Towing With Tender?

[Rich_S]

Hi,
a question borne from a distant memory: I seem to remember reading an article in one of the magazines about towing the mother vessel with a tender lashed to the side. Is this meant to be more effective than trying to push the mother vessel with the same outboard mounted on an auxillary bracket?
Or did I dream it???????

Thanks in advance..............Rich

 

[castaway]

I have used this method, (that is straping the tender alongside) and it was very efficient and gave great manoeverabilty, which is the big plus factor over towing.

I suspect the main benifit though, is when one is forced to use a small outboard, which if used on he boats own bracket (assuming that it even had one) would not submerge the prop far enough.

Regards Nick

 

[alant]

I have pushed a heavy 42' H/Rassy from the stern, using a dinghy with 4hp engine. However, if going any distance, lashing alongside best towards the stern of the 'mother' - dont forget sprigs as well as fore/aft/breast lines. This can easily be done without anyone needed in the 'tug', steering with the mother. Take all unnecessary items out if likely to be lost (oars etc).

 

[steviewhitts]

The most important thing if you want steerage from the tender is to ensure that the tenders motor is abaft the stern of your mothership. A good back spring and forward breast line are essential to take the load and bows the tender in.
If you are steering from the mothership then it is far less important where the tender is located. We used to move boats around a marina up to 50' by towing alongside using a 15' dory. The tow was unmanned and we did everything from the dory (often singlehanded). Would be abit different at sea or going a long way though !! Its worth a practice on a quiet day and is included in several RYA powerboat courses.
Good luck.
steviewhitts