How to Safely Pull A Tube Behind Your Motor Boat

11 Apr 2023

Three men riding a tube.

When it comes to having fun on the water, there are actually very few activities that are more enjoyable and inclusive than having your boat pull an inflatable tube. Anyone who experienced riding an inflatable tube behind a boat is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting water sports activities to partake in. It’s also a great sport for people of all ages to experience, at least once in their life.

An age-friendly activity, pulling a tube behind a boat is a straightforward activity that can be done on any style of a power boat such as an Arvor boat. 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.

Towing and balancing the inflatable tube safely can be quite challenging, frustrating, and in some cases, dangerous if you do not know how to pull a tube behind a boat. Learning and mastering how to pull a tube behind a boat correctly and it will be a super fun and safe way to enjoy yourself.

Guide on Pulling a Tube Behind a Boat

Inflate the Tube

Besides having the boat ready for the adventure, the most important thing to do is to ensure that the tube is also ready. This means that it should be well-inflated at the right pressure so it doesn’t drop while you’re already underway. You have to make sure that there are no holes in the tube, the valve is working properly, and can hold the pressure from the pull for the entire duration.

You also have to know the maximum weight limit of the tube, the number of people that the tube can accommodate, and the age recommendation for the tube. Keep in mind that you should avoid pulling more than one tube at the same time. This is because balancing more than one tube can be quite challenging and it will be difficult keeping your attention on both tubes and driving the boat.

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 probably the best. At the boat’s end, make a slip knot using the towrope. But before doing that, make sure that the bar is stable to ensure that the cord doesn’t move while the boat is moving. On the tube’s end, make sure that the tow rope is hooked up properly and securely.

It’s important to ensure that the rope doesn’t have knots or damaged. Again, it shouldn’t come into contact with any object such as the propeller or the river bank or anything that obstructs its way. You certainly do not want an accident to occur just because you used a bad tow rope. You can purchase brand new and quality tow ropes in marine shops.

Follow the Boat’s Manual

Every boat has a manual that give instructions on how it should be operated. Make sure that you follow the laid-out instructions on how the boat should be operated in terms of making turns and other things such as speed. You should ensure that all the emergency buttons are properly working before getting aboard. You should also have a map of the area and the course that you’re planning to follow.

Make Sure that Everybody Wears 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 followed by everybody.

Start the Activity When the Riders are Ready

Before you start the fun experience, 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. In other words, do not start the activity when the riders are not ready. The best thing to do is to communicate through verbal gestures and cues.

Enjoy the Ride

It’s essential to make sure that everybody aboard is having the time of their life. As the skipper, you have to drive responsibly and make sure that everybody is enjoying the ride. The speed should not exceed 20 miles per hour and all the riders should adhere to every rule and regulation set in place by the authorities.

 

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