tubing

[pat8839]

Hey guys I'm new to the boating scene-just purchased a Bayliner 195 and have a couple tubes that I want to take out. I was wondering if you guys inflate them after you are on the boat or load them up already inflated? They take up so much room once inflated and really get in the way. I know there are inflaters that connect to the D/C power adapter but didn't know if that would drain my battery (I've only got one battery).

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: tubing

I inflate mine before I go out and it's a huge 2 person (7.5ft x 10ft in size)

However, what I typically do is tie the rope off about 20 ft behind my boat and drag it out into the middle of the bay where we're tubing. (it does fine at cruising speeds, not WOT where it'll flip around)

When I'm done using it, I drag it back, tie it up in my slip and head back out in the boat for the afternoon.

I don't like the 12V pumps. Find they take way too long to inflate so I do it with a standard electrical air inflator on land, and drag it out.

Most people on our lake do the same thing.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: tubing

http://www.iboats.com/Sportsstuff-LPI-Double-Action-Hand-Pump/dm/*******.438828299--**********.951461844--view_id.40030

I take one of these with me....it really takes no time at all to pump up a pretty good sized tube.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: tubing

If I had an I/O, I'd absolutely use one of these http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...pdesc=Tubekeeper_set_2&aID=600G8&merchID=4006 (or rig up something similar)

 

[BTMCB]

Re: tubing

We take a re-chargeable portable 12v pump with us, takes just a few minutes to inflate the tube and even deflates it quickly. I just make sure that it is fully charged before we leave as I don't want to connect it to the boat battery but could if necessary. Once inflated and not being used, we bungy the tube off the port or starboard stern cleat and drag it (along the side) or put it over the transom wet locker seat and swim platform.

 

[John_S]

Re: tubing

If I had an I/O, I'd absolutely use one of these http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...pdesc=Tubekeeper_set_2&aID=600G8&merchID=4006 (or rig up something similar)

Thats what I use for a 2-person rampage type tube. I use a trailer ratchet strap across the back cleats, and a bungee on the front of the engine doghouse to hold the front down so air doesn't catch underneigth.

 

[pat8839]

Re: tubing

sweet thanks guys!

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: tubing

I do use the one that plugs into the 12v recepticle, and it handles it quickly and no battery issues. I have the big ole Sport Stuff Mach 3 3 man tube too.

 

[pat8839]

Re: tubing

I didn't think to mention that we go between wake boarding and tubing and don't have the ability to head back to a slip-both tubes won't fit in the truck.

 

[sewerrat]

Re: tubing

I use a 12V inflator and think it is one of the best things I ever bought for my boat. I have a huge 4 person tube and this thing can blow it up in 3-4 mins or so. I'm usually doing that while the kids are putting on their vests, tying their hair back, etc (I have girls). I also love the deflate feature. I don't have the slip option either and I hate a tube taking up space.
Plus, my kids tend to want to alternate between the 4 person and 2 individual tubes, so there is no way I could carry 3 inflated tubes.
Bottom line . .best $35 I ever spent.

 

[JimMH]

Re: tubing

In inflate after I reach the lake with a 12volt pump. It was part of the package with the boat and is very powerful. Only takes about 5 minutes to fill a Big Mable. When we are done I deflate and store in the storage box undr the sun Pad.

 

[pat8839]

Re: tubing

after reading all this it seems that inflate/deflate will be my way to go. When switch between tubes and wakeboards and having a pump onboard will be good to have.

 

[drrpm]

Re: tubing

I leave my tube inflated. Its a 48 in diameter and I tie it down in back on the sun pad or stuff it in the bow when not in use. A typical day on the water for me and my kids involves repeated switches between wakeboarding and tubing so inflating and deflating the tube would be a pain.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: tubing

Thats what I use for a 2-person rampage type tube. I use a trailer ratchet strap across the back cleats, and a bungee on the front of the engine doghouse to hold the front down so air doesn't catch underneigth.

I do the same. We kinda agree ahead of time what we the plan is for the day. if its smooth water, its wakeboarding first then tubing. if no wakeboarders are with us, then we cruise around and blow up the tube when the kids are ready. it only takes about 5 min with a 12v pump and we can deflate it just as fast. only thing is i do need a foot bellows pump to inflate the last little bit becuase the 12v doesnt put out enough pressure to get the tube tight enough.

 

[mjgates]

Re: tubing

If your worried about your battery, grab a jump box. I have this one and have never had any issues jumping anything I have run across, marine or otherwise. My marine mechanic uses the same one.

http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1/page_2298_130/jump_n_carry_kk_jnc660_battery_booster_jump_box.html

 

[Ernest T]

Re: tubing

I got one of the 12 volt pumps that came with the battery clips (not the cigarette adapter). The pumps that plug into an adapter are limited in how much pressure they can pump due to restrictions on amps and will not adequately fill most tubes. Look for one that will do 2.5 to 3.0 psi. With mine I can fill a Big Mable and a smaller tube in 5 minutes or less, and deflate in about the same time period. According to the tube instructions an adult should be able to stand on the tube and the surface should only depress an inch or so (very tight). I see many boats towing under inflated tubes on my lake, which can make them harder to tow and subject them to submerging. When you get the tube into cool water you might have to add more air later, so it is a good idea to have a pump on board even if you inflate it at the dock. With a 21 foot boat the tube is just too big to haul around, especially when there are 6 or 7 people on board.