Tubing Advice

[Carphunter]

Since purchasing our new (used) boat, the wife and I have talked about buying a tube. Since I am treading new ground here, I have some really basic questions. How long should the rope be? How fast can I safely pull someone, (I can run about 53 mph fully loaded with my current set-up)? Are their "special" lifejackets made for watersports that won't come off during a high speed impact with water? <br />We aren't going to purchase one immediately, since the wife is still recovering, but I wanted to make sure we knew what we were getting into.<br /><br />Any advice would be helpful. Thanx!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tubing Advice

Getcha a 24" truck tube with about 100' of rope.<br /><br />Then tell them to sit down, shut up and hold on.<br /><br />Then nail it with all the slack in it and watch their eyes when it gets close to the end.<br /><br />Priceless. <br /><br />Just kidding ofcourse.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Tubing Advice

We used to water ski and tow a tube all the time. You really don't want to go over 24 MPH thats what most tubes are rated for. Any faster could cause serious injury.<br /><br />As far as the length of the tow rope, you should be able to find out on the package of the device you purchase.<br /><br />Or, you can just do what SBN said which we refer to as "dope on a rope."

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Tubing Advice

Carphunter---Check the Boat Questions-Not Engine Board>>What Tube To Buy For Kids.

 

[Cobotr]

Re: Tubing Advice

They make special rope sets for tubing. Should be able to purchase anywhere you would buy the tube.<br /><br />Life vests that are made for sports such as skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, etc, are available at the same place you would buy the tube also. They do offer some protection and are easy to wear. Be sure that the ones you buy are coast guard approved. They will also count as life jackets in the life jackets per person count.<br /><br />Remember, you'll probably also need an orange or red flag dependant on where you do your boating.<br /><br />As for speed, I only pull as fast as someone is comfortable with. I've pulled adults that were only comfortable with no wake speed. I've pulled others that dare for more thrills and spills.<br /><br />Here's some sites that you can use as reference to what kind of stuff is available. This is NOT a recommendation in any way as to who to buy from.<br /><br /> http://www.westmarine.com <br /><br /> http://www.overtons.com <br /><br /> http://www.bartswatersports.com <br /><br /> http://www.skilimited.com <br /><br />Which tube to buy is another whole question.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tubing Advice

@ LadyFish and "Dope on a rope"

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Tubing Advice

From an x-pro kneeboarder... 50-60 foot of rope is a good start... Too long a rope things become un-managable, especailly when picking up fallen skiers... <br /><br />Speed should usually be more than about 20mph.. Most tubes will have a tag that has information as to max speed, ect...<br /><br />The most important part, Life Jackets!.. The more buckles the vest has, the better (allows more fit adjustment)... The absolute best vest for sking are "neo" vests... A little more$$ but worth ever penny.. Very comfortable... Just make sure it is USCG approved because some "neo" vests are not... Also, make sure the vest fits good... Nothing worse than the vest coming over your head when ya fall...<br /><br />Get set to get wet! Enjoy...

 

[Homerr]

Re: Tubing Advice

YES...buy a 'tube' rope that is 60 ft.<br />I haven't seen any less than this. You can find them in just about any sporting goods store that sells water toys. Gi-Joes, Walmart, Target...They all carry them.<br /><br />Check E-Bay too, but check the difference in shipping before you commit. Many times the seller rips you in shipping on this relatively lightweight item.<br /><br />I've tried 2 basic tubes: <br /><br />The basic round 'donut' style, and the platform tube.<br /><br />The donut style is OK, but I've found my kids tend to fall off of it a lot, and it's near impossible to get back on it while in the water. It also tends to take on water although it has a valve for it to escape.<br /><br />The platform tube is more stable, and you can run at higher speeds. The downside is, it takes some upper body strength (as most tubes do) to stay on it. Entering from the water is a little easier, but not much. <br />I've seen lots of tubes that cater to this specific problem by cutting the back lower etc...<br /><br />The next tube I want to get is a 'cockpit' style tube. These look more stable, especially if the driver wants to get it on.<br /><br />I typically hold warp at 15 to 20 mph. for my kids. My adult riders like a bit faster, but I would never breach 30-35.<br /><br />And lastly...buy one of those 12 volt inflation pump gizmos. They will save your life in pumping up the bohemoth tubes!<br />( I actually have 2 onboard in case one breaks, or the kids lose all the darn fittings!) <br />I got mine on a end of season closeout for $6 each.<br /><br />Good luck, and enjoy your tubing!<br /><br />H.

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Tubing Advice

Thanks for the advice everyone. <br />I will heed your words of wisdom before embarking on my tubing journey.

 

[BUBBA1]

Re: Tubing Advice

tubing?<br /><br />Heck I no a little about tubing.<br /><br />I gots one in the back yurd that i wash off in and sumtimes take a big run and jump in.<br /><br />Gots another one thats big enugh fur 2 sos me and maw can tub together.<br /><br />Don't no abot no ropes though, me and maw are kinda ol fashin and don't kinder to them thar new fangled ways of havin fun, butt I'm sure some people do though.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Tubing Advice

Tubing can be as expensive and daring as you want it. We started out with a truck inner tube, wrapped the rope around it, made sure the valve was pointing down, put on the ski vests and away we went. As fast as the person on the tube wanted to go - some were bouncing off the water at close to 40mph till the tube became so disfigured it was unuseable!<br /><br />We have matured in our attack of the water on tubes since then (I think children have a way of taming fathers). But the tubes are safer (and much more expensive), and the rides are slower.<br /><br />What am I saying? You can tube however it fits your style. Be a daredevil, be a cheapskate, go for all the latest gizmos and fads. Whatever you want to do. Just remember, anytime you are on the water, be safe and have fun! That is what it is all about. You cannot go wrong with having fun on a tube (unless the driver does not listen to the instructions of the tubee and goes too fast or slow for them).<br /><br />Carpy, I know you are not a novice to boating, so don't have to go over the rules of picking up a skier (which is what a tubest is, really). Heed all that the others said above and have fun! <br /><br />P.S. If you are built like me, forget the tube and go belly skiing - great fun, but make sure your trunks are attached very well, if you know what I mean!

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Tubing Advice

I have been looking at the regular round 56" tubes, and the triangle shaped ones, anybody have a preference, and why? I figured you could do more "tricks" on the triangle ones, but that is just a guess.<br /><br />Aspeck,.....unless you are shaped like Arnold Schwarznegger, we aren't shaped alike. <br />I know I spelled that wrong, here...let me try again Shwartzznneggeeshtwernegger........that don't look right either, let me try to spell that again.........T H A T.......

 

[Homerr]

Re: Tubing Advice

If you really want to get 'weird', look for the tube called "ski trix"<br /><br />Can't explain it, go look at it. You'll know what I mean! <br /><br />Like I say, I have a platform and a regular round type. They are both about equal in performance, but the platform is more stable.<br /><br />Cockpit style looks like you can hang on for more punishment.<br /><br />There is also one I was wanting to try that has it's back cut out. Kinda like a knee board would be the best description.<br /><br />Check these videos. They might give you an idea on some of them:<br /><br /> http://www.skitube.com/video.htm <br /><br />H.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Tubing Advice

Carphunter, your guess is correct - for safety and flopping around behind the boat, the round one. For tricks, go with a "shaped" one. But which ever way you go, go have fun! <br /><br />Oh, and my buddy Arnold refuses to go tubing with me any more. He says "Auuspaaack, yaw es chust to maassive fou me. I awways gots jealoos around yaw." So, he won't tube anymore. Some people!