Ed,

Sound scarry. We usually use a 12' Portabote folding dingy...though we
usually stow it onboard when at sea, without folding it. We just have this
boat hanging around home and have begun thinking it sure would be nice to
have a larger and faster boat around for exploring. It could just be a real
big pain I guess. I have been pretty concerned about how safe it could be
to tow at sea...though another sailor I know in the Keys suggested it would
work.

Glenn.
s/v Seawing
www.seawing.net

"Ed" wrote in message
news
The Seas in that area can be nasty. I know a captain of a large sport
fish who took a wave while cruising from KW to the yucatan. Sunk the
boat in 30 seconds after it broke through the house. I suggest a
large inflatable that can be deinflated and put in the bow for the long
runs and towed for the short hauls.



Jonathan Ganz wrote:

In article aYwBf.441166$ki.372111@pd7tw2no,
John Glynn wrote:

Okay...so I have a crazy question for y'all. Please be patient with
me...just want some of your experience/wisdom.

I have been using a 12' Portabote for my dingy & thought it's not
perfect, I
like it. I just had an idea. I have an older 15.5' family 'speed-boat'
of
'70's vintage. It has a 70HP outboard, convertable top etc.

We are considering sailing from the Florida Keys towards Mexico and then
cruising south to Guattemalla. Had the idea of (in addition to the
Portabote) towing the 15.5' boat along. I thought that it would be
great to
load my wife and kids into a larger faster boat to be able to explore
further afield from our chosen anchorage. No, I am not one of the folks
that roars through anchorages rocking everyone's home...done my share of
screaming at those (given up on that now). Just thinking it would be
sure
handy.

It will significantly slow us down our 41' Gulfstar , I know. I thought
I
would put the convertible top on it to prevent the collection of
rainwater
and install a couple large bilge-pumps and solar-panel to keep batter
topped
up.

Please forward your honest comments and experiences...no flames please.

Thanks! :-)

Glenn.
s/v Seawing
www.seawing.net


Towing anything for any significant amount of time is not
recommended.