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Towing a TI behind a power boat at 18 knots
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=64896
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Author:  Kerf [ Sat Jun 08, 2019 9:46 am ]
Post subject:  Towing a TI behind a power boat at 18 knots

Does anybody have experience with towing a TI at higher speeds? I've seen the discussion on towing behind sail boats.

I have a 20 foot ridged inflatable boat with 115hp that we'll be taking to desolation sound for 10 days of camping and exploring (92 miles over water). It would be amazing to take the TI with us. I've thought about building a super structure to carry the TI overhead but it's less than ideal.

The other option I'm considering is towing it.

The stock setup with the plastic hull plugs that fit in the well doesn't block enough water, I'm trying to figure out if a rubber gasket could be made that would improve water flow across the well at higher speeds. I don't think the smaller drainage holes will cause a problem but would test it out before hand. I'm thinking a stiff rubber gasket with a leading edge that could resist the force of flowing water?
@Fusioneng - what do you think?

Another option would be a tow blanket that went from bow to stern and covered all openings - I'm picturing a heavy duty tarp but thicker tied into the bow above the water line.

the other consideration is if I fold the amas in, leave them out, or if it would be stable enough to lash them to the cross bars (less drag but also less stability). Folded in would put a lot of torque stress on the fittings unless the amas were tied in solidly

PS - this is my first post but I've been reading the forum for years. The family and I bought our TI 4 years ago and it has been a ton of fun. Thank you to all the contributors who have provided so much advice - it gave me a lot of confidence in jumping into an unknown but beautifully engineered product like the TI.

Author:  mmiller [ Sat Jun 08, 2019 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing a TI behind a power boat at 18 knots

Towing anything can be problematic. Towing at high speed much more so. I would carry it. I would not try to tow. Maybe laid across the rib?

Author:  Kerf [ Sun Jun 09, 2019 7:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing a TI behind a power boat at 18 knots

If I put the TI crossways it would be an 18.5ft length across an 8 foot width leaving 5 feet of overhang on either side about 2.5 feet off the water. Larger cross swell could have me hooking the nose and stern of the TI before the RIB roles with the swell angle. That would put alot of stress on both boats even if travelling slower in larger swell.

Matt - what are some of the towing challenges you've seen at higher speeds?

Larger boats normally tow their tenders (often Ribs) at closer to 12 knots. In that case you have a wider platform that's less likely to skate from side to side or roll.

Author:  mmiller [ Mon Jun 10, 2019 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing a TI behind a power boat at 18 knots

I would be concerned about tow attachment points... loads that can pulse and overload them. Also about any connection structures like aka attachments. For sure remove the mast and amas / akas. Do not tow by the bow handle.

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