Enhance Your Boating Experience with a Tender: A How-To Guide for Safe Towing

When planning a weekend on the water, taking a tender along can significantly enhance your boating experience. Whether you’re heading out to explore a remote shore or simply need a way to get from your anchored boat to land, a tender offers convenience and flexibility. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of slow towing your tender safely and effectively, ensuring a smooth journey for both you and your vessel.

Why Take a Tender?

A tender is a small secondary boat that serves as a shuttle between your main vessel and the shore. It’s particularly useful when anchoring in deeper waters where it’s not possible to dock directly at the shore. Having a tender on hand means you can explore coastal areas, run errands, or even just enjoy some quiet time away from the main boat.

Preparing for the Trip: Safety First

Before setting off, it’s crucial to ensure your tender is ready for the journey. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:

Check the Bungs: Make sure the bungs (drain plugs) are securely in place to prevent water from entering the tender.
Trim the Engine: Adjust the engine trim so that it just touches the water. This helps the tender act as a rudder while being towed, keeping it stable and straight.
Remove the Keys: For safety, take the keys out of the tender’s ignition. In the unlikely event of a mishap, you don’t want to lose your keys.

The Art of Towing: Keeping It Close and Controlled

When towing your tender, especially in areas with many obstacles like canals, it’s important to keep it close to your main boat. Use a short tow rope to ensure the tender stays within a safe distance, reducing the risk of it drifting into hazardous areas or getting too close to your propellers.

Choosing the Right Tow Rope

Selecting the right tow rope is essential for safe towing. Here’s what you need to know:

Opt for Floating Rope: A floating rope, such as silver rope, is ideal. It won’t sink and get tangled in your propellers if the tow slows down or stops suddenly.
Avoid Ski Rope: Ski ropes are not suitable for towing tenders as they stretch too much and are not as durable.
Secure the Rope: Always have a backup knot or secure the rope to a secondary point on your boat. This provides an extra layer of safety in case the rope slips or needs to be adjusted quickly.

Getting Underway: Tips for a Smooth Tow

Once everything is set, it’s time to get moving. As you pull away from the dock, keep the tender close and on the side of your boat. This position minimizes strain on the rope and allows for easier maneuvering in tight spaces. Once you’re in open water and away from obstacles, you can let out more of the tow rope to give the tender a bit more freedom while maintaining control.

Maneuvering and Turning

When making turns, try to position the tender on the outside of the turn. This prevents it from being pulled into the wake of your boat, which could cause it to swing dangerously close to your propellers. Use gentle, controlled movements, and don’t hesitate to use your bow thruster to make the process easier.

Final Thoughts

Towing a tender might seem like a simple task, but doing it correctly requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend adventure or just enjoying a day on the water, having your tender along for the ride will add a new level of convenience and fun to your boating life. Safe travels!