What should you do before towing a dinghy?

Before towing a dinghy, it is essential to remove loose gear and tilt or remove the outboard motor. This action is crucial for safety and practicality during the towing process. Loose gear can shift while underway, potentially causing stability issues or even damaging the dinghy or the towing vessel. Additionally, tilting or removing the outboard motor is important to prevent it from being submerged or damaged during towing, especially if the dinghy is going to be in rough or choppy waters. Keeping the dinghy as streamlined and low-profile as possible helps in maintaining control and reduces drag while being towed.

Other considerations, such as securing the dinghy with ropes, inspecting fuel levels, and checking flotation devices, are also important for overall safety. However, the specific act of clearing loose gear and ensuring the outboard is in an appropriate position directly addresses the immediate concerns of towing dynamics and the integrity of the equipment during transit.