How to Safely Pull A Tube Behind Your Boat!

08 Aug 2024

A kid on a tube being pulled behind a boat.

When it comes to having fun on the water, there are very few activities that are more enjoyable and inclusive than having your boat pull an inflatable tube.

An age-friendly activity, pulling a tube behind a boat is a straightforward activity that can be done on most boats such as a Camero Legend or a Quintrex Freestyler. Whether on a river, a lake, or an ocean, pulling a tube behind a boat is a sure way of making your water adventures more enjoyable for both kids and adults. Even though this may seem like a normal water activity, especially for those who grew up around the waters, it’s easier said than done. As such, it’s essential to know how to pull a tube behind a boat.

However, towing and balancing the inflatable tube safely can be quite challenging, frustrating, and in some cases, life-threatening if the tube is recklessly towed behind a boat without any safety precautions.

It’s important to learn how to pull a tube behind a boat correctly and it will be super fun and safe to enjoy yourself and your company.

Know How To Operate A Boat When Pulling a Tube

Every boat has a manual revolving around how it should be operated. Make sure that you follow the instructions on how the boat should be operated in terms of making turns and speeding. Check that all the emergency buttons are properly working before getting on board.

Make sure to have a map of the area and the course that you’re planning to follow. You have full control of this entire activity while ensuring that everybody involved in the activity is safe at all times.

Inflate the Tube Properly

Assuming your boat is ready for the tubing activity, the first thing to do is to ensure that the tube is ready. This means that it should be well-inflated at the right pressure so that the pressure doesn’t drop while you’re already underway. You have to make sure that there are no holes in the tube, the valve is properly working, and it can hold the pressure for the entire duration. In short, make sure that there’s no malfunction on the tube.

Don’t forget to know the maximum weight limit of the tube, the number of people on the tube, and the age recommendation for the tube. Avoid pulling more than one tube at the same time as it can be quite risky to do that.

Tie the Towrope Properly and Securely

While there are a variety of knots that can be used to tie the towrope to the boat, the slip knot is the best. At the boat’s end, make a slip knot with the towrope. Ensure that the bar is stable so the cord doesn’t move while the boat is underway. On the tube’s end, make sure that the tow rope is hooked up securely.

It’s important to ensure that the rope is not damaged. Make sure that the tow rope doesn’t come in contact with any object such as the propeller or the rider.

Everyone Should Wear Life Jackets and Helmets

Make sure that everybody including you, the spotter, and the riders wear life jackets and helmets properly. It doesn’t whether you know how to swim or not, wearing a life jacket is precautionary and will help you from drowning. This is a safety rule and regulation that must be adhered to by everybody. Yamaha and Jetpilot vest are one of the best in the market and is available in different sizes.

Start When the Riders Are Ready

Before you get going, make sure that the riders are all ready to begin the tubing activity. They must have their life jackets and helmets on and alert them that you’re now starting the ride. Make sure there is proper communication between you and the riders, to avoid accidents. Assign a spotter to help relay messages between you and the riders.

Enjoy and Have Fun!

Pulling a tube is unquestionably a fun activity. It’s essential to make sure that everybody aboard is having the time of their life. Operate the boat responsibly and make sure that everybody is enjoying the ride. Make sure your speed should not exceed 20 miles per hour and all the riders should adhere to every rule and regulation set in place.

 

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