Pontoon boats are evolving from simple party platforms to versatile water sports vehicles. Boat manufacturers are now creating pontoons with deeper V-shaped toons, large motors, and triple-tube models that can turn quickly. This evolution allows modern pontoons to provide fun water sports entertainment, making them a “One-Size-Fits-All” boat for many enthusiasts.
Can Your Pontoon Boat Handle Tubing?
With the trend in pontoon boats becoming a “One-Size-Fits-All” boat, most of today’s pontoons have the speed and power required for tubing. It’s likely that your pontoon can be used for tubing, after you factor in these considerations.
Factors Influencing Tubing Success
Your tubing success will be impacted by several factors:
- Horsepower and Size of Your Pontoon Boat: The power of your motor relative to the size of the boat is crucial.
- Weight on the Boat: The number of passengers and their size affect performance.
- Weight of the Person on the Tube: Lighter riders will experience a faster, more thrilling ride.
For example, if your pontoon is a 22-foot boat with a 150hp motor, there are two people in the boat, and you are pulling a few kids on the tube, their ride will be fast and thrilling. But if your pontoon is 16 feet long and has a 115 hp motor and it’s loaded with passengers, the tube ride will be slow and leisurely. As a general rule, you can pull a tube behind a pontoon as long as it has enough horsepower relative to the weight it is hauling.
Essential Equipment for Tubing
As with any power boat, you’ll need the right ropes, harness, or tow bar or pylon to pull the tube. Consider the Connections: Pontoon manufacturers are now offering ski tow bars and pylons that are for this purpose, but most wakeboard towers are not designed to tow inflatables because the tubes have a tendency to become airborne with this set-up.
Read also: Considering Inboard Pontoon Boats?
The Lucky 7: Rules for Safe Pontoon Cruising
Prioritizing Safety
Above all, safety is the most important consideration, so always tube responsibly, away from other boaters, and according to local and state boating laws. Boating laws differ from state to state, but in any case it just makes common sense to have another person in the pontoon with the driver to keep an eye on the riders. Other safety considerations are to keep your speed relative to the age and ability of your riders (i.e., keep it under 10 mph for children).
Key Safety Considerations
- Observer: Always have a designated observer to watch the person on the tube.
- Speed: Adjust your speed based on the age and skill level of the rider.
- Distance: Keep a safe distance from other boats and obstacles.
Wakes generated from pontoon boats have less shape or depth than wakes created by ski boats, but the tube will still have potential to “whip” at high speed.
Final Thoughts
Tubing is a great way to have fun on the water and create memories at the lake with family and friends.
Read also: Sea-Doo Switch and Pontoon Boat Comparison