[CKF Info] Towing

[Doug]

Chuck-
We've tried lots of configurations and rigs for towing kayaks. Bottom  
line is that it usually works well if going UNDER 4 kts, but at 4kts  
everything becomes quite unstable (boats spinning longitudinally,  
even in calm seas) . And over 4 kts we have found nothing practical  
for moving two, on their own, without being supported on pontoons or  
a towable raft. If you have a big enough dinghie, it will be stable  
with a load of kayaks, but, unless you can set up a very low CG with  
other gear in the boat, it too becomes unstable, even in pretty calm  
water.

With all of that said, we have had great success at towing 14 kayaks  
laced in a big macrame raft, at 3.5 kts. It was a wild ride!

Take the easy (and safe route) and put your kayaks onboard for this  
short journey.

Joanne

On May 12, 2008, at 8:26 AM, Chuck Fowler wrote:

> Hey Gang:
>
> I am sailing to Catalina for the 4th of July and would like to take  
> my boats with me for some paddling at the island.
>
> Has anybody out there towed a sea kayak over open ocean?  Any tips?
>
> I have a great deal of sailing experience with towing dinghies and  
> the like but not kayaks.
>
> I have a Current Designs Gulfstream and Squamish.  Our speed will  
> be in the 5 to 7 knot rainge.
>
> If the sailboat were big enough I would put them on deck but we are  
> going on a 36' sailboat with a total of 6 people aboard.
>
> ::Chuck Fowler
> ::Greneker Solutions
> ::3110 E. 12th St.
> ::Los Angeles, CA 90023
> ::323 263 9000p
> ::323 980 1173f
> www.greneker.com
>
> HELP ME SAVE LIVES!
> http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf08/cfowler
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