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Attaching a towable tube to a boat is a simple yet crucial part of preparing for a day of tubing on the water. As someone who enjoys this exhilarating water sport, I understand the importance of ensuring that the tube is secured properly for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Tubing offers a thrilling experience, skimming across the wave-tossed surface, but it all hinges on a strong and reliable connection between the tube and the boat. What is the best way to attach a towable tube to your boat?
To attach a towable tube, you need to locate your boat’s tow point, which usually is a tow bar, ski pylon, or a simple eye attached to the stern of the boat. With the tow point located, then attach the tow rope to the boat with a tow harness. Lastly, the other end of the tow rope is attached to the tube using a quick connect system.
In addition to connecting my tube to the boat, I also make sure to check the equipment thoroughly before heading out on the water. I inspect the tow rope for frays and ensure the quick connect is functioning. Keep reading below as we discuss in further detail the steps for connecting your tube to the boat.
Attaching a Towable Tube to the Boat
When I prepare to attach a towable tube to my boat, I ensure safety and proper technique above all else. There are many items when it comes to boat safety; check my blog out here as I go into further detail. The basic process, however, involves identifying secure points on the boat and tube, attaching the tow rope correctly, and verifying the setup to mitigate risks when out on the water. Additionally, you need to make sure your rope for tubing is the proper length.
Identifying Attachment Points
As mentioned previously, the first step is to locate the attachment points on both the boat and the tube. On most boats, the transom eye or ski eyelet are common points where you can securely attach the tow rope. Personally, for my boat, we use the transom eyes to connect our tube. However, If your boat is equipped with a tow bar or ski pylon, those can provide even better towing experiences because they are designed to keep the tow rope clear of the propeller and wake. I have been fortunate enough to ride tubes on a friend’s boat that has a tow bar. I found the handling of the tube around the corners was improved as there was much less delayed drag on the tube.
Airhead Tow Rope for 1-3 Rider Towable Tubes, 1 Section, 60-Feet
$20.80
High-quality 1 section tow rope designed for 1-3 rider towable tubes
Tow rope is UV-resistant and pre-stretched so it will hold up for years to come
16 strand rope is designed with loops at each end and is 60-feet in length and features a 3350 pound break strength
Vibrant blue and black color scheme looks sharp alongside any boat or towable
A Rope Keeper is included for tangle-free storage
Heavy-duty 1/2 inch x 60 foot, 16 strand tube tow rope
Engineered to pull 1 to 3 rider tubes effortlessly
Rated at 3,350 pounds tensile strength
6-inch loop spliced at each end
Rope Keeper is included for tangle-free storage
Securing the Tow Rope
Once I’ve identified the attachment points, the next step is to secure the tow rope to the boat. For this, I prefer to use a kwik connect system, as shown above, for easy attachment and detachment. If you don’t have a quick connect system, you can use a sturdy knot, such as a bowline, to attach the rope to the tube’s harness. However, I have found this to be less practical, as the quick connect system is such a time saver and easy to use. While attaching the rope directly to the transom eye, you must ensure the engine is off for safety; this step is vital. If the boat design has a transom eye on both the port and starboard, a tow harness is definitely the best option. This is especially true with outboard or sterndrive boats, as it helps to distribute the strain evenly across the stern. Below is a picture of the harness I use for my family’s tubing adventures. There are other tube accessories you can use in partnership with the tube rope to make the trip even more enjoyable.
Verifying Proper Setup
It might seem like a lot of steps, but safety should never be compromised. Therefore, after attaching everything, I double-check the entire setup once more. In addition to verifying proper connection, I ensure that the rope is securely fastened without fraying or knots that could compromise the rope’s strength.
You must also verify that before the boat engine is started, with the help of a spotter, the rope has a direct line to the tube without any obstructions. It’s essential to make sure the rope is not near the propeller or tangled around any equipment that could cause accidents during towing. While I have never had a tow rope tangled in my prop, I have unfortunately gotten a crab pot line tangled in my boat’s prop. Needless to say, the fun came to an abrupt end, and I had to spend a considerable amount of the day removing the rope tangled in my prop. I was fortunate not to cause any damage to my boat’s motor during this careless mistake, that could have been much worse.
By being meticulous about each step, I ensure that everyone on board will have a great and memorable time. Most importantly, the riders will have a safe experience with the towable tube.
Launching and Towing Techniques
Once all connections are verified and the above steps have been performed, the real fun can start. There are a few tips I would like to review based on my experience on the water, in addition to the connection.
When I launch and tow a tube behind my boat, I focus on precision and safety, carefully managing the throttle and staying alert to my surroundings. As far as the boat’s speed is concerned, I focus on the age of my tube riders. In addition to keeping the tow rope clear of the propeller, the captain must ensure that all passengers understand the basic hand signals for communication.
Driving Best Practices
While driving the boat with tubers, in addition to using my spotter for guidance, I keep the tube in my sight at all times. I have found that a rearview mirror that is made especially for watersports, as shown below, is the best way to maintain constant eyesight with the tube.
Adjusting Speed and Handling Turns
The speed at which I tow a tube depends on various factors, including the rider’s comfort and skill level. I begin at a low speed and gradually increase it while watching for the rider’s thumbs up, indicating they’re ready for more speed. Additionally, you don’t want to go too slow, as the tube will drag or submarine in the water, which causes undue stress on your engine. Generally, my cruising speed is around 16-20 mph when pulling a tube. When handling turns, I gradually decrease the throttle and make broader turns to avoid sharp whips, which could be unsafe for the rider. You need to be especially careful when making turns, as the tube’s speed is greatly increased during the turn.
Communicating with Riders and Spotters
As I previously mentioned, the spotter is a requirement before embarking on a tubing adventure. I always stress the importance of clear communication between me, the rider(s), and the spotter on board. We use established hand signals to indicate if the rider wants to speed up, slow down, or stop. It’s crucial that my spotter stays alert, relaying messages from the rider to me, ensuring that everyone has a fun yet secure experience on the water.
