Carver Owners Forum

I have a 2004 570, are the factory stern cleats strong enough to tow our 23' Regulator center console? Has anyone towed off these cleats? History or suggestions?

What's the weight of the towed vessel? Are you comfortable towing that weight should you encounter unfavorable wave or wind conditions which may strain the towing attachments even more? Consider the design purpose of the tie-down cleats and consult with your marina technicians.

^^^ Agree - I would be very concerned with the attachment detail of the cleats you would be tying off to. On both vessels.

Assuming your cleats are of the same massive size as on my 506, you should be fine. I have towed my RIB CC which is obviously much lighter using the "Towdster" bridle system at 15kts in 5ft swells. I can back up, spin around and move sideways into a dock with this system and not worry about tangling of lines.

Thank you for your comments. The Regulator is about 5k lbs. We are adding aluminum plates for extra support and hopefully that will provide added security to the cleats. Thanks again.

It's the shock loads you need to worry about if you plan on towing that on plane. I'd probably tow it at hull speed, that'll be safe. In smooth water it'll be fine on plane but in rough water I would be careful. Use your line as a fuse. 3/8" or 7/16" line maybe, don't use thick like that way your line breaks before damage to the boat is done. Also use tow rope that floats not to risk tangling in props...

Something like this maybe:

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?pa ... &id=912433