Towing a tender behind your Ocean Alexander can be a practical way to transport your secondary vessel; however, it requires careful planning, proper equipment, and trained personnel. An improperly rigged or operated tow can place excessive loads on the yacht, damage the tender, and create significant safety hazards for both the vessel and crew.
The following guidelines are intended as general best practices. Always consult your insurance provider and comply with applicable local, state, federal, and international regulations before towing.
Selecting the Proper Tender #
Before towing, verify that the tender is appropriately sized for your yacht. As a general guideline, the tender should not exceed one-third (1/3) of the yacht’s overall length. Oversized tenders create additional drag, reduce fuel efficiency, affect ride quality, and increase loads on towing hardware.
Some insurance carriers also place restrictions on the size and weight of tenders that may be towed. Verify your policy requirements before operating.
Towing Hardware #
The towing system is only as strong as its weakest component.
Yacht Hardware #
- Inspect all stern bitts, cleats, and attachment points before each tow.
- Ensure hardware is properly through-bolted with adequate backing plates.
- Inspect all lines, shackles, thimbles, and fittings for wear, corrosion, or damage.
Tender Hardware #
The standard bow eye supplied on many tenders is typically intended for trailering or mooring—not continuous towing.
For offshore towing:
- Install a dedicated, reinforced towing eye.
- Ensure the attachment point is properly backed and secured to a substantial structural area.
- Whenever possible, provide a secondary backup attachment point that can be quickly connected if the primary tow fails.
Never rely on light-duty hardware for extended towing.
Tow Line Configuration #
A properly designed towing arrangement greatly reduces shock loads and improves handling.
A typical offshore arrangement includes:
- A nylon V-bridle attached to the yacht’s stern cleats or towing bitts to absorb shock loading.
- A central towing ring positioned approximately 50–75 feet aft of the yacht.
- A 150–200 foot tow line constructed of high-strength, low-stretch rope such as Dyneema® or Spectra®.
- A shorter tender pendant connected with a quick-release shackle.
Ideally, the tow length should position the tender on the backside of the third wave of the yacht’s wake. Adjust tow length as sea conditions change.
Tender Preparation #
Before getting underway:
- Raise the outboard engine or sterndrive whenever recommended by the manufacturer.
- Verify drain plugs are installed (or removed if appropriate for the tender design).
- Secure all loose equipment.
- Confirm navigation lights are operational.
- Verify bilge pumps are functioning and batteries are fully charged.
For rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), towing with the engine raised generally improves tracking and reduces unnecessary drag.
Underway #
Accelerate gradually to avoid shock-loading the tow line.
Determine the speed characteristics of both vessels and remain within displacement speeds whenever practical.
As a general recommendation:
- Cruise between 6–8 knots while towing.
- Reduce speed to 2–3 knots when entering marinas, congested waterways, or rough sea conditions.
- Frequently monitor the tender for yawing, surfing, or excessive movement.
Continuously inspect the tow line for proper tension and ensure it remains clear of propellers.
Lighting and Regulatory Requirements #
When towing, your vessel may be subject to additional navigation rules.
Depending on the length of the tow and your operating area, special:
- Navigation lights
- Day shapes
- Sound signals
- Towing configurations
may be required under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) or applicable local regulations.
Always ensure both the yacht and tender display the required lighting and markings before operating at night or in restricted visibility.
Safety Considerations #
Towing always involves inherent risks.
Crew should:
- Never enter the water to retrieve or reconnect a tow.
- Keep clear of loaded tow lines, as they store significant energy under tension.
- Be familiar with emergency tow-release procedures.
- Carry an accessible emergency cutting tool capable of severing the tow line if necessary.
For extended offshore passages, consider providing the tender with an independent power source for navigation lights, such as a dedicated battery or solar charging system.
Crew Training #
Every crewmember involved in towing operations should be trained in:
- Rigging and inspecting the towing system.
- Deploying and recovering the tender.
- Emergency release procedures.
- Communications between the yacht and tender.
- Safe operation in changing weather and sea conditions.
Proper training significantly reduces the risk of equipment damage and personal injury.
Licensing and Legal Requirements #
Operators should verify that they possess any licenses or towing endorsements required by the jurisdiction in which the vessel is operating. Licensing, towing regulations, and equipment requirements vary by country and local authority.
Important: These recommendations are intended as general guidance only. Ocean Alexander strongly recommends following the tender manufacturer’s instructions, complying with all applicable maritime regulations, and using sound seamanship when towing any vessel.
Contact our Service Department today
(954.530.2033)
To learn how we can help ensure safe and peak performance for your vessel.
East Coast Yacht Group
2955 West State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
