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Size limits for towing a center console?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by zen, Jan 20, 2019.

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  1. zen, Feb 4, 2019
    #21
    zen

    zen Member

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    Can anyone add insight on how planing speeds for the towed vessel might come into the picture? One of the center consoles we're looking at (Regulator) doesn't get on plane until 25 knots and it got me wondering if this would be a problem if the big boat only cruises at 18 knots. A couple of the other CC options can get on plane at lower speeds. I'm guessing this is the type of question that requires you to try it out for a definitive answer, but I'm just trying to avoid making an obvious mistake with the CC purchase.
  2. Trak, Feb 4, 2019
    #22
    Trak

    Trak Member

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    Planing speeds for the towed vessel dont come into play. I think most towed boats are towing under planing speed. There are several adjustments to the quality of the tow. Towing bridle length is one. I think we tow on the back of the second wave. Speed is another factor. We typically tow at 11 kts. This is mostly for burn rate. We can adjust speed up or down a bit to increase the quality of the tow. Some like to tow with outboards up, and some with motors down. Motors down make tow track better but increase drag.

    Get the boat that you want as long as the insurance company will insure it, and you feel comfortable towing it.
  3. Capt J, Feb 4, 2019
    #23
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I always tow with the motors only partially down. Usually trimmed up until the prop is just under the water. It creates enough drag to keep the tow straight and for the tow to slow down quicker than you do, if you have to slow down in a hurry.
  4. German Yachting, Jul 11, 2019
    #24
    German Yachting

    German Yachting Senior Member

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  5. chesapeake46, Jul 11, 2019
    #25
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    That makes me cringe. What do you do ? Just chug along and hope for Devine Providence ?
  6. Capt Ralph, Jul 11, 2019
    #26
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'd try out with lots of weight half way down the hawser. Reduce that snapping action and may keep the tow straighter. Maybe a drogue on the tow.
  7. chesapeake46, Jul 11, 2019
    #27
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    How to get a drogue on the tow in that sea state ? Maybe deploy it ahead of the weather if you knew it was coming ?

    I am assuming ( I know what happens when I Ass u me ) the captain did not see this weather coming and had to ride it out with nerves on edge !
  8. Capt J, Jul 11, 2019
    #28
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I had to swim to one in seas like that, in a life jacket and safety line attached to me, get in it, unhook it and run the center console back when I was a mate many years ago. The other option is to get in it and put the engines all of the way down to create more drag. Honestly it probably would do fine like that.
  9. zen, Jul 18, 2019
    #29
    zen

    zen Member

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    I had someone who tows a CC suggest a remote engine trim setup. According to him, he could raise and lower the engine of the CC from the lead vessel with a handheld remote for situations like this. I did some googling at the time and didn't find much, but made a note to follow up with him when we find our larger vessel. Has anyone employed such a device?
  10. Pascal, Jul 21, 2019
    #30
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    There are number of remotes that could be used as long as they have enough range. For instance Lewmar has a remote for dual windlasses which could be easily hooked up to the trim circuits and activated from the aft deck.
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