Towing a Boat on the Water

At times, you may need the help of another boat to get you out of an unfortunate situation. If you find yourself stranded with an engine that will not turn over or some other problem, you have limited options. Finding another boater willing to tow your boat on the water is one of your best options. Or someone else may ask you to help them out when they are in distress. However, consider the risks associated with towing a boat on the water before you make a decision. You should understand what you should do and what you should not do in this situation. Visit us at White's Marine Center, and our team can offer more pointers for a successful towing. Our dealership, located in Pittsburg, Missouri, welcomes customers from Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri. 

Towlines and Knots

Use specific towlines when towing a boat in distress. A ski tow rope or dock line will be too weak, which can be dangerous if it breaks during towing. The best towline is long and strong, such as an anchor line. 

Recognize the types of knots you need to use when towing a boat in the water. You might think a stiff and sturdy knot is best, but avoid tying the rope too tightly. Cleat hitches and bowlines are the better options because you can untie them at a moment's notice.

Pulling Points

When you are considering pulling points, you want to attach the towing bridle between the two stern cleats of the boat. A single pulling point puts too much pressure on the one cleat and can be dangerous. 

Communication

Whether you or another boat requires aid, you need to communicate with the people on that other boat. If you set out to tow a vessel without the ability to communicate changes in the plan, you can put the lives of everyone in peril. Use a cell phone or VHF radio.

Speed

Set a steady, slow pace at first. You want to take away the slack in the towline before getting more speed out of the engine. Do not move so quickly that you cannot see issues before they are too late. 

Weather Conditions

If the weather conditions are terrible, your best course of action may be to notify the authorities for aid. You should never under any circumstances try to tow a boat that is larger than your vessel. 

Remember these tips the next time you need to tow a boat on the water. Come to White's Marine Center in Pittsburg, Missouri, and our staff can help you select the right cover. We proudly serve customers from Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri.