RE: [Paddlewise] Towing a kayak behind a sailboat

From: Barbara Kossy <bkossy_at_igc.org> Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001 09:21:03 -0700 · This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:41 PDT

A few years ago on Lake Michigan my kayak was towed behind a sailboat in a
string of three kayaks.
The sailboat was traveling with the use of its motor. The trickiest thing
about the setup was making sure the lines between each boat were long enough
to deal with the distance between the waves.
I didn't do the setup myself, I only watched.
Barbara

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net
[mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net]On Behalf Of Al Gunther
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 1:22 PM
To: PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net
Subject: [Paddlewise] Towing a kayak behind a sailboat

I recently read that kayaks can be successfully towed behind a sailboat
that is too small to carry one on deck. I'm sure there are all the same
issues as in towing a dinghy, like surfing in following seas, rolling in
rough seas, and all the usual problems associated with backing up in
marinas. But, with a good cockpit and hatch covers, swamping should be
nearly eliminated.

Does anyone have experience in doing this and any tips to offer?

Al Gunther, Kingston, WA  <---- 47° 48.1'N, 122° 30.0'W

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