Tubing Essentials

[Cubbyblue22]

Looking at what i'll need for tubing and thought i'd get some more details. I looked in previous posts and I think i'm going to go with the U bolt through the crossmember for my tow hook. Now i'm just wondering what type of rope people look for. I know a lot are rated for different lbs and different lengths too. Also what I need to look for rope wise as how they connect to different tubes. I don't think i'm going to be pulling skiers but probably just one of the self steering tubes. Thanks!

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Tubing Essentials

Airhead makes a really nice ski rope for towables. I would get a regular rope with the loops on each end, then also purchase a ski harness to keep the rope off the engine/prop....see attached photo.

http://www.towablesmart.com/towing-ropes/airhead-super-strength-tube-rope-2957.html

 

[jjohnson120]

Re: Tubing Essentials

From my experience I'd make a little tower that gets the rope over the motor. You will have better luck with this because it makes it way easier to attach a rope, you only have to clip it to the tower instead o making sure all those hooks and crap don't bang your motor, and it gets it up out of the wake created so you can swing tubes easier without having to buy an expensive booster ball. I made my using tubing and some angle iron at the bottom and painted it up. Cost me nothing, but that's cause I had the stuff lying around. Probably couldn't cost more than $30 to make and will make towing way more enjoyable than those stupid loops.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Tubing Essentials

Jjohnson, does this mean you solved your harness woes? If so that was quick. Nice work pard.

 

[jjohnson120]

Re: Tubing Essentials

Yes sir I did by building a tower that fits in front of the motor. Used it yesterday and it worked wonderfully. I will get some pictures. It needs a little prettying up, such as rounding the edges on the angle iron, but it functions fine. I'm picky and like things to look professional so when I get some time this winter I'll take care of that. I'll get some pictures of it cause I know some people are interested.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Tubing Essentials

Sweet. Glad you got it sorted out.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Tubing Essentials

Def. would be great to get a pic. I think I know how it would look but seeing yours would be very helpful!

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Tubing Essentials

Also, was wondering on if anyone had any experience with the different types of tubes, such as The Grandstand. I figure if I get a max speed of 20 mph when pulling a tube then I better have a tube that you can actually do stuff with. I figure at 20 mph. having something like the Grandstand should be a lot more fun being able to stand up like your on ski's than just sitting in a donut shaped tube. If anyone's had any experience with this type of a tube that would be awesome, or if anyone had their own opinion on which type of tube is most fun behind a pontoon. Thanks!

 

[jjohnson120]

Re: Tubing Essentials

I'm in California right now but as soon as I get back I'll be happy to take a picture. I just have a free tube my neighbor gave me when he was moving. People seem to enjoy it and it's just flat. Most people that want to do something behind the boat use the kneeboard which works real well with the tower I now have on there.