Towing a biscuit on fc500

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    Posted: 14 Nov 2019 at 3:26pm
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Hey, Not so much a fishing question but I recently purchased an fc500 and want to be able to tow the kids around this summer on an inflatable.

My question is...would it be ok to fix a single fixing point on one side of the outboard or would I need one each side for stability reasons?
I'm thinking of fixing a stainless eyelet bolted through the transom. With a large square washer each side I'm hoping this will be strong enough or should I look at getting something welded? The transom is about 90mm thick, presuming foam filled and 3mm aluminium.
 
Any advice greatly appreciated.
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote MATTOO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 2019 at 4:25pm
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Don't do it.

You'll only be doing it in a place that pisses people off.

But if you have to.

Towing from a single supported post that clears the motor and is centrally located across the beam of the hull is the best handling formula for the boat.

Or two cleats, what multipurpose does an eye bolt have.
Two cleats on gunwales on stern.

Use a triangular link with central sliding tow point behind the motor. Not sure I got that description right.
Someone will pick me up on that.

Otherwise don't do it, it's dangerous, annnoying and probably too much fun.
Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote The Tamure Kid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 2019 at 4:29pm
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Joker on the forum used to have a 500 until he upgraded to the current Joker (560cc).
He may have some advice. 

Or I'd call Fish City and ask - Russell at the Albany site owns the 430cc which is essentially the same hull and stern as the old 500, and knows everything about what's possible/sensible or not re loadings etc.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Clifftastic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 2019 at 4:29pm
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 2019 at 6:20pm
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My FC500 had 2 small horizontal handles on each side of the transom that would be ideal for attaching the Burnsco bridle rig mentioned previously.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Snotrag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 2019 at 6:25pm
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Cool, thanks guys. Joker.. Mine just has that handle on one side, so I'll just need a fixing point on the other side. You think a bolt through the transom would be OK for that? 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Phantom Menace Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2019 at 9:54am
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I disagree with Mattoo - do it.

It's loads of fun for the kids and can be done safely and considerately.  

It sounds like the towing bridle would be best for you.

Location wise: look for High Speed Access Lanes (aka Ski Lanes).  These allow for higher speed access to the shore and are marked with poles on shore and buoys.  Everywhere else respect 5 knot rules.

Biscuits: the basic round ones are OK but also easy to flip your passenger off.  Check out some of the slightly bigger, flat ones - they can add more fun to the kids time.  (but also check out the HP required - some need a bit if grunt).


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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Bigfishbob Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2019 at 10:52am
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Do it, but put fixing points on both sides and connect to tow rope via a yoke. That will stop the boat being pulled sideways.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (1) Likes(1)   Quote Fishinmad1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2019 at 3:24pm
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I’ve got an FC465 and I tow the kids around in a single biscuit heaps, I’ve even named the boat biscuit tin. I’ve just bolted two cleats one on each side on the rear gunnels. Just make sure your bridle rope has heaps of length. I use non stretch climbing rope.
I can get up to 20Knts with my 40 hp four stoke, when I slingshot them they’ll go twice as fast. Just make sure any passengers are well fwd to keep the bow down when you first start of. The four stoke is a bit slow out of the hole but once you’re up and going it’s all good fun. I even get towed by it and I’m 100kg.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Big -Dave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2019 at 7:07pm
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It's great fun for the kids.
Just watch your speed, and don't get distracted if you are driving.
I found if I stay in an area too small, wakes overlap and create rogue waves, and it's when the biscuit hits those, particularly if they are going sideways, is when the injuries happen..and not even at high speed..
I usually tow 2, and the kids have become very good at recovering from potential wipeouts. .one kid can barrel roll a small donut style biscuit..
you can't fix an idiot with duct tape, but it does muffle them for a while...
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote OuttaHere Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2019 at 8:09pm
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We used to hoon around Taupo heaps with a bridle setup pulling a biscuit out the back of my old man's little Ramco. Loads of fun. Just be aware that the bridle is there, don't reverse while it's deployed!

If you can't find somewhere good to attach it, consider (as mentioned by basically everyone already) getting a cleat put on each corner. Useful for a variety of things anyway.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Sufishent Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Nov 2019 at 8:32am
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Have absolutely no idea on the biscuiting thing - but if you plan on putting a stainless eye bolt onto your aluminium transom make sure you have an insulating washer/barrier between the two metals.
You can never have enough fishing tackle
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Snotrag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Nov 2019 at 6:03pm
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Thanks for all the input guys . All taken on board, thanks for the heads up on something to seperate the ss from the aluminium, I didn't think of that.

Will be towing the biscuit in doubtless Bay so loads of room to get out of everyone's way. 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote FizFisho Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2019 at 5:02pm
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Thought bridle to cleats would have been the first  answer. Best instatllation is the ally frame above engine with proper tow hook welded on top, you can have some rod holders mounted to it.

Just keep in mind you have to have 2 passengers in the boat at all times one facing the shark tim tam.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Big -Dave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2019 at 8:23pm
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The higher the towing rope is attached to the boat, the better the towed thingy will behave.
you can't fix an idiot with duct tape, but it does muffle them for a while...
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote MaryLou Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2025 at 3:17pm
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We had an issue with towing a biscuit. Once the child fell off the bisvuit bogged down and nearly tipped the boat over. We were looking at the water. Very scared we were.
Why did this happen
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Originally posted by MaryLou MaryLou wrote:

We had an issue with towing a biscuit. Once the child fell off the bisvuit bogged down and nearly tipped the boat over. We were looking at the water. Very scared we were.
Why did this happen

I am guessing it is because you're an AI generated bot (is there even such a thing Smudge?). Hey, I may be wrong but my apologies if I am. Ohhhh wait a sec, I'm not wrong. Big smile
Best gurnard fisherman in my street
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