pulling a kite tube

6 balls

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2005
Messages
32
I have a 185 bayliner with a 3.0ltr my kids want to get a kite tube but i dont think i have enough boat to pull one. The biggest kid is only 120lb but still the tube is huge!!! anyone know what kind of power is needed for one of these??
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: pulling a kite tube

I dont know what a kite tube IS ?<br /><br />BUT if you go 1 size down in prop for water sports you will be pretty much able to tow anything<br /><br /> you just have to keep and eye on the tack and not run the motor at to high and RPM <br /><br /><br />tommays
 

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: pulling a kite tube

I've never tried a kite tube myself. However, I use a 17" pitch on mine(16foot and 3.0) and it will "rip" a three person tube right into the air off a wake. It should be more than enough boat with the right prop. Have fun!
 

paulie0735

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
463
Re: pulling a kite tube

If I’m right the toy you calling a kite tube is a type of tube that has large wings and given the right conditions and speed will actually ‘fly’ clear of the water. If this is the type of toy you are talking about than yes your 18’ Bayliner is enough boat no issue there, you may be a little short on speed though. I have towed one of these once and needed speeds in the high 30’s to get the kite into the air. The drag on the boat is quite severe so going down a prop may be needed but than you may run into speed issues. I suggest you try and arrange a demo before making the purchase.
 

Teutonics

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 6, 2006
Messages
31
Re: pulling a kite tube

I hope this image is photo-chopped (kind of looks like it), because that is a LONG way up! :eek: That could hurt coming down! :D <br />
wego6_2.jpg
 

studlymandingo

Commander
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,716
Re: pulling a kite tube

That looks like fun!!!!!!!!!!!! Where are you going to be pulling this thing 6balls?
 

Speedwagon

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 5, 2005
Messages
389
Re: pulling a kite tube

Originally posted by Teutonics:<br /> I hope this image is photo-chopped (kind of looks like it), because that is a LONG way up! :eek: That could hurt coming down! :D <br />
wego6_2.jpg
:eek: :eek: <br /><br />What would happen if the boat had to let off throttle quickly? I think the guy in the air would quickly be the guy splattered across the bow. :D
 

Surffx

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Messages
133
Re: pulling a kite tube

That's insane...or maybe just plain stupid.<br /><br />But I'd probablly try it :D <br /><br />6balls, send us some pics if you do get it going.<br />Or better yet a video.
 

jch7450

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 13, 2003
Messages
230
Re: pulling a kite tube

Looks like a neck breaker to me...But what the hell, you only live once.....lol :D :D :D
 

paulie0735

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
463
Re: pulling a kite tube

Yeah, I’m confident that pic has been chopped, it’s a similar toy to the one I towed earlier this year and maximum height we saw was about 15’ maybe 20’ and even than the conditions had to be perfect, light head wind and speed around 35mph. It takes a fair amount of practice to get it off the water and than it’s only for a few seconds before the conditions change and you come crashing back to earth, great fun though.
 

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: pulling a kite tube

See this link and click on the video clip: web page <br /><br />I wasn't able to preview the video at home.
 

Speedwagon

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 5, 2005
Messages
389
Re: pulling a kite tube

Well I'll be damned.. that's a heck of a video. Some of those guys got some GOOD AIR. And they show some wipeouts too. But I wonder what happens if the rope breaks, and you are 20ft in the air.
 

studlymandingo

Commander
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,716
Re: pulling a kite tube

Anyone know how that compares to the manta ray it has an 11' wingspan.<br />
inflatablesstore_1893_1934772
 

paulie0735

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
463
Re: pulling a kite tube

Originally posted by studlymandingo:<br /> Anyone know how that compares to the manta ray it has an 11' wingspan.
This is the one I had for a day, same concept.
 

Realgun

Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
2,484
Re: pulling a kite tube

To bad my kids will not get on a tow thing. But I don't have the speed anyway.
 

studlymandingo

Commander
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,716
Re: pulling a kite tube

Realgun- tell 'em it's just a float and you're going to chill out where you are for a while, then gun it, they'll be in the air before they know what's going on!!! :eek:
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: pulling a kite tube

I could think of better ways to spend 500 bucks..<br />Looks like fun for the insane!! LOL..<br />I guess i would have to try it!
 
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