9 Essential Accessories For Towing A Dinghy Behind Your Sailboat

Imagine cruising down the coast under a perfect breeze, only to glance back and see your dinghy swamped, flipping, or worse, completely gone because of a weak link in your tow setup. Towing a tender behind a sailboat seems simple until wave action, wind, and wake conspire to turn your utility boat into an anchor. Equipping your setup with the right specialized accessories ensures your dinghy behaves perfectly in your wake, keeping your weekend cruise stress-free.

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Key Rules for Safe Dinghy Towing Behind a Sailboat

Towing a dinghy is a convenience that can quickly turn into a maritime headache if basic physics are ignored. The primary rule of towing is to keep the tender on the backside of the sailboat’s second wake crest, which keeps it riding smoothly instead of surfing dangerously down waves. This sweet spot varies based on your cruising speed, meaning your tow line must be easily adjustable from the cockpit to match changing conditions.

Never tow a dinghy with the outboard motor attached unless you are in calm, protected waters over a very short distance. The heavy engine shifts the center of gravity rearward, making the bow light and prone to flipping in a sudden gust of wind. Additionally, always secure a safety painter alongside your primary tow line, creating a backup connection in case the main line chafes through or snaps under load.

Tow Line – Samson Rope MFP Double Braided Nylon

A standard dock line will not cut it when dragging a heavy tender through open water; you need a dedicated tow line that floats and offers excellent shock absorption. The Samson Rope MFP Double Braided Nylon line is specifically designed to handle the dynamic loads of towing without sinking into your sailboat’s propeller during slow maneuvers. Because it floats, it stays clear of your running gear when you drop sail and back into a slip.

This rope features a high-strength nylon core that stretches slightly under load, cushioning the impact on both your sailboat’s cleats and the dinghy’s bow eye. The multi-filament polypropylene (MFP) cover provides excellent UV protection and resists rot, which is crucial for gear constantly exposed to saltwater and harsh sunlight. It is soft on the hands, makes knot-tying effortless, and retains its flexibility even after years of use.

• Diameter Options: Available in 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch sizes, ideal for tenders up to 12 feet.
• Stretch Capacity: High elasticity to absorb heavy wave shocks.
• Propeller Safety: High-visibility yellow or blue color options prevent accidental wraps.

This line is perfect for cruisers who regularly tow their tenders in semi-sheltered coastal waters and need a reliable, floating connection. It is not suitable for ultra-heavy commercial tenders or steel-hulled workboats that require non-stretch high-modulus lines.

Towing Bridle – Mantus Marine Dinghy Tow Bridle

Pulling a dinghy from a single point on your sailboat’s transom causes the tender to wander erratically across your wake, creating immense drag and instability. A towing bridle solves this by pulling from two points on your sailboat, centering the load and ensuring the dinghy tracks straight. The Mantus Marine Dinghy Tow Bridle provides the perfect Y-shaped geometry to stabilize your tender, even in messy following seas.

Constructed with rugged grade 316 stainless steel hardware and heavy-duty webbing, this bridle is built to survive constant saltwater exposure. It features an integrated float that keeps the heavy stainless steel carabiners and shackles from sinking near your stern when slack. The smart design allows for quick attachment to your sailboat’s stern cleats, distributing the strain evenly across your boat’s strongest structural points.

• Working Load Limit: Up to 1,500 lbs, making it highly secure for heavy inflatable tenders.
• Hardware: Corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel carabiners for fast clipping.
• Adjustability: Sliding center ring adjusts automatically to maintain even tension during sharp turns.

This bridle is an essential upgrade for any cruising sailor tired of their dinghy fishtailing or veering wide on turns. It is not necessary for those who only tow tiny, ultra-light plastic prams over short distances inside a protected marina basin.

Bow Eye – Sea-Dog Stainless Steel U-Bolt Bow Eye

The factory-installed D-rings on many inflatable dinghies are notorious for tearing out under the constant, jerking pressure of towing. Upgrading to a heavy-duty, through-bolted bow eye is the single best way to prevent your dinghy from breaking loose and drifting away. The Sea-Dog Stainless Steel U-Bolt Bow Eye provides an incredibly strong, structural attachment point that anchors directly into the dinghy’s fiberglass or aluminum hull.

Machined from investment cast 316 stainless steel, this U-bolt resists pitting and rust even when submerged for weeks at a time. It features a wide, flat backing plate that distributes the pulling force across a larger surface area of the transom or bow section, preventing fiberglass spider cracks. The threaded shafts are long enough to pass through thick fiberglass layups, guaranteeing a secure, permanent installation.

• Material: 316 Stainless Steel for maximum corrosion resistance.
• Included Hardware: Includes backing plate, hex nuts, and washers.
• Dimensions: 1/2-inch stock diameter with a 3-inch thread length.

This bow eye is a must-have for sailors who tow rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and want absolute peace of mind during long coastal passages. It is not compatible with soft-bottom roll-up inflatables that lack a solid wood, fiberglass, or aluminum bow section to bolt through.

Manual Bilge Pump – Beckson Thirsty-Mate Hand Pump

A sudden downpour or a few boarding seas can quickly fill a towed dinghy with hundreds of pounds of water, turning it into a heavy, swamped anchor that can strain your tow line to the breaking point. Before you step into your tender or haul it on deck, you need a fast, reliable way to clear that water without relying on batteries. The Beckson Thirsty-Mate Hand Pump is a marine-industry standard that clears gallons of water in seconds with minimal physical effort.

Unlike cheap knockoffs, this pump is made from shatterproof, self-priming grey polyvinyl chloride that does not corrode or seize up when exposed to salt crust and sand. It features a non-marring bumper sleeve that protects your dinghy’s tubes or gelcoat from scratches during frantic pumping sessions. The long, flexible discharge hose allows you to pump water over the gunwale of the dinghy while sitting safely in the center of the boat.

• Flow Rate: Pumps up to 10 gallons per minute (GPM) with steady strokes.
• Construction: Solvent-welded body with a synthetic plunger that won’t dry out.
• Hose Length: Includes a 36-inch flexible outlet hose for easy water diversion.

This hand pump belongs on every single dinghy, regardless of size, as a fundamental safety backup. It is not a replacement for a permanently installed electric bilge pump on large, console-style RIBs, but it remains an indispensable secondary defense.

Dinghy Cover – Taylor Made Inflatable Boat Cover

When towing, your dinghy is subjected to wind, rain, salt spray, and intense UV rays that can degrade fabrics and cause seams to unglue. A secure, well-fitted cover keeps the interior dry, prevents wind from catching the bow, and stops road or sea grime from coating your tubes. The Taylor Made Inflatable Boat Cover is tailored specifically to hug the unique contours of inflatable tenders, staying secure even at cruising speeds.

Constructed from Hot Shot marine-grade polyester, this cover is highly water-resistant while remaining breathable to prevent mold and mildew from forming underneath. It features a heavy-duty elastic cord sewn into the hem, combined with a robust web strap system that secures the cover tightly around the hull. This prevents the cover from ballooning up and acting like a sail when you are punching into a stiff breeze.

• Fabric: 6.25 oz. Hot Shot acrylic-coated polyester for UV and water resistance.
• Sizing Options: Fits inflatable boats from 7 feet, 6 inches up to 12 feet, 6 inches.
• Warranty: Backed by a multi-year fabric warranty against premature fading and tearing.

This cover is an exceptional investment for boaters who store their dinghy on the water or tow it frequently on sunny coastal cruises. It is not suitable for high-speed highway trailering unless you install additional custom tie-down straps to prevent high-velocity wind flap.

Navigation Light – Navisafe Navilight 360 Degree LED

Towing a dark dinghy behind your sailboat at night is a major safety hazard and a direct violation of maritime rules. Nearby boaters crossing your stern may not see the tow line or the towed vessel, leading to catastrophic collisions. The Navisafe Navilight 360 Degree LED provides a bright, USCG-approved light source that makes your towed tender visible from miles away, ensuring other captains give you a wide berth.

This compact light features an ultra-strong magnetic mounting system that allows you to secure it to your dinghy’s outboard cover, transom, or bow without drilling permanent holes. It is completely waterproof, floats face-up if dropped in the water, and runs for up to 24 hours on simple AAA batteries. The 360-degree light emission ensures complete visibility from every angle, satisfying international regulations for vessels under tow.

• Visibility: USCG approved for 2 nautical miles of visibility.
• Modes: Features 360-degree constant, flashing, cabin, and dimming modes.
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 rated, submersible up to 10 meters.

This light is a non-negotiable safety item for anyone who plans to sail past sunset or anchor in busy, active harbors. It is not necessary if you strictly limit your boating to clear daylight hours and always stow the dinghy before dusk.

Chafe Guard – Davis Instruments No-Chafe Gear Guard

The constant friction of a tow line rubbing against your sailboat’s chocks, cleats, or transom can wear through thick rope in a matter of hours. A snapped tow line means your dinghy is left adrift, often in rough seas where recovery is dangerous. The Davis Instruments No-Chafe Gear Guard wraps around your tow line to absorb this friction, preserving the structural integrity of your expensive rope.

Made from marine-grade, heavy-duty woven polyester, this guard resists UV breakdown and abrasive friction far better than makeshift plastic tubing or rags. It features a convenient hook-and-loop closure along its entire length, allowing you to install or remove it instantly without unreeving your knots. The inner surface is designed to grip the rope securely, ensuring the guard stays positioned exactly where the friction occurs.

• Installation: Quick-wrap hook-and-loop closure for fast deployment.
• Sizing: Fits dock and tow lines from 3/8-inch up to 1-inch in diameter.
• Material: Tough, marine-grade textile that does not absorb dirt or grit.

This chafe guard is perfect for cruisers who regularly tow their tenders in choppy open water where constant surging creates heavy line friction. It is not required for short, calm harbor hops where the tow line remains slack and free from contact with the boat’s edges.

Locking Shackle – Wichard Self-Locking Bow Shackle

Standard screw-pin shackles are highly prone to backing out due to the constant vibration and twisting of a tow line in a sailboat’s wake. If that pin vibrates loose, your dinghy will instantly part ways with your boat, often unnoticed until you arrive at your destination. The Wichard Self-Locking Bow Shackle solves this vulnerability with a patented locking pin that refuses to budge under vibration.

Forged from high-corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel, this shackle is engineered to handle massive working loads without deforming. The self-locking mechanism relies on small detents in the shackle body that click-lock the pin into place, requiring deliberate hand force to release. It eliminates the need for messy safety wire or zip ties, making it incredibly fast to connect and disconnect your tow bridle.

• Material: Forged 316L stainless steel for maximum tensile strength.
• Locking Style: Patented self-locking pin design that resists vibration.
• Load Limit: High working load limits stamped directly onto the shackle body.

This shackle is the ultimate choice for sailors who demand a failsafe, permanent connection point between their tow line and the dinghy’s bow eye. It is not necessary for casual boaters who use simple slip knots and dock line snaps for temporary, supervised towing.

Outboard Motor Lock – Fulton Outboard Motor Lock

Towing a dinghy makes it an easy target for thieves, especially when anchored in remote coves or tied to public dinghy docks. An expensive outboard motor can be unscrewed from a transom in under sixty seconds if left unprotected. The Fulton Outboard Motor Lock slips over the motor’s mounting clamp screws, preventing them from being turned and keeping your engine secure.

This lock is constructed from heavy-barrel, marine-grade brass and steel that resists cutting, prying, and the corrosive marine environment. It comes with a foam insert that reduces internal rattling while under tow, preventing annoying vibrations from echoing through your sailboat’s hull. The lock shroud completely covers the clamp handles, leaving no room for bolt cutters or crowbars to gain leverage.

• Material: Heavy-duty, weather-resistant brass cylinder with a steel body.
• Design: Foam lining inside the lock tube prevents rattle and corrosion.
• Compatibility: Fits most small outboards up to 40 horsepower with standard clamp screws.

This lock is a vital security accessory for coastal cruisers who leave their dinghy astern overnight or park it at public docks. It is not compatible with larger outboards that are bolted directly through the transom rather than secured with hand-clamp screws.

How to Properly Rig Your Dinghy for Heavy Weather

When the wind picks up and the seas begin to build, your standard towing routine must change immediately to prevent a disaster. The first step is to lengthen your tow line, positioning the dinghy several waves back so it rides on the slope of the same wave cycle as your sailboat. This extra distance acts as a massive shock absorber, preventing the dinghy from violently jerking your boat’s transom as it climbs and descends waves.

If the conditions threaten to flip the dinghy, you must take steps to add weight and stability. Remove the outboard motor entirely and lash it securely to the sailboat’s stern rail; a heavy motor on a towed dinghy in a gale is a recipe for a catastrophic capsize. If possible, add a small, heavy bucket drogue to the stern of the dinghy to act as a drag, which keeps the bow pointed straight and prevents the tender from yawing wildly or surfing down wave faces.

Ensure all gear inside the dinghy is either removed or lashed down tightly, as loose oars, fuel tanks, or life jackets will quickly wash overboard. Close any self-bailing valves if they allow water to enter when the boat is stationary, but ensure the manual bilge pump is secured and ready if you need to board the tender to clear water. Taking these precautions before the weather deteriorates protects both your tender and your primary vessel.

Essential Post-Tow Maintenance for Inflatable Boats

Saltwater, sun, and road grime are the sworn enemies of inflatable boat fabrics, whether they are made of Hypalon or PVC. After a long weekend of towing, salt crystals dry on the tubes and act like sandpaper, slowly grinding away at the seams and fabric coatings. The first step of post-tow care should always be a thorough fresh-water rinse to flush away salt crust, sand, and organic debris from the tubes, transom, and floorboards.

Pay close attention to the towing hardware, including the bow eye and the D-rings, where salt deposits like to hide and fester. Use a mild, marine-safe soap to clean off any exhaust soot or oil film that may have accumulated on the bow from your sailboat’s engine. Once dry, apply a dedicated UV-protective spray formulated for inflatable boats to shield the fabric from the sun’s drying and cracking effects.

Finally, check the air pressure in your tubes, as temperature fluctuations between the cool water and hot sun can cause dramatic pressure shifts. Under-inflated tubes flex excessively while under tow, putting immense strain on the glued seams and transom joints. Keeping the boat clean, protected, and properly inflated ensures that your trusty tender will endure years of towing adventures without failing when you need it most.

Towing your dinghy doesn’t have to be a high-stress gamble every time the wind kicks up. By rigging your setup with reliable, specialized towing gear and following smart weather protocols, you protect your investment and keep your focus on the joy of cruising. Invest in the right connections today so you can sail with confidence tomorrow.