Towing Tender/Docking

[Sadey]

Now that I have the proper tow bridle for our tender I’m wondering what’s the best procedure for docking when towing the tender. We dock side to on the port side. Also, when coming in from Green Bay we have to go under two bridges (Michigan and the Oregon for you Google people) but they are 30 minutes apart so we end up standing on station between the two bridges and at times it can get tight with other boats. I’m wondering if it’s best to pull the tender up and hip tow it or pull it up tight perpendicular to the swim platform. We have a 14 aluminum foot rib and have never towed one. Obviously, we have a crane that we can lift it up to the flybridge but if we’re going out to the sandbar or local cove, we’d rather not go through the process of bringing it up and down.

[rob71]

For the bridge situation we just pull it in until it touches the platform. Also when setting and pulling the anchor.
An option for docking is, if you have friendly neighbors you can toss them the painter line to hold it for you until after you dock.

[Pascal]

Put it on the hip for docking and bring it on very short leash when waiting for bridges. I don’t like towing a tender… it takes 2 minutes to bring up on top and out of the way. With the right line setup it s a one person operation

[SKYCHENEY]

I just pull mine tight against the stern with just the tow line. Its never been a problem in tight places or docking.

[Sadey]

I wasn’t sure which would be easier to secure, hip or stern. I was also concerned with the hull of the RIB riding up the swim platform while in reverse and making contact with the platform. I plan to try both just curious what others prefer. Hope to be in the water this Monday and maybe try it out.

[bigbill]

i tow my rib about 50 ft back when in open water, pull it to about 15 ft when in close quarters and tie it on the hip when docking on a side tie situation, i have tied it very tight all the way up on the bow when backing in a slip