Towing a Tender from your Boat

Towing a Tender

By Randy Troutman On January 20, 2014 ·

Tenders are indispensable to boaters once they get to an anchorage or mooring. But they can also be bothersome while under way if you don’t have a davit system and you tow the tender behind your boat. Not to worry! Here are our tips for safely tying off your tender.

1. First, you need the right equipment. Make sure you have a long length of braided nylon line; this is the preferred line for towing because it has some stretch and will act as a “shock absorber” between the two vessels. It’s also very helpful if your tender has a reinforced tow eye or a bow cleat to which you can secure the line.

2. Next, take any loose articles out of your tender — oars, fishing gear, life preservers, seat cushions — and remove the outboard motor. These articles can come loose during transit and end up in the drink.

3. The most common method for towing a tender is to use a bridle. A bridle is a separate piece of nylon line that’s attached to both of the rear cleats of the towing boat. Leave enough slack so that the bridle becomes a “V” shape when the tow line is attached to its center. Make sure to attach your tow line to the bridle with a loop, or use a “D” ring, so that it can shift as the towing boat changes heading.

4. The opposite end of the line should be secured to the tow eye or bow cleat(s) of your tender. Run the line so that it comes directly off the craft’s bow. The tender should be towed a short distance from your boat. If you’re inland or entering a harbor, keep the line short so it won’t obstruct traffic. On the other hand, if you’re on open water, some extra distance is preferable as it will reduce tension on the line and splashes from choppy waters.

5. Tying buoys to the tow line will prevent it from sinking into the water and possibly fouling on your props or other debris, and will also help make it more visible to other boaters. The number of buoys needed will depend on the length of the line and size of the flotation devices, so test out your rig before you tow, tow, tow your boat.