How fast can a kayak be safely towed behind a 27’ Grady to a destination north along the ICW behind Prices Inlet?
It is a Tarpon 140.
How long of a tow line?
Leaving from the Hilton in Mount Pleasant.
Depends how its loaded… I remember a emergency situation from otter island to edisto marina about 7yrs ago. There was 18ft waves at the edisto bouy reported and we had 3 yaks and a motorboat. Decided to for-go the bay and went up fishing creek and then across N. Edisto. The 2 boats I towed were very squirelly, until we got smart and put tents, coolers (weight) in them. I’m thinking about 5mph (slow going). If you can do it, put the yaks in the boat.
If it’s a sit on top kayak with scuppers in it, you can make up bridle that goes thru the scuppers then runs thru the bow handle, that way you don’t pull the handles out of the yaks, used to tow up to about 10 in a line like that pretty fast, 20-30 mph. Or can also drag a line from stern of single kayak being towed as well to keep it tracking better. Adjust tow line so yak isn’t trying to constantly surf down one of your wakes.
Russ B.
God is great, Beer is good, People are crazy
Two excellent answers. They both make very good sense.
The weight idea is good.
The bridle through the scuppers idea most likely saved me from some significant damage.
Thank you both, very much.
be careful with it even using a bridle. scuppers are tough, but they can be cracked… Rip off a handle = bad news. break a scupper = buy a new yak
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
Thanks, TB. Why take a chance with a quick run?
It will be lashed to the Grady somehow.
By the way, TB, your site is wonderful and I have learned and used your tips as a novice kayaker this past fall, especially the video on paddling technique. Can’t wait for a warm, calm day to get back out there. I have been in the yak a grand total of two times for a total of 2 hours. It is a great way to enjoy the water. My wife now wants to get involved. That is a good thing.
Keep up the good work. Your efforts have helped me.