Towing a boat astern with another boat

In this video I go through how I go about towing a boat with my boat. This video focuses on towing astern. I will do a second video that goes through towing alongside.
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[@justtinkering6054]

13:16 I actually laughed out loud. You didn't even blink. I love it!

[@MrDieselcumminspower]

I came looking in the comments for this comment 😂

[@bobpitt1261]

Very resourceful Stu, editing a boating video whilst on a motorcycle trip through the outback. Legend.

[@DangarMarine]

Third time lucky! I was glad I had the camera stuff with me for the motorcycle channel.

[@mrpoopypants9586]

@@DangarMarine Hey Stu, bit late but do you have another channel???

[@stanpatterson5033]

Couple good zingers you got in there, Stu.... Comedy is always appreciated ! As for wind noise, couldn't be helped. Too bad you have to apologise for situations that are pretty much unavoidable, and that most viewers would fully understand anyways. But, I suppose it heads off those inevitable whiney comments from the peanut gallery. Always a great thing when you can combine boat footage with bike footage and end up with a finished product that is both educational and interesting. Keep the shiny side up, or the rubber side down, depending on whichever mode of transport you're in.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Stan, appreciate that. Still rubber side down so far although I should have brought the boat too as it rained so much last night that many of the roads are flooded in places.

[@markjennings2315]

Great vid, I was a total tug master after years of practice through my school years, then I discovered you could actually talk to real live girls rather than just look a photos of them. Never looked back after than eureka moment.

[@angelgutierrez9858]

Another great informative video from Experienced thru Beginner🎣👌

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@alangrant5278]

Ah Stu I salute a fellow boater and biker! You’re obviously a very friendly gent doing the Aussie wave all the time. Good stuff

[@chesbaycruiser]

Thanks for the tip on protecting the paint on my outboard. Also, love the cap!

[@DangarMarine]

Thank mate! :)

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Good to see the tow bar in use. Last part of video on the transom tow is good info too. Reminds me of the times as a kid pulling my nephew behind the boat on a sheet of plywood with the front rounded. Had an old 5hp Johnson Seahorse. Fun times

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Tim. Kids around here are always towing their friends around on anything they can find. :)

[@officialWWM]

Your knowledge of boats is mind boggling. If must have taken a lifetime to achieve. Thanks for sharing.

[@DangarMarine]

You learn a thing or two living on an island. :)

[@officialWWM]

Dangar Marine I live on an island too. It's a little bigger than yours. Tasmania :)

[@Tinyymon420]

Currently looking at this waiting on the tow boat to come save my ass! Thank you for this advice!!

[@fifocrew3040]

Thanks for this video. I had to retrieve my 5.5m boat with my pontoon. After it broke its mooring in bad weather. I didn't realise how much I missed the Green Machine.. hope its still going somewhere. Thanks Stu

[@cptsky47]

Great hat and cool Royal Enfield MC. We did lots and lots of practice in the Coast Guard and even will all the pros you have, once again, amazed me at all the tricks and better ways to tow. The hardest was the side tow, but I've never heard of anyone using it for real. Hope you had a good trek and once again, thanks for a great video.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Cool, good news. The hydraulic shop I took the tilt trim to got the cylinder piston apart for me today for free. They have about any o-ring possibly needed there too. They said bring them up and will match them up with new ones. Very happy indeed plus know now how to take it apart

[@DangarMarine]

Glad to hear they were able to help you with it Tim. Indeed good news!

[@wysetech2000]

Great tips again, Stu.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@arciefan]

Excellent video Stu!!!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@Fireship1]

Another useful and entertaining video Stu. I’d rather be the one towing, then be the one being towed. Breaking down on the water is no fun, and even worse once the beer runs out! 😊

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Jack. Yes, breaking down is no fun any time, but on the water I think it is even worse.

[@doehme1690]

As a Master 5 and someone that's done a ton of towing of all sizes myself - good video and well done. All good tips that I've been using for years on small boats. I know what you mean about righting catermerans. They can can be interesting to get back up but very satisfying when you get it right - especially in a good chop and 20knots of breeze.

[@bwagenberg]

Cool learning about rope length to keep both boats in sync with wave crests. The hardest part of towing is getting the towed boat into a crowded slip without enough helpers. The Outback has a picnic table, nice.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Bruce. Will be doing a follow up video on towing alongside that should help with more crowded areas.

[@mikeyadrick5154]

A very important tool you have on your boat is that tow-post. I have done this towing for years with a small boat, towing logs and boats. I have always installed a tow-post on my boats. It's like --why have a car or truck with no trailer hitch!?------Mikey

[@DangarMarine]

For sure, it makes a high difference. Much easier and more effective than hanging off the back cleats with all the load aft of the transom.

[@bonezed]

love ya work mate.

[@kermets]

Classic.........thanks Stu

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate.

[@thierrybutler5683]

Great information, thanks so much!

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SeauT]

Thanks for the knowledge.

[@bobf6000]

Nice bike. Like the panniers. Good vid too.

[@hasanaydin22]

Hi thanks for the usefull information And nice to see you on my screen

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@brucecliffe6213]

Another excellent video Stu. The views around Dangar never get old, do they. Greatly appreciated mate. So where were you when you did the last segment ?, that looks like it could be the Flinders Ranges in SA, come on, fess up. Cheers, Bruce.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Bruce, yes, it was Flinders Rangers, well spotted!

[@kristensullivan1902]

Love the hat. Nice find

[@DangarMarine]

Glad you liked it. :)

[@adkchip1]

First! Very helpful info. Thank you!

[@DangarMarine]

Welcome. :)

[@mq3868]

Very informative video and thanks for the laugh.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate.

[@daynecowan]

Top vid mate! Have a great bike trip.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. Wish you could be riding with us!

[@daynecowan]

I've been dreaming about that lately! haha.. I need more leave.. and a bike...

[@evanbodin]

Hi Stu..I just purchased. Boat and have watched all your videos. I have a fish and ski with a mercury 150. Needed carbs cleaned and water pump installed. Your videos helped with both. I keep watching your vids because you keep making good content...love the resto vids..keep up the good work!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Evan, glad the vids are helping you. :)

[@evanbodin]

@@DangarMarine now if you can make a vid about not buying a boat in the first place...I'm sure that is most people's problem...lol

[@albazar]

Cheers Stu,I picked up a few tips here and I love the wanker cap.I want one.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. I should start selling them on the website. ;)

[@tolex3]

Good stuff. As an addition, you might want to mention that for taking a towed boat into really tight quarters, such as a busy dock or harbor, it's oftentimes safest to take the towed boat longsides - that way you have it fully in control. Cheers, T

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Tommy. Yes, agree about busy harbours. My plan is to do a second video on towing alongside. I should have mentioned that in this video.

[@tshepp89]

Great info mate! Thanks. Subbed

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@CrazyCanuckFitness]

Thank you! I have had a lot of questions answer. I have wanted to know just in case. When you need a tow, you need to know!

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@soundsnvisions]

Great added benefit of tying off at the bow; your face will protect your motor should the line snap. You thought of everything!!! Another great video.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Scott.

[@merlyn6411]

ur boatnet goes hard

[@CarlosRomero-hh9hf]

Nice video Dangar m

[@andrewgoodall2183]

Royal Enfield and Mighty Boosh. You might be my hero lol.

[@vk2xjm]

"Because your Face will Block it!!!!. Love it....By the way, Van Lee is still looking for his sign. Keep those Vids coming mate. Will have to get up to the Hawkesbury one of these days. Hopefully will see you on the water. Cheers mate.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. I hope there is a reward on that sign.

[@tatankacleary]

Enjoy the bike ride 😜 I’m putting away mine for the winter here .... tug master

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. We’re lucky to have all year riding here but it certainly gets hot in summer!

[@robinhodgkinson]

Excellent tips Stu, oh and one in return, leave that cap in the next truck stop ok.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. No way! It will make the perfect gift for someone. ;)

[@deanfulford69]

Good shit stu

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Dean. :)

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Thanks mate. Great video. Nice bike! When’s the motorcycle maintenance videos?

[@clearingbaffles]

At 15:30ish I didn’t know there were rattle snake down under lol Thanx from the left coast near the Krapitol of California

[@DangarMarine]

I kept trying to jam things into that rattle to stop it but gave up in the end!

[@hammer9390]

Great video. Any video from the bike trip?

[@MrJerryheffer]

Bit of a late comment but I'm just catching up on your videos, when we tow, dependant on the size of the boat were towing we always put a tyre in the middle of the tow rope, with one length each side to the boats and bowlines on the tyres either car, smaller trailer tyre, it gives you some weight but also is elastic when stretched the other way.

[@angu31a]

Something I use is to tie a rubber tyre inner tube along the length of the tow line for added elasticity.

[@DangarMarine]

Good idea Angus. Those comercial shock absorbers are quite expensive given you can make your own.

[@w0qnx598]

Looks like you have the Himalayan setup great! Fire up the new steel hull and come on over to Florida and we'll ride!

[@jkg6211]

Good video mate. Especially about the wave frequency vs tow rope length. Double thumbs up!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate!

[@andrewjohnson6146]

I once tied it to the side on my boat because he was broken down and wasn’t to far from the ramp thanks for the tip because I never knew how to tow a boat from the stern

[@DangarMarine]

Towing alongside is a good technique in certain circumstances. I'm planning to do a separate video on it down the track.

[@andrewjohnson6146]

Dangar Marine yeah certainly

[@TimmmehhhPlays]

some great tips, love the mighty boosh representation on both the green machine and the bike!

[@DangarMarine]

The stickers were sent from London so I figured it was better to buy a few. :)

[@dongorsegner4607]

Sacrifice the face save the machinery, love it!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Hi Stu, The latest issue with my tilt trim was when I removed the motor I must have dropped the drive gear. All it turns out to be is a Allen wrench. I cut one to lenght and think it will work. Get this, a new one cost 85 us dollars for a Allen. Haha. It will be on my video soon

[@DangarMarine]

Nice fix Tim!

[@paulg9314]

Great video Stu. Don't ditch the wanker ball cap just yet. Wait for the right time to give it to someone who really deserves it.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Paul, and don't worry, it will definitely become a gift. ;)

[@Kurtdog63]

Great info on towing from a center post forward of the transom for better maneuverability. We made up a Y bridle because our boat has no center post. If you look at my channel photo here on the left, this is how we set it up. We used the hollow swim noodles and ran each leg of the Y inside its own noodle. The flotation kept the lines from sinking and the stiffness of the foam noodles pushed the Y away from the back of the motor keeping the line out of the prop. The noodles only cost a few dollars each. We eventually put a noodle on the other end of the rope where it attached to the vessel being towed to keep the metal attachment clip from sinking the rope on that end. Using high visibility noodles would also help with towing safety so people don't try to pass between you and your tow. Hope your hands are healing up.

[@PorkBarrel.]

Good to see your welds held up. I have to sell my Ducati Hyper because my back is shot. Sure will miss the freedom!

[@DangarMarine]

Sorry to hear about your back, that’s a bummer.

[@kman-mi7su]

I like your bike Stu! Don't see many Royal Enfields here in the states. So you see many Harley Davidsons or some of the new Indian bikes there in Australia? Those and Honda Goldwings are my favorites. See them all the time here in the US. I learned to ride on a Harley Davidson sportster.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. Yes, you do see a lot of Harleys in Australia and a handful for Indians.

[@Geoffscubafish]

good vid ! But what about Hydro-lock on the towed boat ?

[@True__North]

Hi Stu, great video! Do you have windshield on your microphone?

[@DangarMarine]

It just had a foam shield on it but I do have a fluffy dead cat cover to go over it I just didn't have it with me unfortunately.

[@skiff27]

Good Vidio

[@arciefan]

Have a question Stu? I have as I've mentioned before the 1998 johnson with the primer solenoid on the carb. My key switch is mounted on left side of console and I'm not left handed so it's hard for me to coordinate the primer activation all the while trying to start the cold motor. My idea is to disconnect the wires on the back of the ignition switch controlling the solenoid , and connect them to a floor switch ( like a big foot switch) so while I'm turning the key on to crank , I can depress/release the floor switch as needed. If motor wasn't so cold natured, I wouldn't be wanting to do this. My question is do you know the wire colors, or should they be the same color as what's going to the solenoid? My guess is it would require a wire from the solenoid and and hot wire. Is that correct? And what do you think of that idea? Here's the switch I had in mind www.academy.com/shop/pdp/big-foot-trolling-motor-switch

[@kevinsouth1216]

Hi Stu another great informative video,but where the heck were you riding to? and how far did you get with the boat behind your bike lol Regards Kevin.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Kevin, plan was to ride up to Birdsville but the heavy rain has made the roads impassable so only made it as far as Parachilna.

[@fukkyoutube]

these are all awsome tips but you should know that most of the people on the water cant think on their feet that fast or at all

[@RonTrovatoRealtor]

agree with towed boat engine down steering straight ahead, but do you have it in gear? or not, I always tow where prop is turning, your opinion ?

[@tonchido]

hi,is it yours himalaya?i used to ride old bullet 500 for a while.i loved it,the sound,compression adjusting.and about the subject how bad it is for lower unit to tow a boat?

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, it's a Himalayan. The old Bullets are cool too. No problem for the gearbox to tow another boat.

[@PerrynBecky]

Great quip on the hat! ROFL!!!!

[@richardcranium5839]

so do ya tow a crock by the head or the tail???

[@petermurphy5138]

What are your thoughts on placing a pulley on the bridle so that there is always tension on both rear cleats??

[@DangarMarine]

I think it is a good way to go.

[@danielwalter7106]

Love your videos ! Always learning. I have to say after towing a few boats in the river, I figured out other boats couldn’t always see the tow line. Don’t you think there should be a flag or two on the line?

[@DangarMarine]

You can for sure, but if people aren't really looking you could probably put fireworks on it and they'd still plow through. A loud horn is probably your best bet.

[@danielwalter7106]

Yes. Scary. I did have one of those hand held horns that helped. You and your mates seem to live on the water, so envious. And so the captains are looking for boats being towed. Here in Pennsylvania it’s rare, and people are less experienced, lots of those little wave runners blasting around. They’d be in for a bad surprise. Lots of tubers tied together going down the river. If it’s a hot day and they get stuck with little current, I’ll tow them down river a bit. I warn them in advance to let go of the rope if I signal them.

[@danielwalter7106]

Oh, the tubes raft together, and one tube holds the cooler of beer. My small boat (14 ft aluminum Starcraft made around 1974, deep V, great for riding the top of a wake. 20 hp Suzuki 2 stroke, have to have my friend in, to even out the weight.) One time we went up through a hole in a wing dam. Foolish confidence, we were full throttle at the crest of the fast flow and were stationary for a minute. One move from either of us would've swamped us sideways. Finally made it....So i tow tubers down to where the river is tidal. Up river unless they paddle it can take hours to get through with no current. They just bake in the sun to a crisp..Thank you for your response about somebody plowing through even with fireworks. Ever have that happen? Did they snag the rope?

[@tommyaleks100]

Great video Stu :) I wish you made it earlier lol.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, yes, there are plenty that have been made just after people have needed them. ;)

[@stevenbass8674]

👍👍👍

[@fordtruck193]

Gibbs rule #9... Never go anywhere without a knife.Or in my case 2 of them.;-)

[@MrAmerican]

Your fun to drive

[@DangarMarine]

I had to Google that one!

[@user-zf4qs2jy3n]

I was thinking of swapping the mounting bolts that pass through the transom mounting the out board to the stern with eye bolts. Hoping to put all the load of the tow on the out board and not the stern of the boat. Anyone try this yet?

[@talkingtrauma]

What is a good speed to tow at, I did a 20 mile tow at 9 knots, calm waters, is there a rule of speed? Thanks

[@DangarMarine]

Speed really depends on a lot of variables. The weight of the boat being towed, weather conditions, traffic in the area will all cause you to slow down.

[@danielrobert7181]

If I may add my two pence. Towing absolutely requires 2 person in the tow boat just as when pulling a skier. One's at the helm, looks forward and keeps a look at traffic while the other keeps a look at the tow. And towing should only be done under daylight !

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, I agree, as I was saying in the video two on each boat is best, but unfortunately you don't always get that luxury.

[@mitch_the_-itch]

How about putting one of those bicycle flag poles sticking out the back of the bar to keep the line outta the prop? Whats most scary is the kids that used to use those bike poles are now in charge of your life.

[@oml81mm]

How about visual indications to let others know that you are towing/being towed?

[@jimh.5286]

My outboard has a beautiful finish, so for protection I always keep my face between it and any cleats that might fail. "Scarface" Jim

[@DangarMarine]

You're a dedicated boater Scarface. ;)

[@FAKE-NAME]

Hello all I've recently picked up an older 16" fiberglass speed boat and was hoping an old salt would share some anchoring knowledge with me. My problem is no bow access or bow cleat, my ancient windshield prevents me from getting to the bow so I've been having to use my side cleats that where placed on either side of my windshield. I'm used to anchoring from the bow so plz shool me in side cleat anchoring

[@DangarMarine]

You could try making a bridal for your anchor too but if the conditions are calm there isn't any real problem anchoring from the side or the stern. Some people like to anchor side on to the current when fishing. If you anchor from a cleat at the one of the back corners that corner will still cut the water a bit like the bow does. In rough conditions I would definitely use a bridal to be bow in. It is a common problem you face and probably worth a video too.

[@FAKE-NAME]

@@DangarMarine I would love to see a video on the subject if you have the time it would be much appreciated.

[@num1cheechwizard]

Years ago I had the same problem .So I mounted an electric anchor winch on the bow of the boar with a backplate of course,that used mushroom anchors.Only problem was remembering to raise the anchor before leaving.Lost a few that way.But it worked well in calm waters.

[@glenbaker5311]

Come on and admit it, you got the line in the prop,, why you went with the bike shot,, ha,thxs for the videos,gb

[@ironranger7575]

A boosh fan I see.

[@DangarMarine]

Very much so. :)

[@skiff27]

What about a sail boat.

[@stevencox75]

where are you mate, looks like northern territory

[@DangarMarine]

That little bit was filmed near Wilpena Pound.

[@stevencox75]

@@DangarMarine nice i havent had many adventures in SA

[@harpomarx7777]

This is NOT "towing a boat astern" because the other boat is NOT facing away from you. This is towing a boat "from astern", mate, or more accurately from the transom or tow bar.

[@davidjulian8536]

And I guess you're NOT really Harpo Marx.

[@StretchingExpert]

Royal Enfield Himalaya 🙏🏻

[@gsixzero]

Boosh

[@PappiH]

Maybe I'll wear my snowmobile helmet if I have to tow a boat. On a second thought, I would rather block the cleat with my teeth.

[@DangarMarine]

It's a good test of how strong your teeth are. ;)

[@brendon6589]

Boooosh.

[@w.anderson8806]

Your description and graphic display is very drawn out, very annoying! I would tend to think anyone watching this towing vid is over the age of ten...

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Thanks mate. Great video. Nice bike! When’s the motorcycle maintenance videos?

[@DangarMarine]

kzbin.info

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Thanks mate. Great video. Nice bike! When’s the motorcycle maintenance videos?

[@volvogt21]

Search Dangar wheels. Just as enjoyable a watch.