I always wondered if my 2.6m RIB with 2hp Yamaha could tow our boat, a Martzcraft 35 if we had total engine loss. Since recently that happened while I was fixing the engine and testing it. ie we could sail back to McCarrs Creek then use RIB to maneuver boat around the moorings back to our home mooring. Tuesday last was such a great day on the water (Pittwater) we decided to try it.

In case anyone needs to do that or similar, it can be done. I rafted up the RIB alongside the Martzcraft. After about 5 minutes of building up speed and we got a steady 1.5 - 2 kts, even without thrashing the outboard. There was a light chop and 5 kt head wind and boats hull was clean. I imagine if the water was like glass we could have got 3 kts even. Of course 5 minutes to get up to speed also means 5 minutes to stop so care is required!
Has any one else tried the same thing?

Hey trek
Good effort with a 2hp glad it worked
We did the same thing when my exhaust elbow shattered in to pieces
My boat is 48ft and 15t
Sailed close to the mooring field
Then tied the rib along side back quater with a15hp johnson
Pushed the boat no problem at 3 knots into 10knot head wind at about half throttle had plenty of steering too
It's good to know it can be done and we're able to get ourself out of trouble if needed

I've seen a few trying to tow a yacht from in front with a dingy and failing miserably. Rafted up or pushing from astern is the way to go

Coming into Bait Reef, off the Whitsundays, perfect glassout conditions and the motor stops dead. So pop the dinghy in with the 3.3 onm the back and I push the 4000kg cat along from behind. About 2-3 knots and onto the mooring. Fixed the main motor and then went snorkelling.

Cheers

Phil