Towing a boat behind a houseboat
 

We're doing a houseboat trip shortly and I'm going to tow my 38' Formula behind and was wondering how long of a line. I'm thinking 75' tow line attached to a 20' double loop stern.....or 100'? This tow bridle from Top Knot looks good HERE. I'm also towing two waverunners behind the 38 so I was going to do a 25' foot version behind the Formula to the first wave runner then another 25' tow line between the two waverunners. Does this sound reasonable? Too long.....too short?

My biggest concern is when stopping to land the houseboat and organizing this long train. Maybe stop out a bit from shore......pull the Formula line close and toss off a box anchor.....then land the houseboat, then swim out to the Formula and waverunners?

I would put the Formula in a "hip tow" a little ways out from where you are landing. Have some friends get on the waverunners and either use them to help position the houseboat and placing anchors. or just stay out of the way til you get the big boat secure.

Thanks JnT. Hip tow? Can you explain?

When you get close to your destination tie the Formula to the side of the houseboat . If I am beaching my houseboat I keep the Apache on the port or stbd quarter.If the stern of the Apache hangs off the houseboat transom a few feet its no big deal. Houseboat will handle more sluggish but that's where you can use the waverunners as bow or stern thrusters if you need them, Ideally in calm water with good fenders.

Thanks....that's what I thought you meant. :D

tow
 

Your going to have a snake trail behind you. The formula will want to bow steer and swim w/ the current produced by the h/b and the skis even more so.
I'd tie a separate line from the bow eye of the formula to the outside corners of the h/b. -a bridle-that way it can't bow steer itself, maybe 40'-50' aft of the h/b.-put the drives up
do the same w/the first ski behind formula and have the 2nd ski on a short tow behind the other, or lash them side by side with a bridle behind formula connetted to the tow eyes.
And have plenty of hands at the ready if tou have manuver quickly..
When you get ready to pull up for the day, cut the tow loose and have someone fire up the formula. Like JNT suggested.
Good luck
post some pics - it out to be a sight :)

Yes.....I'm ordering the 3-point bridle betwen houseboat and Formula (3/4") and one for Formula to first WaveRunner (5/8")

Nort, check on the tow speed for the wave runners. On mine there was a max tow speed or procedures to do if towing faster than idle.

Sounds fun, have a good time. Sounds as you bought a second wave runner to fill your trailer!!!

Thanks......I'm checking now. Great info! I found this here.

http://forums.iboats.com/pwc-jetskis...er-424600.html

Just jump the jetskis onto the back of the houseboat. Use the Formula to create the ramp-wake. Hold my beer; I got this. :drink: