Towing a Williams tender?

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Mr-O

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Hi all, I'm not new to the YBW forum-my previous name was Envoy however I can't post anything at all under them log in details probably because of account inactivity? Any ways question for the experts- I have a Williams 285 Turbo Jet and I want to know if I can tow it behind my Squadron-not at speed I might add! The Manual on the internet says it has a valve to allow you to do so yet my manual doesn't say a thing and I can't find any such valve on my boat? Regards Simon
 
The valve on a 325 can be accessed via the panel under the seat.

I think you will find towing it a challenge.

The sail forums can probably give you some guidance but from memory a very long rope is required.
 
jrudge said:
The valve on a 325 can be accessed via the panel under the seat.

I think you will find towing it a challenge.

The sail forums can probably give you some guidance but from memory a very long rope is required.
Click to expand...

I used to tow a 3.1m rib behind my previous boat, usual speed about 12 - 14kts. Yes, a long line was essential, too short and it was always surfing on one side or other of the wake, looking as though it was about to overturn at any time. It's a matter of trial and error, and starting off slowly. The tension on the line is pretty high. And you'll need a good fixing points on the Williams. I attached the line to the U bolt that you find on the bow (waterline) of almost all ribs. However I have to say that the Williams will be significantly heavier than mine, so be cautious, you'll be fine at displacement speeds, but anything over that will be interesting!
 
I towed our Novurania 4.3m RIB last year.

Probably not a long enough rope (see pics) but as LJS says the tension was huge.
Even at 6 knots it would have been enough to pull someone off the boat.

IMG_9018_Small_zpsymysfjqv.jpg


IMG_9017_Small_zps9bxohi9x.jpg


Our RIB is about the same weight of the smaller JetRibs so if you are planning on towing, be careful.

This year, I have fitted some extra chocks onto the bathing platform and thats where the RIB will travel between anchorages.
 
I have towed tenders before-sometimes with success and others not so! I only want to tow at very slow speeds but it's more about it the Williams 285 can be towed without damaging the engine as I can't find a valve in the engine compartment.
 
Hurricane said:
I towed our Novurania 4.3m RIB last year.

Probably not a long enough rope (see pics) but as LJS says the tension was huge.
Even at 6 knots it would have been enough to pull someone off the boat.

IMG_9018_Small_zpsymysfjqv.jpg


IMG_9017_Small_zps9bxohi9x.jpg


Our RIB is about the same weight of the smaller JetRibs so if you are planning on towing, be careful.

This year, I have fitted some extra chocks onto the bathing platform and thats where the RIB will travel between anchorages.
Click to expand...

That looks like clouds in those pics!!:cool::confused:
 
Am I right in remembering that the blue tape on the Sea-Fire display is placed exactly on top of its warning lights?
Is that along the lines of the "out of sight out of mind" principle...? :D:D:D
 
MapisM said:
Am I right in remembering that the blue tape on the Sea-Fire display is placed exactly on top of its warning lights?
Is that along the lines of the "out of sight out of mind" principle...? :D:D:D
Click to expand...

No -left over from the previous night passage I think!!
Boat builders don't think of theses things - maybe they should issue all new boats with a roll of tape ;)
 
AFAIK the earlier 285's didn't have the red tow valve - what year is yours? If you can't find it easily then maybe call Williams with the HIN number and see what they say - Paul Clarke's your man on +44 (0) 1865 341134
 
It is an old one from 2007, it's like brand new with only 5 hours on the clock! If it doesn't have a valve fitted then I might get one fitted when it's next serviced. Thanks for the info
 
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