Re: [Paddlewise] Towing behind sailboat

From: Jackie Myers <jackie_at_muddypuppies.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:47:29 -0800
Mark Arnold wrote:

>Does anyone have any experience towing kayaks behind a sailboat.   
>

 From Wavelength March 2005 -
http://www.wavelengthmagazine.com/2005/fm05primer.php

"Kayaks do not tow well. They tend to surf a boat's wake, go broadside 
and flip. Two kayaks will tow better than one if they are lashed 
together at the bow and stern, creating a catamaran shape. The best plan 
for towing is to put them inside your dinghy if you don't have enough 
room on the deck."

 From rec.boats.paddle (lots of warnings):
Towing with a sailboat
http://tinyurl.com/2a9zna

Towing kayak behind sailboat in ocean
http://tinyurl.com/yvblrd

Towing a sea kayaking behind a power boat
http://tinyurl.com/23lo3j

But if you check with sailors and power boaters, this is what you get:

About 50 kayaks being towed behind a houseboat, includes a couple of 
paddling pooches - this is not something I'd care to do (warning - 
website accompanied by loud, goofy music):
http://www.rvsingles.org/Photo_Albums/Sharon/Sharon_1.htm

Seven or so kayaks towed by a large boat with single outrigger
http://www.raftvoyagers.com/Mirage_with_kayaks_in_tow.jpg

Three kayaks towed by a junk?
http://highway57.co.uk/seasia/photo?res=lo&picid=2356&secid=143

Several kayaks being towed at a fairly good clip
http://www.gallantphotography.com/040127_antarctica/040201_184_thm.jpg

More
http://www.whalepass.com/news/wp-content/photos/thumb_kayak_tow2.jpg

We've towed a dinghy without any problems.  On one occasion, we had wind 
and chop but very little water in the dinghy when we reached our 
destination. 

http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d156/jmsailing/Lake%20Mead%2005/?action=view&current=DSC03433.jpg

I wouldn't hesitate to do as was suggested in the WaveLength article... 
lash bows and sterns together and tow as a cat.  It would depend on 
where and conditions, though.  Also, make sure everything is securely 
attached and watch lines if you are turning any props.

Jackie
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Received on Thu Feb 15 2007 - 15:48:08 PST

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