Reading the other thread about somebody that didn't get a tow, there were a lot of replies that was the best way to tear up your motor.

So If I'm at a big lake and somebody needs to be towed, I'm not one to leave them, but now I'm a little worried I'll be replacing a power head the next outing.

So what is the safe way to tow a boat so we don't leave people stranded out of fear of tearing up our motors???

Good post.

Get you a GOOD tow rope and keep it in your boat. Longer is better. I read somewhere that one closer to 100' is better than one 10'. Mine is 50 feet. Make a two point harness with strong hooks/clips for attaching to your transom hooks. One end of your tow rope should have a metal ring braided into it. This ring goes over your harness and will ride in the center of the harness while towing. The other end should have a hook on it to attach to their bow hook. You may have to remove this and tie directly to a forward anchor point on their rig if no bow hook is available.

Depending on conditions, I'll typically tow someone at around 2,000-2,500 RPMS. Less if windy or rough, maybe just a little more if it's calm and they're in a bass boat.

Get everyone on the towed vessel in life jackets and proceed to the nearest safe harbor. Take them by water to their vehicle if it's too far to tow.

One other thing, try and get everyone possible in both crafts out of the line of fire in case your tow rope snaps, or hardware comes loose. The latter can be fatal. Hence, the longer tow rope

I've towed everything from jon boats to pontoon barges and in between. I never pass anyone on the water who needs assistance. EVER, law or not. It's simply the right thing to do. I've been towed in twice, myself.

One last thing. When you tow another boat, you assume all liability associated with that effort. I never worry about it BUT, if conditions are dangerous, you'd be better off getting the stranded vessel's occupants onboard your boat and to safety. Their rig can be replaced. Towing in dangerous weather can get you all killed!

Wow I had no idea you assume responsibility.

Also is there a ratio to how much boat you can tow?

Also, I have a ski rope I got from a friend, I was thinking it would make a good tow rope to keep in the boat...

great info fouzman, and much more productive.

The reason to keep a tow rope in YOUR boat at all times...because I'll guarantee you it will be better than what they have onboard! I use 5/8" braided nylon rope, both for the mainline and harness. Stainless for the hooks and ring.

I'd actually prefer the flat, braided nylon slings like are used offshore, in trucking and numerous other apps. (including yanking the door and window bars off that crack house in E. Dallas) But I've not yet found one in the required length.

THAT's the truth!!! My son and I towed a guy in on Fork the night of January 1, 2010 - and he had some 1/4" jute looking stuff. I ended up sacrificing my anchor rope but have since added a tow-dedicated rope to my stash.

These days need to keep a release waiver handy.
"if i tow your boat i am not liable to any damage in the process
Or i will allow you to tie your boat up and give you a safe ride and allow you to get your boat by some other means"

Or get it verbally recorded on your phone or something. It's a shame ou get held liable for helping someone. Seems if that is the case they shoud be liable if your motor overheats in trying to help.

I towed a Z9 in at my last tournament on Livingston after the dude hit a floater and the boat wouldn't go back into gear - towed him from a little way back in Kickapoo to Waterfront Lodge - I carry a fifty foot braided nylon tow rope all the time. I was concerned about overheating but we didn't go very fast - I really didn't realize how hard it can be on your motor. I would do it again a hundred times rather than leave a guy stranded but I appreciate the tips on towing.

I learned the hard way -- Tow in idle only! I towed a friend in several years ago and tried to get us on plane. Didn't work too well. A couple of months later, I cratered a piston and had to have an overhaul. Tow in idle or not much above, and don't try to plane!!!

That would not have crossed my mine to try.

I towed a ski boat in on Lewisville several years ago, just kept the motor at about 2,500 rpm's, you really can't go much faster and keep everything in control.

The law does not state you must tow someone to safe harbor. It says you must give assistance. Which can mean phoning in their location to taking them minus their boat to a location to get help.---Smitty

Your exactly right Fouzman, I towed in a barge last summer at Fork and those guys didn't have anything on board! Was fishing a deep spot when we saw a barge floating down the lake close to moving into the stumps. Saw the cowling off the motor and immediatlely new they were about to have issues. Lucky for them I keep a tow rope in the boat as well.

You guys inspired me. I'm gonna go buy a tow rope tomorrow. I always just carry a big long anchor rope, but I need something more solid.