Make a Splash on a Water Towable!
Nothing screams fun like being towed by a boat around on a lake! Anyone can be inside the boat, but there's nothing like being towed behind one! Water towables are fun for the entire family. Just about any age can safely participate. If you've seen other people having fun on a water towable, but don't know much about them, read on...
Water towables come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and include a quick-connect tow attachment, making hook-up easy. A water towable is usually made of nylon, polyester, PVC or neoprene. Water towables, commonly called ski tubes, are very popular. You'll find towable tubes designed for just one person, or two, or three, or four or more. You can choose either a "ride in" or a "ride on" style ski tube. The "ride in" water towable is like a small boat, so it's perfect for small children and those wanting a more stable ride. "Ride on" water towables are long narrow towable tubes that resemble a banana or torpedo, and in fact, are often called banana boats. Many are large enough to seat up to six riders, so they're great for groups of speed demons! For more descriptions, refer to the Water Towable Ski Tube Glossary at the bottom of this page.
The tow ropes and harnesses you'll need for your water towable tube will depend on the number of riders that will be pulled by the boat. Each tow rope is made for a specific number of riders. Tow ropes should be 50 - 65 feet in length and never shorter than 20 feet. Always read and obey the manufacturer's specifications on the number of riders, their maximum size and weight, and the recommended top speed limits. And, of course, everyone should wear a personal flotation device or life vest.
In addition to the driver of the boat, there should be a "spotter" to check for riders who fall off. The spotter can then alert other boats in the area by waving a flag. Allow at least 100-feet of unobstructed water on either side of the boat and a minimum of 3,000 feet in front when you're towing a ski tube. Speed limits are influenced by water conditions. For example, wakes can be dangerous for towable tubes. Keep in mind the capabilities and experience of the riders on the tube, and everyone will have a very fun and safe experience.
In general, getting the hang of a water towable is pretty easy— you sure can't say that about water skiing!
Water towables come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and include a quick-connect tow attachment, making hook-up easy. A water towable is usually made of nylon, polyester, PVC or neoprene. Water towables, commonly called ski tubes, are very popular. You'll find towable tubes designed for just one person, or two, or three, or four or more. You can choose either a "ride in" or a "ride on" style ski tube. The "ride in" water towable is like a small boat, so it's perfect for small children and those wanting a more stable ride. "Ride on" water towables are long narrow towable tubes that resemble a banana or torpedo, and in fact, are often called banana boats. Many are large enough to seat up to six riders, so they're great for groups of speed demons! For more descriptions, refer to the Water Towable Ski Tube Glossary at the bottom of this page.
The tow ropes and harnesses you'll need for your water towable tube will depend on the number of riders that will be pulled by the boat. Each tow rope is made for a specific number of riders. Tow ropes should be 50 - 65 feet in length and never shorter than 20 feet. Always read and obey the manufacturer's specifications on the number of riders, their maximum size and weight, and the recommended top speed limits. And, of course, everyone should wear a personal flotation device or life vest.
In addition to the driver of the boat, there should be a "spotter" to check for riders who fall off. The spotter can then alert other boats in the area by waving a flag. Allow at least 100-feet of unobstructed water on either side of the boat and a minimum of 3,000 feet in front when you're towing a ski tube. Speed limits are influenced by water conditions. For example, wakes can be dangerous for towable tubes. Keep in mind the capabilities and experience of the riders on the tube, and everyone will have a very fun and safe experience.
In general, getting the hang of a water towable is pretty easy— you sure can't say that about water skiing!
Water Towables - Ski Tubes
The most popular type of water towable is called a ski tube or boating tube. They are colorful, inflatable towable tubes and fun for all ages. Ski tubes are available in various shapes and sizes, from round models that resemble donuts to hotdog-, kite-, and shoe-shaped tubes. Water towable tubes are attached to boats with a towrope, and carry one to four riders. Some are designed for one adult or child, and some are geared for two adults or one child and an adult. Some "banana boats" seat up to 6 people. Click here to shop for water towable ski tubes.
Click to shop for a Water Towable Tube
Water Trampolines
For the ultimate good time in the water, you can't beat a quality water trampoline. Ranging from 11 to 25 feet in diameter, all water trampolines have ample room for individual or multi-person bouncing. An inflatable water trampoline can bring hours of fun to your family or group. With some many varieties to choose from, you'll never be bored! Shop here for a wide selection of water trampolines designed for outstanding bounce and durability.
Click to shop for a Water Trampoline
Ski Tube Glossary
If you're just getting acquainted with water towables, here are a few key definitions that will help you better understand America's fastest-growing water sport!
- Bladder: The inner tube, typically made of a strong PVC material, that is usually surrounded by a nylon cover.
- Tow Ropes: A floating nylon rope that connects to the boat's towing harness. Tow ropes are usually 60 feet long, but children should be towed with a shorter rope to prevent them from gaining excess speed. (Never tow with a rope shorter than 20 feet.)
- Doughnut Holes: The hole in the center of a ski tube.
- Single-Rider Ski Tubes: A boat tube that can accommodate only one rider. This type of towable tube tends to be used for high-performance and high-speed tricks by experienced riders.
- Multi-Rider Ski Tubes: A towable tube that can accommodate two to six riders, depending on the model. Such boating tubes are larger, slower, and often more expensive than single-rider tubes, and most require a heavy-duty tow rope and harness. But they are so much fun!
- Deck Ski Tubes: A flat boat tube that is much like a mattress (with no doughnut hole) and can often accommodate multiple riders.
- Ride-In Ski Tubes: This boating tube is like a miniature boat, as riders sit on a seat on the floor of the boat tube, surrounded by the tube's sides.
- Concept Tubes: These are specialty towable tubes such as stand-up chariots, inflatable knee boards, ride-on-top jet skis, hydrofoil boats, and multi-rider "hot dogs," or "banana boats."
Water towables, commonly called water towable ski tubes or towable tubes, are very popular and fun for all ages. In addition to a water towable, you may want to expand your aquatic thrills to include water trampolines. Please always wear a life vest when playing in or around water. Many other fun products for boaters can be found on this website, too. Thanks for shopping at watertowable.com today!