Long distance towing

adamwalton · 15 May 2018, 08:19

Guys

I'm about to head to Lake Como from the UK next weekend, would you tow with full cover on, or just console and seat covers?
Boat is a 6.25m open.

Thanks
Adam

boristhebold · 15 May 2018, 08:28

If you have a full cover then yes a full cover, for a few minutes effort it will help to protect your rib from whatever the weather is plus small stones etc kicked up from the road plus and bird poo etc.

Last Tango · 15 May 2018, 08:45

I don't.
The cover always "flaps and billows" rubbing against the boat. Increases fuel consumption marginally, not a major issue but the biggest PIA is what to do with the cover at the other end once you take it off.

Jeff · 15 May 2018, 08:51

I don't either ,,,, towed to Greece via Ancona for 11 years now
IMHO they billow no matter how tight and good a fit are and as Last Tango says, cause drag and the strain will definitely find any weak spots in the cover . I do have a well fitted console / seat cover though to keep prying eyes off the electronics . PD may well be along with a different view though as he's well experienced in long haul [emoji106][emoji846]
Whatever you do, keep an eye on the tube pressures as you move to warmer climes [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

paulbrown22 · 15 May 2018, 11:22

I'm the same, don't tow anything other than very short distances with the full cover on - most aren't really designed to stand up to driving along at 60mph. I'd leave it at home, and just wash the boat when you get there!

Trevor G · 15 May 2018, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbrown22

I'm the same, don't tow anything other than very short distances with the full cover on - most aren't really designed to stand up to driving along at 60mph. I'd leave it at home, and just wash the boat when you get there!

I always tow without the cover fitted. I take a cheap / lightweight ducksback (ebay) cover to put on overnight to keep the boat less exposed to prying eyes, and keep it in the boat whist towing.

Budgie1 · 15 May 2018, 13:07

Never tow with cover on for all the reasons stated above

mick · 15 May 2018, 16:17

I’ve towed down there with cover on and off I prefer on and mine doesn’t flap as it fits properly

Pikey Dave · 15 May 2018, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff

I don't either ,,,, towed to Greece via Ancona for 11 years now
IMHO they billow no matter how tight and good a fit are and as Last Tango says, cause drag and the strain will definitely find any weak spots in the cover . I do have a well fitted console / seat cover though to keep prying eyes off the electronics . PD may well be along with a different view though as he's well experienced in long haul [emoji106][emoji846]
Whatever you do, keep an eye on the tube pressures as you move to warmer climes [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

I always tow without cover. I have a full cover & a console cover. I only take the console cover on “long hauls”

GuyC · 15 May 2018, 19:03

I tow with the cover.

It stops the ratchet straps from chafing on the tubes!

pow2gran · 15 May 2018, 19:53

Towed to Spain with the cover on as do my Ribquest friends. Withe the cover on you can put luggage in the boat. However if towing to Wales my preference would be the console cover. Long distance does take its toll on the straps.

I think in the end it is down to personal preference and the quality of your cover

jonp · 16 May 2018, 01:16

Some covers are designed to be able to high speed tow but most are not and will soon flap and damage. I tow my 550 pro up the coast each year on a 3000km each way trip without covers, this winter I may tow a little further to Darwin which is a 4 day drive 4700km ( each way ). My boat gets filled with light weight gear such as camping equipment and the heavy stuff goes in the back of my 4x4.

Poly · 16 May 2018, 08:31

Whichever way you do it make sure you are strapping the hull to the trailer directly not using straps over the top of the tubes/cover.

SteveHall · 16 May 2018, 09:25

I have never understood strapping over tubes? I cant see the logic?

The straps will rub on the tubes.
The tubes will go soft in colder climates, making them loose, and then rub more.
The tubes are soft, so under impact they will give, so the load isn't secure.

Jeff · 16 May 2018, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHall

I have never understood strapping over tubes? I cant see the logic?

The straps will rub on the tubes.
The tubes will go soft in colder climates, making them loose, and then rub more.
The tubes are soft, so under impact they will give, so the load isn't secure.

charliee · 16 May 2018, 15:23

I don't use a cover to tow and never put straps over tubes. Personally I'd be more worried about brakes and bearings. i would carry suitable tools and replacement bearings and a spare hub with bearing fitted. Happy towing!

GuyC · 16 May 2018, 22:02

Sorry - my reference to straps over the tubes was in jest as PD was the reply before me and I know how much he likes that way of tying RIB's down.

For info I use the a couple of ratchet straps from the lifting points, through the freeing ports at the back and down to the trailer.

Pikey Dave · 16 May 2018, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

Sorry - my reference to straps over the tubes was in jest as PD was the reply before me and I know how much he likes that way of tying RIB's down.

For info I use the a couple of ratchet straps from the lifting points, through the freeing ports at the back and down to the trailer.

I did see it, but didn’t bite[emoji6], I knew you wouldn’t do that✌️

Last Tango · 17 May 2018, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

Sorry - my reference to straps over the tubes was in jest as PD was the reply before me and I know how much he likes that way of tying RIB's down.

The best part of "baiting" is when it take a while for the penny to drop..

adamwalton · 17 May 2018, 08:39

Thanks all for the reply's.

The boat isn't a rib (sorry!) and the cover is tailor made for it, but I think the movement on it over the 800 miles will wreck it, to I will just go with the console and seat covers strapped down.

Now another question, Engine up in full locked out position, or midway with a chock and straps to stop bounce? its a 150hp 4 stroke for ref.

Thanks