Towing the tender

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john williams

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Hi
I'm planning a two week cruise to the Essex rivers this year from the Medway.
I can't decide if I should tow the dingy (a mirror) or to leave it at base and avoid the complications.
I will be sailing single handed and maybe visit the odd marina
Any advice?
Thanks
 
I dont think I would attempt to tow a Mirror on that sort of trip. Fun to have though it may be

It will be a PITA in marinas and big trouble if it gets out of hand in any sort of bad weather

A small inflatable and outboard would be my choice, Stowed or carried on deck, not towed!
 
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Providing you choose your weather, I think that it could add a lot to the pleasure of the trip. A Mirror is a pretty sturdy job and you can at least stow the rigging on board. We once cruised the East Coast with a YW Cadet, which was a pain because the mast had to be carried on board our 26' boat, extending from the cabin to the cockpit. When you finally get there, you will be able to explore the Essex creeks to your heart's content.
 
john williams said:
Hi
I'm planning a two week cruise to the Essex rivers this year from the Medway.
I can't decide if I should tow the dingy (a mirror) or to leave it at base and avoid the complications.
I will be sailing single handed and maybe visit the odd marina
Any advice?
Thanks
Click to expand...

You will be able to explore the Essex (or even the Suffolk) rivers in more detail if you have a tender with you. If all you have is the mirror, then tow it, but I assume you already know the implications if towing in the choppy nature of the thames estuary. If I had both, I would leave the mirror at home and bring the inflatable that can be inflated just when needed.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk
 
john williams said:
Hi
I'm planning a two week cruise to the Essex rivers this year from the Medway.
I can't decide if I should tow the dingy (a mirror) or to leave it at base and avoid the complications.
I will be sailing single handed and maybe visit the odd marina
Any advice?
Thanks
Click to expand...

Don't do it.
PICT2784.jpg
 
Back in the early 70s there was a member of MBYC (as it then was ) at Maylandsea who towed a Mirror all over the East Coast behind a Marcon Tomahawk. I was surprised that he towed it backwards, but apparently it was more stable that way on a bridle from the quarters of the Mirror. He kept a tonneau cover over the whole boat too.
 
The towing eye on a Mirror is often not ever so strong.
Apart from that, towing one across the Thames estuary is not unreasonable given a fair forecast.
 
We towed a Mirror across from the Medway once. Centreboard case slot needs blanking off. Slowed us down a bit but great fun once in the Orwell and Walton Backwaters.

A nuisance and a bit vulnerable in locks though.

On the way back we had a good wind behind us, all fine until a big twang in the painter pulled out the towing eye in the bow transom leaving a big hole. Recovery a bit of a bother and it turned out the transom needed a reinforcement which I incorporated in the rebuild.
 
At least a Mirror is not likely to get airborne and land in the cockpit with a strong following wind as we once saw an inflatable do behind a Folkboat on the Orwell. The chap was on his own and had a heck of a problem dealing with it.
 
john williams said:
Hi
I'm planning a two week cruise to the Essex rivers this year from the Medway.
I can't decide if I should tow the dingy (a mirror) or to leave it at base and avoid the complications.
I will be sailing single handed and maybe visit the odd marina
Any advice?
Thanks
Click to expand...

I have always towed 7'6" rigid dinghies and will, all being well, go up to 10' this year. There are some disadvantages, but for coastal pottering they are not nearly as bad as many people thinks, and a rigid dink is great for exploring when you get somewhere.

There has never been an issue with my having a small dinghy in marinas. I make sure it is tied well out of the way.
 
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