Tubing with the Islandia

[davidwjacob]

Hey all,

How long of a tow rope do you guys use for tubing. i have a 60 foot and it seems the kids just get sprayed in the face the whole time.

wondering what everyone uses.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Lumps]

As far as I have seen they are all the same length. We had the same problem. We got one of the giant inflatable balls that goes half way down the rope. Booster ball or something like that. Makes a big difference

 

[davidwjacob]

Yeah we have one of those. it was fun, they still get sprayed bad. if anyone wants to see the first tubing here it is https://goo.gl/photos/NqMMLuVcsk5bwa4v8 they need to get used to it a little so we can go faster.

 

[Lumps]

on ours when the fast connector plate (not sure the real name) on the front of the tube dug into the water, it sent out spray right in every ones face. the ball help to keep the connector out of the water. the cause of the spray maybe different in your case

 

[henryb]

For sure the Booster Ball is the ticket for pulling a tube. Essentially it keeps the rope out of the water and greatly reduces the spray from the rope digging into the wake.

Although, the down-side of the Booster Ball is that it does require a bit more oomph to get the tube up on plane from a start, as it does introduce its own drag during start up... but once it is up... your flying!

 

[Lumps]

We actually got it to increase visibility for the safety of kids on the tube. There are always a lot of people on the lake we went to. it was a nice bonus that it reduced the spray

 

[davidwjacob]

it seems the spray from the jet is whats getting them, ill have to get video of us going faster so you all can see it

 

[nataliator]

+1, with a 60' rope, the jet spray still hits any tubers on my Islandia as well. We tied an additional 25' to the 60' rope, and problem solved.

 

[henryb]

Yes, I was going to say the same thing (sort of)... I was going to suggest to use a 75' rope.

 

[davidwjacob]

not to sound stupid, but how did you extend it? i was looking for a 15 foot tubing rope and cant find any extensions. it says no more than 75 feet is the law "https://www.boat-ed.com/newjersey/studyGuide/Requirements-for-Towing-a-Person-With-a-Vessel/10103202_700154195/"

I know i can use regular rope, but i know the tubing rope is rated by strenth. 2,3,4 person ratings.

thanks
Dave

 

[henryb]

You should be able to find a 75' tow rope... standard length for skiing. However if you are towing more then 2, you might want to simply double them up... just make sure both are exactly the same length... as tow ropes stretch over time and use. Two brand new and identical 75' ski ropes should be good for a 3-man tube.

 

[davidwjacob]

ok thanks

I seen them for skiiers but not for tubing, i guess i will just adapt it for the tube.
Thanks
Dave

 

[henryb]

If you're going to go with 2 ski ropes, just make sure that both end loops are connected... to the boat and to the tube.