OT-Towing a kayak w/ a sailboat?

[Dusty Yevsky]

Hey all,
I've got a 21' x 30" kayak that I'd like to transport from Mystic CT to Block Island for some Labor Day fun and frivolity. My buddy's got a 36' C & C sailboat and we'll most likely motor over to BI. The kayak is way too big to get on deck so we're thinking that towing it behind the sailboat would do it. I'm going to put a small length of bungee in a rope for some shock loading control and tow off the front grab loop. I'll also make some sort of back up for that loop.

Does this sound like a good plan? Any constructive criticism is welcome.

Dusty

[Ian McColgin]

I have towed ocean kayaks including the incredibly thin Nordkapp from the bow loop with no problems at all. I never put a bungee in the system and don't think it a good idea. The kayak tows so lightly that to keep her from running up your stern, hang something like a really small fender off a short line on the stern loop. It also helps to have a cockpit cover fitted. If you can't find one, use your spray skirt and just tighten it up.

I worried that the boat might want to flip over but it actually towes really easy with no problems.

[nedL]

Yes, what he said. :D

[Dusty Yevsky]

Thanks guys, just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking something obvious.

[dredbob]

If it were my kayak, instead of towing from the bow carry loop, I'd tie the towline right around the boat a foot or so back from the bow waterline and arranged so the lead comes from underneath right on the keel line.

Bob

[Woxbox]

I'd tie the towline right around the boat a foot or so back from the bow waterline and arranged so the lead comes from underneath right on the keel line.

...and if it did turn over, you'd have one very large diving fishing plug. Just add a couple of big hooks, and there's be something tasty for dinner. :)

[StevenBauer]

Heading to the mooring from the marina this spring we had a problem with the engine overheating. The sails weren't on board and it was getting dark. We were using Mary's sea kayak as a dinghy. Yep. I towed the 4000 lb sailboat about a mile to the mooring. I hope I don't have to do that again. :eek:
Switching it around has worked fine. And much less work.
Steven

[DGentry]

Another option: Just strap the kayak to the outside of the lifelines on the sailboat.
I've done it many times, works great.

Have fun!
Dave Gentry