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Recommendation for tow bracket install?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Pascal, Jan 28, 2026.

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  1. Pascal, Jan 28, 2026
    #1
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Any recommendation for someone to fabricate and install a tow bracket for a 35’ CC and to make a tow line ?

    Miami or north of the border in Fort liquordale
  2. ychtcptn, Jan 29, 2026 at 8:09 AM
    #2
    ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

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    Broward Machine for the bracket

    Jack @ tender tow 954-232-0424, Jack used to be at Rope inc. and has made more tow lines than anyone else.

    BTW- Sailorman usually has several for sale.
  3. YachtForums, Jan 29, 2026 at 10:06 AM
    #3
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    Under no circumstances would I use or suggest Broward Machine. This guy threatened me with assault after he was banned from YF for repeatedly spamming the forum.
  4. Capt J, Jan 29, 2026 at 10:23 AM
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    YRM, they do good work.
  5. ychtcptn, Jan 29, 2026 at 10:49 AM
    #5
    ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

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    Also, check with your manufacturer, they might already have one available, I know Boston Whaler does for their boats.

    Sorry to hear that about BM!
  6. gcsi, Jan 29, 2026 at 1:43 PM
    #6
    gcsi

    gcsi Senior Member

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    Pascal: I know you’ve probably already considered many of these issues, however, I’d like to share my experience…

    We have a 32’ Intrepid and went to considerable expense in setting up a proper tow rig. After two crossings (northern and central Bahamas) we concluded it’s much easier to just send the Intrepid on its own bottom. Even when inter-island cruising, we still send Intrepid on own bottom. A few of the factors that helped us make our decision:

    - Regardless of rig, set-up, boats etc…, you will spend an inordinate amount of time worried about the tow.
    - Many insurance carriers get apoplectic when you mention this scenario. Would be worth digging into coverage of both vessels with respect to towing.
    - The smaller boat can cover a lot of water in a 12 hr day. Even if weather delayed at departure, it’s easy to still make a schedule at destination.
    - The woods are full of capable, enthusiastic people to run the Intrepid.
    - More often than not, if person bringing over small boat from Fl. was not a crew member, it’s possible to have them on following days flight back to states.
    - Heard many credible “stories” of properly outfitted tows stuffing a bow, see first bullet point.

    Brett
  7. Dj239, Jan 29, 2026 at 4:47 PM
    #7
    Dj239

    Dj239 Member

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    Contact a naval architect
  8. Dj239, Jan 29, 2026 at 4:54 PM
    #8
    Dj239

    Dj239 Member

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    Murray and associates out of Lauderdale would be a good choice. Work directly with whom you choose to contract and the rest will follow
  9. Capt Ralph, Jan 29, 2026 at 5:40 PM
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    After towing my 17 Mako to the bottom and back this last spring,, Never again.
    I'll have my son drag it down there on its trailer, stage or meet us somewhere.

    If I ever make it back to the Bahamas (very unlikely), if needed, I'll borrow or rent a lil boat down there.
  10. ychtcptn, Jan 30, 2026 at 8:14 AM
    #10
    ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

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    Pascal- No need for an NA, this is not rocket science, but still has to be done right.

    I have now done 1/2 dozen boats with tow eyes, some from factory, some from Broward Machine and several from other shops.

    Make and model of boat would help, but I am sure your boat has been done before. Placement will hinge on access to the inside.

    Yes, towing can be a pain in the ass, for short trips we just run the boat, but anything over an hour or so we tow.
  11. Dj239, Jan 30, 2026 at 10:19 AM
    #11
    Dj239

    Dj239 Member

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    So I guess having proper load calculations to determine if any additional reinforcements are required for towing is not a concern
  12. Pascal, Jan 30, 2026 at 11:45 AM
    #12
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    The boat will be a whaler, 350 outrage. Many of them have been equipped for towing so I really don’t see the need for advanced calculations.

    for most short hops / relocations in the Exumas I m pretty sure we won’t be towing. Owners and guests will be off the boat exploring while we move.

    for crossings to the Exumas and hitch we usually do at hull speed, towing has benefits compared to running the CC on its own bottom.

    I plan on having multiple sensors and electronic safeties incl AIS, remote high water sensors, cameras etc. With Starlink Mini down to $199 for the dish and $165 a month unlimited, it s a no brainer.
  13. Dj239, Jan 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM
    #13
    Dj239

    Dj239 Member

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    It also would be prudent to insure the whaler is equipped with the factory towing option as there is a difference between it and the standard model
  14. d_meister, Jan 30, 2026 at 12:07 PM
    #14
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    It is a concern. Simply pulling on the stem area is causing the hull sides to be forced inward to straighten and narrow along the length of the boat.
    My first exposure to towing large toys was the story my mate told me about having to get aboard a tow in stormy conditions and then drive it the rest of the way to Puerto Rico, so be sure to stow emergency water and rations aboard the tow. Next was towing a 25' CC all up and down from Key Largo to Connecticut and back, one and a half times before the owner shipped it back. Slow learner. Finally, the owner lost the thing when the tow parted in rough conditions coming back from the Bahamas. He was operating short-handed, just him and his new girlfriend. Although she was actually more capable than he was, they couldn't retrieve the tow. The keys were in it, so someone may have had a windfall!
    The next experience on another yacht was towing a 32' CC from Costa Rica to Panama.
    Lessons learned: It's rarely possible to cross over from the yacht to the towed vessel, as it doesn't take much wave action to make it dangerous to people and damage both boats.
    Have the tow line connect to a short pennant that stays on the tow. Reaching under the flare to disconnect the tow line when reaching port can cause serious injury. Make sure there's a bungee or retrieval line on the pennant tow eye end.
    Be sure there's good battery power and solar charging on the tow, as there will be a lot of bilge pump activity.
    Install light activated switching for running/tow lights, as crossing over to the tow to turn them on could be difficult/impossible. Remember to turn them off at the dock.
    Inspect tow gear often and replace it when it's pulled tight enough to stand up in the corner.
    There's probably more lessons, but the trauma is coming back....
  15. ychtcptn, Jan 30, 2026 at 12:56 PM
    #15
    ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

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    As mentioned, BW has their own, If I remember correctly it is actually made by BM, or at least they were.