Towing a rib inflatable

[Roland]

I have a West Marine 310 RIB inflatable. There are three D-ring attachments for towing. Two are on the sides (undersides) and one in the front under the bow. Behind the one in the front is another ring that is bolted through the hard RIB bottom. What is the preferred attachment(s) for towing the inflatable? Is the ring behind the forward D-ring the mooring ring? Should I tow the boat from the ring attached solidly to the hard bottom?
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Roland
Blithe Spirit
#1762

[GloryDaze]

I Have a 10 foot Avon, I always tow it from the ring in the hull.

[TomSoko]

Roland,
My sailing buddy just bought a new Achilles RIB and was faced with the exact same question. He contacted two different Achilles reps (one at a boat show and one at the Defender Tent sale), and they both told him the same thing. Attach towing lines to the two D-rings on the tubes, and not to the U-bolt in the hull, because it will tow better. I'm not 100% sure that Zodiac (the manufacturer of the WM RIBs) would say the same thing, but I'm guessing they would. I'd suggest getting the answer from the horse's mouth: contact Zodiac!

[Roland]

Thanks, Tom. I e-mailed Zodiac, as you suggested, but haven't heard back yet.
Roland
Blithe Spirit
#1762

[Rockman]

I tow our Zodiac using the two towing rings (located on each tube at the front). I like to use a reasonable length of line behind the boat. What I find interesting is where to attach the tow line to the boat. I usually tie it to the pushpit. But I think a deck cleat mounted somewhere on the stern would be great.

[TomSoko]

Rockman,
Is this what you had in mind? I installed one on each side, with 1/4" aluminum backing plates. They work well.

[Rockman]

Thats exactly what I was thinking about. My only concern is that somebody would think that it was suitable as a mooring cleat. So in my typical style, I will make sure it is more than strong enough for the job of towing the dingy, or attaching a mooring line.

[deising]

That's a good philosphy in my opinion. Too often, designers fail to take into account how people will (mis)use things in ways NEVER intended or considered.

[Roland]

Tom,
I never did hear from Zodiac, but I'm trying different configurations. I have a towing bridal that attaches to the D-rings and seems to work well. I'm also trying towing the dinghy from the mooring ring. That, too, seems to work well.
Thanks for all the comments.
Roland
Blithe Spirit
#1762

[jsc4484]

I have used for years a towing bridle sold at West Marine. I attach it to the D rings on the forward tubes of our AB rib which is a doulble hull 10-6 with a 8horse Yamaha.

from the bridle I use a 5/8 line to each of the stern cleats this allows it to tow dircetly behind the vessel.

Hope that helps

PS the bridle was around 60 bucks

Jeff Costa

KAIROS #0235