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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Can You Pull a Tube with a Pontoon Boat?
A pontoon boat with sufficient horsepower and a robust towing system can effectively pull a tube. Ensuring the boat’s engine has adequate power is crucial for maintaining speed and maneuverability while towing.
Key Takeaway
A pontoon boat with sufficient horsepower (at least 70 HP) and a strong towing system can be used for tubing. Other factors to consider for safe and enjoyable tubing include the number of people tubing, the weight of the boat, and the type of tube.
Summary
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- Suitability of pontoon boats for tubing: Pontoon boats can be used for tubing as long as they have sufficient horsepower (at least 70 HP) and a strong towing system.
- Horsepower requirements: The ideal horsepower for tubing with a pontoon boat depends on the desired tubing experience. A minimum of 70 HP is recommended for enjoyable tubing. Higher horsepower (115 HP or more) allows for faster speeds and a thrilling ride.
- Other factors affecting suitability: The number of people tubing and the boat’s weight also affect the suitability of a pontoon boat for tubing. Less horsepower may be sufficient if fewer tubers and the boat is lighter.
- Safety precautions: Always wear appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs) and maintain moderate speeds while tubing. Avoid sharp turns.
Pontoon boats, aka ‘party barges,’ are among the best boats a water-loving person can own.
Whether hosting a cocktail party or spending a lazy day fishing, these versatile boats can handle everything. You can even hold elaborate barbecue parties on their spacious, super comfy decks.
But can you pull a tube with a pontoon boat? The answer depends on many factors, which I’ll discuss in the following post.
What are the boat’s requirements for tubing? What equipment do you need? Most importantly, how do you safely tow tubes with a pontoon boat? Keep reading to find out!
Pontoons and Tubing – Is It Possible?
The short answer? Yes, it’s possible. The long answer? It depends on your boat and the people in it. While pontoons are superbly versatile boats, there are certain things you need to consider before you can go tubing with them:
Type of Boat
Your boat’s horsepower is the main factor determining whether you can pull a tube with a pontoon and make the experience enjoyable.
As you may already know, a pontoon is not exactly a speed demon. Its average speed is 15 to 25 miles per hour. While this speed range is good enough for tubing, your boat’s horsepower will decide if it can pull a tube at these speeds.
For instance, a pontoon with a 70 HP engine will be enough to reach 10 to 15 miles an hour, which is great for kids. 90 HP will take you up to 18 to 20 miles.
But the real fun starts when you’ve got a 115 or 150-HP boat. This will give you a super thrilling ride, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles or even more (though I don’t recommend going faster).
However, your boat’s size also plays here, as it has to drag its weight. For example, an 18-foot boat with an HP of 90 can give you a considerably faster ride than a 22-foot heavier boat.
To summarize, pontoons with a higher HP, preferably 115 or more, will be best for tubing. You can enjoy it with a lesser HP, but it won’t be precisely thrilling.
Number of People Tubing
Horsepower isn’t the only factor that matters. The second most important determinant is the number of people tubing behind the pontoon.
If the boat has to drag one person, that’s great—it won’t have to work too hard to reach a high speed. But if you’ve got a low HP engine and two adults are being pulled behind, they won’t enjoy any fast-paced rides.
Moreover, the people on board also add to the pontoon’s weight. So if you want to experience a thrilling ride with a slow pontoon, don’t let more than two people get on board.
Attaching Point
Does your pontoon boat even support towing? If not, you might want to get the appropriate equipment fitted to it.
Typically, pontoons come with tow bars, where you can attach ropes for skiing, tubing, etc. If your boat doesn’t have one, you can install it yourself or ask your dealer to do it.
However, make sure your tow bar is strong enough to pull tubes, as some of them can’t take the stress.
If it seems weak, look for strong U bolts on the transom of your boat to tie the rope. Even if they seem sturdy enough, double-check to ensure these bolts run deep into the boat and are secure enough to handle the pressure.
How to Pull a Tube With a Pontoon Boat
So, you’ve got the right type of pontoon boat for pulling tubes? Great! I’ve compiled a list of necessary tubing items and a guide for tying a towable tube to a pontoon boat.
Equipment Needed
Here’s the stuff you’ll need for tubing:
Tow Rope
The length and tensile strength of your tow rope matter greatly when towing tubing. Always select ropes between 50 and 65 feet in length—not more or less. This is especially important if you tow the tube at faster speeds.
Also, ensure a strong rope, as tubing requires more tensile strength. For a one-person towable, buy a rope with at least 1500 lbs of tensile strength.
You should purchase a Y harness if you use the U bolts on your pontoon.
Towable
Of course, you need an appropriate inflatable towable for tubing. If your boat doesn’t have the required horsepower, consider getting a one- or two-person tube. Consider a multi-person tube if you have children who want you or another adult to ride beside them.
Either way, you should never exceed the weight or person’s limit on the tube – it could prove very dangerous.
Protective Tubing Gear
Remember to buy protective gear for tubing, including life jackets and water tubing helmets, especially if you’re taking your kids tubing together. Head injuries due to knocking into each other are very common on multi-person tubes.
Tying the Tube to Your Pontoon
Follow these steps to pull a tube behind a pontoon safely and effectively:
- Inflate your towable until it’s crinkle-free, firm, and steady. Also, ensure that its caps/valves are secure and no air is escaping.
- Attach one end of the rope to your towable.
- Tie the other end of the rope to either a tow tower or a U bolt in your pontoon. However, don’t tie a knot; instead, use a series of loops, as shown in this quick video tutorial.
- If you’ve tied the rope to a low tow point, like on a transom, you might want to attach a booster ball to keep it above the water.
- Give the rope a good tug to check if everything’s secure and tight.
- Jump in!
Safety Precautions
But wait – before you go ahead pulling tubes with a pontoon, ensure that you’re following these precautions:
- Keep a fully equipped first-aid kit on board.
- Ensure that everyone who’s tubing is wearing a floatation device.
- Don’t exceed speed limits, especially with kids. (16-18 MPH is good enough).
- Be careful of the wake: don’t go too fast or turn too sharp.
- Check the weather forecast for a clear and sunny day ahead.
- Always have a ‘spotter’ on board who should be on the lookout for any warning signs or potential accidents.
- Ensure that everyone is in the center of their tubes and not at an awkward angle.
Most Common Questions
Do you need a special tow bar for tubing with a pontoon boat?
A tow bar or harness is recommended for tubing with a pontoon boat. It provides a secure attachment point for the tow rope, enhancing safety and stability during the ride.
How many people can safely tow a pontoon boat on a tube?
The number of people a pontoon boat can tow depends on its size and engine power. Generally, one to two people can be safely towed on a tube behind a pontoon boat.
Is tubing behind a pontoon boat safe for children?
Tubing behind a pontoon boat can be safe for children if proper precautions are taken, such as using life jackets, starting with slow speeds, and ensuring adult supervision.
What speed is recommended for tubing with a pontoon boat?
A speed of 15 to 20 mph is generally recommended when tubing with a pontoon boat. This speed ensures a fun experience while maintaining safety for the riders.
What safety equipment is needed for tubing with a pontoon boat?
Essential safety equipment for tubing includes life jackets for all participants, a tow rope, a tow bar or harness, and a spotter to monitor the tubers. A flag to signal a person in the water is also recommended.
Can a pontoon boat pull different types of tubes?
Yes, a pontoon boat can pull various tubes, including single-rider, multi-rider, and specialty tubes. Ensure the tube’s weight capacity and the boat’s towing capacity are compatible.
How should the tow rope be attached to a pontoon boat for tubing?
The tow rope should be securely attached to a tow bar or harness designed for towing. This setup helps distribute the pulling force evenly and prevents damage to the boat or rope.
What should you check before tubing with a pontoon boat?
Before tubing, check the boat’s engine and tow equipment, ensure all participants wear life jackets, and review safety signals with the spotter. Also, confirm the area is clear of obstacles and other boats.
Final Words
In conclusion, the question “Can You Pull a Tube with a Pontoon Boat?” can be affirmatively answered, provided specific essential criteria are met.
First and foremost, the pontoon boat must possess a minimum of 70-90 horsepower to ensure adequate power and speed for towing activities.
Selecting the right tube is crucial; it should be suited to the boat’s horsepower to ensure optimal performance and safety. Tow rope considerations are also vital; a rope length of 50-60 feet with strong tensile strength is recommended.
Attachment points on the pontoon must be secure and reinforced, ideally utilizing a tow bar specifically designed for such activities. Safety should never be compromised—personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory for all participants.
Lastly, driving tips include maintaining moderate speeds and avoiding sharp, dangerous turns to ensure a safe and enjoyable tubing experience.
Adhering to these guidelines allows a pontoon boat to successfully and safely pull a tube, providing hours of recreational fun on the water.
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