One of the best boat types that a lover of the water can own is a pontoon boat. Tubing behind a boat of this type has a lot of benefits, and it’s simple to do. To help you out with ensuring a safe and fun trip for everyone, here’s how to tow a tube with a pontoon boat, in 7 simple steps. Please keep reading.
Is It Legal To Tube Behind A Pontoon Boat
Most states allow tubes to be pulled behind most boats, but some have different rules depending on the circumstance. Many states demand that someone always keep watch over the tubers from the boat.
Despite the fact that some states may not require this, it’s still important that those on board are paying attention to where the tube is going and aren’t just enjoying their own ride.
How To Tube With A Pontoon Boat
Get The Essential Numbers
Knowing the force that needs to be towed is necessary to obtain the correct specifications for the tow rope and harness configuration. Then, to reduce any risks, a safety factor should be added. The fundamental numbers are as follows:
- The max number of tube riders
- The weight capacity for the tube
- The motor power of the pontoon boat
- The number and the average weight of pontoon passengers
To give you an idea of what these figures might equal, consider towing a single 170-lbs. rider requires a rope of tensile strength of 1500 lbs. while towing 5 riders with an average collected weight of 850 lbs. needs a rope of tensile strength of 6100 lbs.
The 5-rider tube would be towed slowly down the river by a pontoon boat with a medium-powered motor and about 5 passengers. A tube rider could be lifted off the water in an incredibly quick cruise by another pontoon with a stronger motor and only a couple of passengers.
Choose A Suitable Tube
Usage and Intent
- Select a tube with a design that is appropriate for the intended use. The best option for a group of teens might not be a tube that’s suitable for young children (see our article for examples).
- You could choose a straightforward donut-shaped tube. Alternately, you can order a complex design. Deck tubes are another well-liked option because they enable the riders to really be lifted up by the waves.
- Other cutting-edge tube designs abound. Whichever one you choose, it will likely have an impact on the specifications for the harnessing and towing rope.
Pontoon Boat Space Limitations
- It won’t always be deflated in the tube. It will take up a lot of room once it is filled with air. Choose a smaller tube if a larger one would make your boat uncomfortable.
- Keep in mind that this would have an impact on the maximum weight that could be towed and all subsequent requirements for the rope and harness.
Max Number of Tubers Allowed and Weight Capacity
- The number of handles on the tube suggests the number of riders. The weight capacity indicates the potential number of riders.
- Some people completely fill the weight capacity with thin riders. But even if the weight permits it, don’t add more riders than what is specified. Each rider has a handle to help keep things secure because of the space allocations.
Pick The Right Rope
The technical aspects of the towing rope (check out this one on Amazon), as we mentioned in the previous section, will depend on how the tube is designed. The appropriate kind of rope will also depend on whether the tube will be used for speeding or casual cruising.
Some towing ropes are as elastic as bungee ropes, but sometimes a little more give or elasticity is required. The more elastic the surface, the more whip the riders will feel.
The water sports standards advise using a rope between 50 and 65 feet in length to tow the tube. The water from the boat wake will splash on the riders’ faces if the length is too short. Longer ropes make it more difficult to maneuver and control the tube.
Use only those that are intended for this particular sport. Between different water sports, there are significant differences in weight capacity and dynamics. Also, check to see if the rope is frayed and if there are any knots along its length.
Pick The Right Harness
Pontoon boats are comparative newcomers to the world of towing aquatic sporting equipment. They don’t all have the required power or the appropriate attachments for the job, which is why. The tow bar, eyes, grommets, or cleats are available alternatives.
Ski tow bars are your best choice. On the body of the boat, this ensures the best load distribution. The towing rope can be kept steady and hanging above the water by the fact that it is sturdy enough to do so.
A typical ski tow bar, however, is designed to tow a single water skier, which is entirely different from towing a tube. Verify the tube rating of your tow bar.
Tie The Knot
Just as crucial as picking the right kind of rope and attaching it in the right place is how the rope is tied.
Both an engineering achievement and an artistic endeavor, nautical knots. Never tie knots anywhere along the length of the towing rope. At the two-point attachment and tie-down point with the tube, as well as the towing bar, sturdy knots are placed.
A second knot would not be required because some tubes already have quick-connect clips or carabiners.
Make Sure Everything Is Safe
The time it takes to make sure everyone on board is safe, however, can mean the difference between a pleasant family outing and a catastrophe.
Following are some safety reminders:
- Keep a first aid kit that includes everything you need on board.
- Make sure floatation devices are worn by everyone who is tubing.
- Never go over the posted speed limit, especially when carrying children. (16-18 MPH is good enough).
- Watch out for the wake: don’t go too fast or turn too sharp.
- A clear and sunny day is expected; check the weather forecast.
- Always have a “spotter” on board who is responsible for keeping an eye out for any warning signs or potential mishaps.
- Make sure everyone is centered in their tubes and not leaning to one side or the other.
Start Tubing
The goal of this exercise is to achieve just that. A great time should be had by all, starting with you. Water sports are some of the most energizing and heart-pounding activities that one can engage in.
Conclusion
Knowing that you can go tubing with a pontoon boat and have an excellent time may satisfy you. Making sure you have enough power to pull your passengers, however, is what’s most important. Pulling a full load can be difficult for smaller motors; if necessary, hire a boat with an outboard motor or use multiple engines.
