We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat! | Tow 57ft Ocean Yacht

Sometimes in this line of work, as Chief Brody would say, “[we’re] gonna need a bigger boat.” So too was the determination by Capt Tom on this job. A massive front came through the day before with 50kt winds out of the NW and so the seas were relatively big compared to what we normally deal with a 1-2ft chop on top of 4-5ft long-period swells. Anyways, as soon as Capt Tom got the yacht under tow, he knew his boat wasn’t up for the task, and called me to come take over since I was on the slightly bigger and more powerful Worldcat. Once I got hooked up, the tow was uneventful until we got to Longboat pass Bridge. Here we had to wait for quite some time as the bridge operator wasn’t answering our radio calls, and when he finally did, we had to then wait for all of the traffic to clear off the bridge. Going through the bridge is always a bit sketchy as the current doesn’t flow straight through the bridge due to it being offset to one side of the pass, but the captain of the yacht did an amazing job keeping his boat from hitting the bridge fenders despite the currents best effort to push him into them.
Camera used -Insta360 X3
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AI-Generated Description:
In this gripping video, join us on a challenging tow mission where the determination of Capt Tom shines through against the odds. Battling 50kt winds and towering swells, we found ourselves facing a daunting task - towing a yacht through rough seas. As Chief Brody famously said, "[we’re] gonna need a bigger boat," and indeed, that's what happened.
Capt Tom, recognizing the limitations of his vessel, called for backup, and I stepped in with the slightly bigger and more powerful Worldcat. What followed was a tense yet ultimately successful tow operation, despite the obstacles thrown our way.
Our journey took a nerve-wracking turn at Longboat Pass Bridge, where communication hiccups with the bridge operator compounded our challenges. Waiting for clearance amidst swirling currents tested our patience and skill. Yet, through expert seamanship, the captain of the yacht navigated the treacherous passage, narrowly avoiding collision with the bridge fenders.
Join us as we navigate through adversity, showcasing the resilience and teamwork required in the face of nature's fury. Don't miss this thrilling tale of perseverance on the high seas! Subscribe for more gripping maritime adventures.

[@thomasbullen5239]

Viking sure looks shiny, like its pretty new but you never know. Anything can go wrong.

[@keysangler247]

It’s nice to see someone that knows how to maneuver a boat. I wish more boaters would practice away from the docks and other boats, instead they load up with six or more people and take off. You can buy any boat, any size with lots of horsepower and have no clue how to maneuver it. Even with twins they don’t know how to turn around in a canal, six people on one side grabbing docked boats and the operator is throwing both motors in reverse or forward trying to steer out. Some people are too stupid to teach, common sense is not common in everyone. Thanks for the video. Great job Captain.

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks keysangler! Definitely way too many people on big boats in small places that never learned how to properly operate a boat

[@susiepittman601]

Your camera is cool to watch as your boat bends!

[@vancity2349]

Beautiful scenery and a great tow...

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks Vancity! It really is beautiful out there this time of year!

[@orionschild7178]

I just found you. Your vids are very good. I appreciate your care in the hard work that goes into making and editing for we the viewers. Good work. Its free advertising for the company you work for. Because of these videos, If I were stranded I’d sure give your company a call. It would be a pleasure to meet you. No matter the cost of the tow. lol Be safe and great work.

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks orionschild! I'm glad you and my boss both see the benefits to the company by my putting out these videos!

[@greathornedowl3644]

Love the videos. Any day on the water is better than a day in the office.

[@CaptKenO]

While generally true, it's a common saying by people who've never had a bad day on the water...😂

[@jonshelley1079]

When you break down on a lake with no tow service and no other boats around it’s not great. Never leave the ramp without my kicker under the back seat now.

[@piercedriver1]

Smooth capt, real smooth , good job.👏

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks piercedriver!

[@wesleyferguson6932]

Very nice job You are all awesome with the job you do.

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks Wesley!

[@delclifton6096]

Looks like I'm gonna be late for church again because of you Cap'n. Keep up the great work!

[@CaptKenO]

Lol 😂 Thanks Del! I think you're just going to have to go to a different mass! 😁

[@kitjeep]

Nice job, captain.

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks kitjeep!

[@superape339]

as everytime well done👍

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks superape!

[@beachcouple1741]

Nicely done again. 👍

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks beachcouple!

[@drob5664]

Wow, they offered no help on docking. Distance to the dock would have been nice.

[@CaptKenO]

He kept me from hitting the piling and dock, so I'll take it

[@Simonwies]

Great Job Bud

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks Wiesner!

[@clinty51]

What a pro, you make this look so easy solo...seen a crew of three make this look harder...👍👍

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks Clint!

[@TheTurdSculptor]

Nicely done captain!

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks capt!

[@willemhaifetz-chen1588]

They were not really paying attention while you were tying the boat up to yours...(no fenders ready, not even looking)

[@seashrimp2]

good job captain

[@CaptKenO]

Thanks seashrimp!

[@willemhaifetz-chen1588]

Float line -> no throwing

[@dougbourdo2589]

Nice maneuvering Capt. Didn't look like both vessels would fit there at the end.

[@CaptKenO]

I didn't think they would either which is why I bumped that piling...if I knew we'd fit, I would've avoided it 🤦

[@lynnmoser6918]

Watching this one reminds me of my Ranger...I'm always hauling something, lots of too long wood. So many full sized trucks beside or behind me never see a load of anything but groceries.

[@CaptKenO]

Not sure how this reminds you of that...but ok

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

I learn something new on every video. Which side to be on with the other boat considering weather conditions with size of boat and surface area and orientation. I feel the wind take my boat when I am pulling from midship, and the force is huge. It would be so cool if you could use an FPV drone or an insta360 at a much higher level with a birds eye view while tied next to the boat in the tight areas. That would also make for some amazing video footage, but that would probably be a big no no unfortunately.

[@CaptKenO]

Yeah, unfortunately most of the area I can't put up a drone legally 😕 I sometimes put another camera up on a pole, but the 2nd one I have has been having power issues and sometimes refuses to turn on when I need it to, and then randomly turns on later 😩

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

@@CaptKenO Yep, totally know what you mean. I have the same problem with various action cameras.

[@JohnSmith-qi9qs]

Unrelated question. If you had to take a 4.5 ft draft boat from marina Jack to the Gulf southbound, which pass would be best?

[@CaptKenO]

You'd probably be ok taking the north side of big pass at high tide, but if that's not an option, I'd take the ICW down to Venice and go out that way

[@JohnSmith-qi9qs]

@@CaptKenO Thank you. We’ll be up there this fall.

[@timmorin69]

Did that boat really have no front windows???? Or were they covered with white coverings? I know the boat is operated on the fly bridge up top but it still looks REALLY weird to me with no front windows.

[@HammondOfTexas0]

That's a Viking for you. I don't care for the look. Can't say I've ever seen one with a front window, guessing that's not an option.

[@CaptKenO]

I agree. It looks kinda weird with a solid front. I'm sure there's a reason for it, but I don't know what that reason is 🤷

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

Those are some nice aluminum or stainless steel tow components. I think I'm going to start making some with quick disconnect so they can be removed from the vessel. Anyway I could come get some pictures and dimensions ?😊😊

[@CaptKenO]

I'm not sure what parts you're referring to...

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

@@CaptKenO the tow pole .

[@CaptKenO]

@danielsplayhouse3804 ah ok. Not sure how you'd make that ridged enough to be useful if it's got quick connects though...you'd be surprised in the dynamic loading forces when towing any size boat in anything other than calm seas

[@Bonedock8228]

You should have a protective screen behind you That towline snaps it’s going to hurt you

[@CaptKenO]

Thank you for your concern bonedock, but I'm not worried. First, that line will never break. It's working load is far above what we're able to generate with these boats. Second, let's just say something else broke, that line is designed to have very little snap back, so it would fall in the water long before it reached me

[@warren6172]

Cat or V hull in 5ft 7sec seas and a 100mi run out to the tuna?

[@CaptKenO]

Cat all day. So much better for chop and more stable

[@catatau1997]

Do you have a video on your prokat?

[@CaptKenO]

What sort of video?

[@SuperJlonergan]

hate when they dont assist with steering...

[@CaptKenO]

They did assist with steering

[@captleo9788]

Why did they need a tow? double engine failure? It looked like at least the port engine was running when you pulled up or just the genset.

[@JohnSmith-qi9qs]

I had the same question. Both engines quit but the generator is still running. What’s up with that?

[@CaptKenO]

Didn't ask, didn't really care... I believe I heard something about an engine issue and he had a buddy driving a $7k part up from Miami...

[@GAM1647]

The only thing I can think of is maybe he lost throttle control.

[@CaptKenO]

It must've been something catastrophic related to both engines, so maybe 🤷