Explain how would you prepare a 150' yacht to be towed.?

Question

Hello all, can someone explain how would you get a 150 feet yacht ready to be towed? Suppose a situation in which you are at sea and for some reason the engine is not working and we need a tow to get to some port or anchorage. Please explain what kind of line (material, diameter and lenght) would you use as a towing line, and how would you set the line up in your bow.

Thanks.

Answer 1

If you needed to be towed I would:

lock the propeller shafts to keep them from spinning (many marine gears would be ruined when the shaft spins and there is no oil supplied to the bearings and gears)

Set the rudders to dead ahead

Rig a towing bridle at the bow as needed. many vessels do not have a center cleat or bitt and require a bridle from the port and starboard bow cleats so the boat is pulled from the center.

If this is a professional tow the tow boat will have enough line of the correct size to make the tow. If you are trying this yourself you would need enough line of the correct size to make the tow. When attempting a stern tow you have to pay out enough line so the the tow line has a dip in it as you tow (called catenary) and the vessel in tow is far enough back to ride on the back side of any wake and allow the tow boat to operate safely. When you get into sheltered waters you would then take the vessel on a side tow. You need to have enough fenders to prevent damage to the hulls of both vessels, and at the very least a stern line, a bow line and 2 spring lines that prevent the boats from moving relative to each other when maneuvering and then docking lines.

Answer 2

The towing vessel> tug>They Should have the line to tow you with>21/2 " at least>200' long>Should do it> Best to call a towing company for what they would want to use>>

Edit> A Ship that size will have to have a ship to tow it> No private yacht would attempt as there hardware is not equipped>For such pressure>And Insurance wouldn't allow it>And the owner of the yacht wouldn't damage his yacht>

So make up and answer>Like I said a towing company would be  the only 1 with experience to try this adventure> With the correct equipment>Any other yacht would only render assent for  crew & passengers>Till the Tow company arrived>