Towing a boat should have nothing to do with ruining an outboard. RPM's are RPM's.
Take for example a 250 Merc. The saltwater guys put these motors on boats that have much more drag and weight than two bass boats combined.
I ran my last 2006 Merc. over 1000 hours. I pulled so many boats in a cannot count, back when I was guiding on Fork.
Hook a rope up and idle in... NO BIG DEAL.

+1

If nothing else idle tow to the closest bank, secure the boat and deal with getting the occupants to saftey.

I never pass up someone that looks broke down. I have towed 30+ ft boats w/ a 18 ft bass boat with a 175

I tow with this

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/BoatBuckle_Tow_Straps/descpage-BBTOWST.html

Not the cheapest but works and won't get tangled up nearly as bad

I tow with a bungie cord......keeps them on there toes.

Really good info fouz.

Question: what size motor is too small to think about towing a boat in? Seems like it would be foolish for me to try to use my 17' boat with a 115 hp Evinrude on it to try to pull in a ZX250.

Next question: how often are you too far from a boat ramp to think about getting there with the trolling motor? If it's too rough to use your TM on open water, I'd think it was probably too rough to be towing someone anyway. I've broken down a couple times and put my little 56# TM down both times and got back to the ramp. Wasn't a big deal. My opinion on this may be jaded because I'm used to Fork, which has no shortage of ramps.

Clint, I understand what you're saying about engine stuff and it sounds like you've had good luck, but RPMs are definitely not just RPMs. RPMs under heavy load are much more stressing on an engine than RPMs under light load. My truck is at about 2000 RPM at 70 mph without the boat and maybe just a couple hundred higher with the boat on the back, but having the boat back there is much tougher on the entire drivetrain. I would never leave somebody stranded, but if I ever came up on someone needing help, I'd definitely be towing them to the closest ramp and taking them to their truck in my boat.

I'm very grateful I started this thread because it is just chock full of win.


I've learned a lot and I really appreciate the replies.

I'm buying a tow rope next time I go to Academy.

I've been reading up and I love overkill...this may be way over the top....I know I don't need it but it was a learning deal..

http://www.ropeinc.com/cat-mighty-tow.html

Would anybody recommend a "snap shackle"? It may prevent the rope from snapping and hurting somebody.

I have towed 20 ft boats no problem with a 17 ft 115 hp .
Idle speed and long rope.
Even if you won't or can't tow somebody- I think only fools just leave them or don't offer help.
I would rather blow an engine than do that to somebody.

That looks like the milspec straps we used on the deuce 1/2s

Cool, I like those.


Sounds like idling is the key, just put it in gear, under 2k rpm and go....

Great post Fouz for those that didn't know follow his instructions is the only way to do it. Always safty for everyone is the most important thing.

Happy Bday.

Doesn't seem unreasonable at all to me. Guess the 2 hook end attaches to your transom hooks and there is a single hook on the other end for the bow hook?

+2

There is actually only 1 hook per end.