Floatables & Towables

Tow Point
Never use a tow tower or center-mount ski tow to tow a tube! Should the tube dive, the stress would be enormous. You can use a transom ski tow, or better yet, affix a bridle between transom rings. Inflate
Make sure you inflate your towable to its maximum pressure. A soft tube means a saggy cover, which catches the water rather than skim over it. Electric inflators are available in portable and built-in models, and allow
for easy deflation and stowage as well. Safety
While it's always important to be aware of buoys, anchored boats and flotsam (like logs), this is especially true when towing tubers. Though some towables can be steered, they are in no way as maneuverable as skis or boards. And passive tube riders might be less aware than an athlete. Be extra careful. Connect
Select a rope rated at 1,500 pounds for single-rider tubes. Double-rider tubes require a rope rated for 2,300 pounds. For four riders, select a rope with a 4,150-pound rating. Six-rider ropes are rated at 6,000 pounds. Better towables feature a quick-disconnect tow point that makes hooking up easy.

2015 Water Sports Gear Guide: Towables

The top towables for enjoying time in the wake of a boat.

Top Tow Tubes Features

Top Tow Tubes Features

Seven tips to help you identify a quality tow tube.

Six Top Tow Tubes

Six Top Tow Tubes

We test six new tow toys.

Tow Point
Never use a tow tower or center-mount ski tow to tow a tube! Should the tube dive, the stress would be enormous. You can use a transom ski tow, or better yet, affix a bridle between transom rings. Inflate
Make sure you inflate your towable to its maximum pressure. A soft tube means a saggy cover, which catches the water rather than skim over it. Electric inflators are available in portable and built-in models, and allow
for easy deflation and stowage as well. Safety
While it's always important to be aware of buoys, anchored boats and flotsam (like logs), this is especially true when towing tubers. Though some towables can be steered, they are in no way as maneuverable as skis or boards. And passive tube riders might be less aware than an athlete. Be extra careful. Connect
Select a rope rated at 1,500 pounds for single-rider tubes. Double-rider tubes require a rope rated for 2,300 pounds. For four riders, select a rope with a 4,150-pound rating. Six-rider ropes are rated at 6,000 pounds. Better towables feature a quick-disconnect tow point that makes hooking up easy.

2015 Water Sports Gear Guide: Towables

The top towables for enjoying time in the wake of a boat.

Top Tow Tubes Features

Top Tow Tubes Features

Seven tips to help you identify a quality tow tube.

Six Top Tow Tubes

Six Top Tow Tubes

We test six new tow toys.

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