Bow Tow Eye (Option); Towing A Disabled Boat - Boston Whaler Montauk 190 Owner's Manual

Bow Tow Eye (Option)

WARNING
!
PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD
Towing or being towed stresses the boat(s).
hardware and lines. Failure of any part can
seriously injure people or damage the boat(s).
DO NOT stand directly in line with the tow line.
If it were to break, it would "snap Back" causing
injury or damage to everything in its path.
The optional bow tow eye which is located on the
hull, extreme front of the boat, is reinforced with a
stainless steel backing plate located in the anchor
locker.
In the event that it becomes necessary for you to
have your boat towed, the U.S. Coast Guard or a
private salvage company experienced in this type
of operation are better equipped to perform the
service.
Use another recreational boat only as a last resort.
Doing so may cause damage to one or both boats due
to operator inexperience or other conditions such as
weather and/or current.
In addition, the pitch of most propellers on average
recreational vessels is geared toward maximizing the
speed of the vessel, not torque, thus making towing
inefficient and stressful on the engine
CAUTION
!
NEVER use the tow eye to remove your boat or
another vessel which has run aground or for any
other usage that would apply similar extreme
forces to your boat.
Bow Tow Eye (Option)
Fig. 2.19.1
190 Montauk
Section 2 • General Information
BOW TOW EYE

Towing a disabled boat:

If possible, create a bridle with a line around the
hull or superstructure or use spring lines to secure
the towed vessel to the towing vessel (See below).
Either of these methods will distribute the load over
a wide area. Be sure to use fenders or other chafe
protection at the pressure points.
Methods of Towing
Fig. 2.19.2
BRIDLE
SPRINGS
If using the bow eye to tow is the only option:
• Use double-braided or braid-on-braid
line. NEVER use three-stranded twisted
nylon; it has too much elasticity, can
break and "snap back" causing severe injury
or damage.
• Attach the tow line to the bow tow eye only.
DO NOT attach the tow line to a cleat or
deck rail.
• Have towing vessel move slowly to prevent
strain on a slack line.
• Keep someone at the helm of the towed
vessel to steer.
• Keep lines clear of propellers on both
boats.
• Keep hands and feet clear of the other boat.
• NEVER hold a towline after it is pulled taut.
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