securely moored to either the port or starboard quarter.
That way you only need to steer the launch..
It was surprising how big a boat you could move if you picked your tide..and watched out for ferries..
It has to be tight, and sprung, Yachts were easiest, you could use their winches to tighten up..

I spoke to the yard again to explain lack of steering and he said he would arrange a side by side tow. Really helpful guy.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Anybody moving something like that would probably not tow it.
We use to move boats up and down the river at Lymington [ pre marinas ] with a launch securely moored to either the port or starboard quarter.
That way you only need to steer the launch..
It was surprising how big a boat you could move if you picked your tide..and watched out for ferries..
It has to be tight, and sprung, Yachts were easiest, you could use their winches to tighten up..

Ryde to Fishbourne has some pretty hefty traffic crossing your path and they ain't going to give way. Not something I'd do but then others have a lot more experience than me.

 

[cryan]

Towing on the shoulder is great for manoeuvring but if its rough seas you will do a lot of damage. The usual method would be to lash up on the shoulder to get out of port then let the tow slip to a conventional tow then lash back up on the shoulder to come back into harbour.
The tug must have its stern well clear of the tow's stern so as its steering thrust is not impeded. When towing at the end of a conventional tow it is essential that the tug vessel has the ability to gob or secure the tow at the stern of the tug otherwise if the towed vessel passes the tug if the tug has to stop or slow for some reason the tug can be easily capsized ( known as girting)

 

[ripvan1]

Ryde to Fishbourne has some pretty hefty traffic crossing your path and they ain't going to give way. Not something I'd do but then others have a lot more experience than me.

What traffic would that be g-o-g - done at high water OP could keep well inshore and then the hovercraft and ferries will have to keep out of his way

 

[grumpy_o_g]

What traffic would that be g-o-g - done at high water OP could keep well inshore and then the hovercraft and ferries will have to keep out of his way

Would that work in practice? I've always made a point of keeping well out of the way of ferries so I'm genuinely asking. I was thinking particularly of the Fishbourne ferry where he could end up with one of them up his chuff more than crossing.

 

[ripvan1]

They're as much tied to the collregs as us mere mortals, besides it's all in the timing - they normally cross mid solent so slipping in to fishborne just after one has left should give OP enough time to get to destination.

 

[macnorton]

Is it not possible to jury rig one or both of the engines? or are they both had it?