Towing a tube

[Das Boot]

Hi All;<br /><br />I have a Zodiac Futura 13'-6" with a 30 hp Mariner, top speed about 32mph.........<br /><br />Can i expect to tow a tube with this set-up and if so any hints welcome

 

[Formula1974]

Re: Towing a tube

Im sure someone will come around with specific info on your size boat but I have a 16 cuddy cabin with 85 hp outboard with a top speed of around 34 mph and it pulls a tube like crazy. my top speed drops to about 27 dragging the tube but thats plenty fast for my family and friends. Oh yeah I have the Big bertha tube which is HUGE and really stable for smaller kids.

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Towing a tube

sure why not??<br /><br />Make sure you dont get an line that stretches.<br /><br />If you have younger kids I would not suggest a tube but one of the rafts that you lay on. The reason is the kids sit inside the tube right on the water and get a beating...<br /><br />also the rafts can tow 2-3 people on them and for kids that is fun.<br /><br />top speed is not really the issue for me it is the wake and being able to move the tube around so you can jump the wakes....

 

[tommays]

Re: Towing a tube

well when we were kids we used to pull each other around with a 5.5 johnson on a 12 ft boat on a board and it was as much fun as i have ever had even on new high HP boats<br /><br /> it will be great FUN if you dont expect it to due things a bigger boat and motor will due<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Towing a tube

First question is can the transom handle pulling a tube? It may not if it is not a ridged inflatable. And also the tube may pull the rear of that boat a bit too much(side to side) while turning. Tubes generate quite a bit of force once they travel outside the wake. That could be dangerous!

 

[tommays]

Re: Towing a tube

good point<br /><br />looking at there web site it seams to set up to BE TOWED and there doesent seam to much about towing with it<br /><br />and there seams to be some compleatly different futura modle lines <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Towing a tube

I wouldn't tow from the transom on your Zodiac. Instead, rig a harness down the sides, starting about halfway back from the bow and pull with the whole boat. That'll keep your towing forces distributed and keep from pulling your transom too hard.<br /><br />How well this will tow a tube is something you'll have to find out, though.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Towing a tube

You should be fine. May have to add a couple threaded "eyes" to either side of the transom, 1 1/2-2 inches from the top, Ive done it with a 12 footer/25 hp. Not gonna be towing Shamu around though. To absorb some of the shock/strain get a bridle that stretches, same with the tow line.

 

[Das Boot]

Re: Towing a tube

Originally posted by b.gagnon:<br /> First question is can the transom handle pulling a tube? It may not if it is not a ridged inflatable.

Good point.......... I was wondering about the transom...... It is not an RIB but has the aluminum floorboards and "speed tubes" They are 5 " diameter inflatable tubes running under the main tubes, tracks like it is on rails <br /><br />I like the idea of some sort of "bridle" i'll work along those lines.........

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: Towing a tube

Watch out for the clowns who will follow you too damn closely, if you lose someone off the tube, they stand a chance of getting run over.

 

[bayman]

Re: Towing a tube

The newer Zodiac transoms are supposed to be super-tough and well connected to the boat. Zodiac's are light-weight boats and that is mostly what concerns me. Those speed tubes sound like they will help you keep your direction as long as there is enough weight in the boat. When doing anything new, just be sure to start out small and be careful. Keep coming back too...before too long someone with some Zodiac towing experience may be on here.