On Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:26:30 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

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.

I think your biggest risk is getting caught in large seas,
particularly large following seas. The thought of having a 15 1/2 ft
runabout launched off the top of a wave into the cockpit or into the
stern is not a pretty picture. There is also a big risk of having the
runabout capsize in heavy seas. I had a small rowing dinghy capsize
while I was towing it many years ago, and the seas were no more than 3
to 4 feet. THe dinghy started surfing down a wave, buried its nose a
bit, broached, and over it went. It was a lot of work recovering it,
and I'd guess impossible with a larger boat.

Short distances on protected water should be fine if you are careful.
I saw a 50 or 60 something motor yacht towing a 24 ft Grady-White up
Pine Island Sound last winter. It looked like it would make for a
rather nice dinghy.