safe tubing

[tmcalavy]

Hey guys,<br />What's the safest route for pulling little guys (less than 12) in a tube/raft...tie the boat rope to the tube, or have them hold the rope? As an old/grey skier, I think they should hold the rope so they can just let go whenever they are ready and still have the tube with them. What do you think?

 

[495v]

Re: safe tubing

I think it's best to tie off the rope and have them hold the handles on the tube. The last thing you want to happen is to have the rope get tangled around their arm. Besides, holding the handles on the tube allows you to lean into your turns and helps to stay on. Also, they might not let go out of instinct and get dragged a bit.

 

[Scottj25]

Re: safe tubing

The rope should be tied to a quick release and the quick release hooked to the tube, this is now required on state lakes here in CA. but better yet if the little ones wnat to stop all that they need to do is hit the release and their diconnected from the boat.

 

[blifsey]

Re: safe tubing

Not to say that its "safer", but the tube we bought last year came with a "tube rope" that doesn't have a handle to hold to, it connects to the tube. So, at least the mfr thinks "best" way is to tie to the tube.<br /><br />Quick release sounds interesting. Is this part of the tube or rope? Can it be added to a tube/rope pair that doesn't have one?<br /><br />Its 84F here, that time is upon us and the kids can't wait. We didn't go out Memorial Day weekend as I wasn't thrilled about the prospect of 2 trillion boats or so in the water with us. <br /><br />BL...

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: safe tubing

if you don't find/use a quick release(i haven't seen them), i'd still tie to the tube. even if its an old truck tube (the kind i used to ride). it would be very hard to physically keep the tube under you while holding the rope, because the tubes 'catch' in the water alot and you'd end up skimming water on your belly quite often. i have bought a tube made for pulling, just haven't tried it yet. the tire tubes would chaff you if you didn't have lots of oil on. to keep the rope from getting too tight on the tube, we'd use a bowline knot that doesn't shrink the loop.<br />-just my opinion on tubin memories-

 

[mako]

Re: safe tubing

Definately tied to the tube. I've done a fair amount of tubing and know for sure that any 12 year old or adult for that matter would be hardpressed to even try to hold the tow rope not to mention it is dangerous. Naturally make sure your tubers have ski vests on and once you get moving keep the rope tight! Don't do lots of sharp turns (where you would put slack in the rope) and there should be no problems. As far as the quick release goes it is a good idea, the ones I've seen had a button or clip you would flip and it would disconnect the tube from the rope.

 

[nnosker]

Re: safe tubing

Mako pretty much covered it. And whatever you do, buy a pretty well made tube. Bought a cheapy that ripped on the first pull. Was set on my thirst for a long time after that.<br /><br />Keep the line tight just like pulling a car with a chain.

 

[GarageGuy42]

Re: safe tubing

I have never seen a quick release before and don't even know if they are available around here. I have 3 tubes and they are all tied to the tube. They will have enough to do just hanging on. I would recomend an open center tube with a closed bottom for real small kids and a solid center type with a lot of handles for bigger kids and adults. I have one that looks like a PWC and is about the same size. It's real easy to stay on and is a real cushy ride. The little kids love it. I wouldn't go above 15 mph to start with. They will let you know when they want to go faster. I have a 13 year old that is into extreme tubing if you can picture that. <br />I personally don't tube anymore. I had an inexperianced driver pulling me 2 yrs ago and got a concussion from slammming me off 3ft wakes.<br />My fault!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: safe tubing

I have had my 5 year old in a tube tied off. I just go the speed they want to go and watch them. I have yet to have one fall out. The tubes plane at very low speeds with little weight in them. I have not seen this as an issue and wouldn't do it any other way..

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: safe tubing

BL<br />Which lakes do you visit? If I ever get my first boat running We may use toboskee.<br />Also which dealer do you use?<br /><br />Hugh h_turner@hotmail.com

 

[blifsey]

Re: safe tubing

Hugh,<br />We usually go to Jackson Lake. Its a quick 30 mile trip for us. There is a fellow here who likes Tobesofkee but I've never been. Have you checked out the Georgia Boater board? It has some good info on Ga lakes. I really have no dealer. We bought from an individual and haven't needed one. I've bought most "stuff" from Bass Pro in Atlanta and some engine parts from NAPA (coils and point/condenser for as old Johnson).<br /><br />Hope your getting close on your boat! This past weekend was perfect. By the way, are you related to a Mitchell or Norm Turner from Pike County? My wife was a Turner.<br /><br />BL...

 

[Plains Puddlerunner]

Re: safe tubing

I take my little ones tubing all the time. I always tie my tubes to the tube attach points and make sure the little one's life jackets are on and tight. They won't do them any good if they slip out of them in a fall. I usually try to stay just on plane but no faster with the five year old and maybe twenty or so with the eight year old. I highly recomend a tube with an inflatable floor so the water does not slap their legs through the tube cover. Take it slow and they will have a blast!!!!

 

[Franki]

Re: safe tubing

Something that I always wondered about..<br /><br />when you get someone my size in a tube. (6 foot 4 120kg) and tow it at speed, it pushes a wall of water in front of it.. and puts a huge amount of drag on the boat..<br /><br />Why has noone invented a "tube" that is more streamlined?<br /><br />stuff like:<br />1. No hollow center.. fill in the bottom of the hole so water is not hitting the back inside wall of the tube as well. (I understand that a couple of them do this now)<br />2. streamline the front of the tube so that it has a boat style nose for easier displacement of water. sorta like this: \______/<br />3. more floatation in front and sides, less in back.. get the angle more efficient.<br /><br />Do they not do that so that the tube slows down faster on turns? (so as not to hit the boat) or is it because it wouldn't be a tube then? <br /><br />just thought I'd ask,, I was going to design and build my own.. make the perfect tow tube.. <br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: safe tubing

Bl<br /> I spent all day Sunday working on the boat see my post in the engine forum. Yes I have checked out the the GA boater board. I went by Tobaskee Friday. $3.00/ person and $3.00 for boat. As far as a dealer I use the internet or Performance Marine in Byron. I don not think I am related to the Turners you mentioned but then you never know.<br />Hugh

 

[rogerwa]

Re: safe tubing

Frank, I am not sure what tubes you use, but most of the ones I see have a nylon cover that holds the tube and provides a floor in the center. My tube is even triangular in shape.<br /><br />I am 6' 195lbs and I was able to get on plane in the tube behind a pontoon with a 50 hp. I don't think your going fast enough if you have a wall of water in font of you..

 

[blifsey]

Re: safe tubing

Franki,<br />I've seen several non-standard shaped "water toys". I wouldn't even call them tubes. Saw one Sat that was even shaped like a PWC. Looked really cool! Some of the triangle shaped ones don't have an open center. Perhaps they would do better for you.<br /><br />Hugh,<br />We might check out Tobo soon. Jackson is $3 to launch, no per person charge. My Wife's sister's husband's brother (whew ) has a cabin on Lake Nottely. That is likely next "new" place we'll head to.<br /><br />BL...

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: safe tubing

Bl<br /> If you ever need a dyno perfromance marine in Bryon has on. They are just west of 75 on 247. If big If I ever get the @#@@ boat running we may check at Jackson as well.

 

[thornious]

Re: safe tubing

check out they have just about every kind of tube or towable you can think of.

 

[Franki]

Re: safe tubing

Thanks Guys, <br /><br />I like the idea of the one shaped like a PWC.. thats the closest I will let anyone involved with me to get to a real PWC.. and its definately a more efficent shape to a tube..<br /><br />I'll have to go shoppin and see whats available..<br /><br />I have a 7 foot blowup alligator, but thats not terribly streamlined either, great for laughts though... <br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[Scottj25]

Re: safe tubing

You can find the quick release at West Marine under water sports, as I said here in CA, the Gov. knows whats best for us and it is required for the use of float toys that are pulled.<br /><br />Next thing the Gov. will want is a air bag on my water ski.