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Which tube would you recommend?
- Thread starter cheappc
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Trying to kill that new motor already? 
With a single 85 HP, I would stick with a small single person tube. I have one that is actually a sea doo tube and i love it. found it on ebay. Anyhow, O Brien and Sportstuff both make good stuff.
With a single 85 HP, I would stick with a small single person tube. I have one that is actually a sea doo tube and i love it. found it on ebay. Anyhow, O Brien and Sportstuff both make good stuff.
I havent seen anything at wal mart that would work. Just the small swimming pool types, you would shred one with a boat.
Do you have a bass pro or dicks sporting goods around? You might find a good end of season deal.
This one at bass pro is decent.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_100236____SearchResults
Do you have a bass pro or dicks sporting goods around? You might find a good end of season deal.
This one at bass pro is decent.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_100236____SearchResults
ocod
Well-Known Member
I saw they have a kit with 52" tube pump with cigarette lighter adpater and tow rope for 70 bucks...
That sounds like a good basic setup for a good price.
ocod
Well-Known Member
Just looked at your link.
Pretty sure it's the tube but with rope and pump as a stater kit.
50 foot rope is 15 bucks.
Plus the pump??
moosehead
New Member
Tubes generally are a bigger drag on the boat than any other tow sport including basic slalom. They just don't plane out as much and have more friction on the water.
Tip is to get a higher volume tube that has some depth (as opposed to a massive 2-3 occupant tube) to prevent the bow of the tube from dipping underwater and parachuting the boat, which can happen with aggressive driving or heavier riders. It also helps to keep the tube inflated as it floats and planes better.
Tip is to get a higher volume tube that has some depth (as opposed to a massive 2-3 occupant tube) to prevent the bow of the tube from dipping underwater and parachuting the boat, which can happen with aggressive driving or heavier riders. It also helps to keep the tube inflated as it floats and planes better.
Sikiguya
Active Member
Tubes are like anything. You get what you pay for. Most of the cheaper tubes are glorified innertube with a cover. You need to think about what want it for? Is it for kids or adults or both? How young is the youngest rider? Then go and look at an Overton catalog or do some research on the web. From what I see, there is subtle differences between them. Mostly, the material on the tube are a better quality on the nicer tubes.
Here is some observation. The fully covered tubes are really nice to ride on. The plastic will chafe when it is wet and you are bouncing around. Make sure that there is covering on everything. A longer tube will ride rougher at the back of the tube at higher speed.
Look around at your lake and see what people are using. Be aware of the rules at your lake. For example, in my lake, 2 riders max allowed.
We ended up with 2 different tubes. One that they sit and one to lay on when they are feeling brave. Don't skimp on the tube or you will be disappointed. Look on Craigslist and see the clearance at sporting goods store. From what I see, it seems that the stores are simply deflating their store sample and storing it until spring. They have just a handful to clear out. The local Gander Mountain and Bass Pro had only 1 tube each at their stores 2 weeks ago. You may want to hurry!
Here is some observation. The fully covered tubes are really nice to ride on. The plastic will chafe when it is wet and you are bouncing around. Make sure that there is covering on everything. A longer tube will ride rougher at the back of the tube at higher speed.
Look around at your lake and see what people are using. Be aware of the rules at your lake. For example, in my lake, 2 riders max allowed.
We ended up with 2 different tubes. One that they sit and one to lay on when they are feeling brave. Don't skimp on the tube or you will be disappointed. Look on Craigslist and see the clearance at sporting goods store. From what I see, it seems that the stores are simply deflating their store sample and storing it until spring. They have just a handful to clear out. The local Gander Mountain and Bass Pro had only 1 tube each at their stores 2 weeks ago. You may want to hurry!
I couldn't disagree more, we have like 4-5 tubes of all different price ranges and types. The one thing i've learned? No matter how much you pay for a tube.....it's going to eventually pop. I have a 2 person tube we bought at walmart 3 seasons ago, and it's still alive and kicking. This season we bought a brand new HO Sports tube at Costco, and the seam busted on the 3rd trip out.
I do agree however that you want a fully covered tube. You'll probably end up trying a few tubes before you find the one that you like most.
I have had great luck with my Sportstuff 2 person ride. It is very good quality and ive given it a beating with no problems.
Sikiguya
Active Member
CypherAZ...I have to ask. Where are you boating that you are popping tubes like that? Shallow rivers? Just kidding!:cheers: Yeah, I've gone through 4 tubes..none of them popped or lost any air. Just had to go through some to find the one that fit our needs best. I stand by my recommendation that the pricier tube have better quality material on them. Just like I rather use Northern or Charmin toilet paper than the gas station ones. Yes, they all get the job done but my butt feels better after using the pricier ones. Just like the better tubes. :willy_nilly:
By the way, that HO tube from Costco. You did take that back as Costco will accept returns like that.:hat:
By the way, that HO tube from Costco. You did take that back as Costco will accept returns like that.:hat:
No matter which tube you get, spend a few extra $ and get either a robe with bungee cord in it, or get the Booster Ball. The bungee cord helps take some of the shock out of those launches when the rope is quickly pulled tight, such as when cornering and the rope goes a little slack. The Booster Ball helps keep the rope out of the water to reduce drag and put less water in the tubers faces.
If you have younger tube riders, they might appreciate something that they sit in, and something with a backrest so they don't feel like they are going to fall off the back. Also, you absolutely want a tube that has an inflatable bottom--that is, the part where the rider sits needs to be inflated, or they will take a beating from the water.
I shopped online and got a great deal on my tube from boatersworld.com (though, as a 3-person model, I wouldn't recommend it for you). I purchased a tube made by Rave Sports, and it's well made with heavy-duty vinyl and a cover that covers the bottom and all sides. Some of the online sites like ravesports.com have videos of the tubes in action to give you an idea how they ride.
Of the "kits" I saw, they were tempting, priced well, but I found they had only the basic ropes and low-end pumps that looked like they wouldn't be very durable. Maybe someone else has some actual experience with those.
If you have younger tube riders, they might appreciate something that they sit in, and something with a backrest so they don't feel like they are going to fall off the back. Also, you absolutely want a tube that has an inflatable bottom--that is, the part where the rider sits needs to be inflated, or they will take a beating from the water.
I shopped online and got a great deal on my tube from boatersworld.com (though, as a 3-person model, I wouldn't recommend it for you). I purchased a tube made by Rave Sports, and it's well made with heavy-duty vinyl and a cover that covers the bottom and all sides. Some of the online sites like ravesports.com have videos of the tubes in action to give you an idea how they ride.
Of the "kits" I saw, they were tempting, priced well, but I found they had only the basic ropes and low-end pumps that looked like they wouldn't be very durable. Maybe someone else has some actual experience with those.
Yeah the booster ball is awesome, cant forget that.
custompartsguy
Well-Known Member
I'm going to try the flying manta ray tube with mine!
Sikiguya
Active Member
Gamerse
New Member
This seems like a fun thread. Lets see if anyone has bought any new toys, that worked or didn't work, for their boat since last year. 
I towed this with my 1996 sportster.
I would highly recommend the Gladiator Triumph for all seadoo boats, even the sportster! I pulled two people on this tube and it was a blast. It starts off heavy, because it holds about 30lbs of water, but that gives you a chance to load the pump, make some big wake, and throw them a roller when you come on plane. I purposely stay off plane to begin with, to chum the water with wake, so the tube drains as I do that, and is ready to fly when I am. You can still plane easily with it waterlogged and 300+lbs of passengers on it, and a full tank of gas. Doing that takes about the same effort as a fully loaded boat with cooler. After it drains though, it is no worse than our single stingray tube. With a little practice and some throttle assistance on tighter turns, I was able to maintain a plane speed of 14-20mph. This is about perfect in my opinion.
You can get these at gander mountain or overtons for under $200.00 with rope and storage case.
If the gladiator name is not appealing, consider that the triumph has O'brien an inner-tube! I found this out when I put air in it for the first time. The logo and "manufactured by" are molded print on the inner-tube.
:cheers:
Ernest
I towed this with my 1996 sportster.
I would highly recommend the Gladiator Triumph for all seadoo boats, even the sportster! I pulled two people on this tube and it was a blast. It starts off heavy, because it holds about 30lbs of water, but that gives you a chance to load the pump, make some big wake, and throw them a roller when you come on plane. I purposely stay off plane to begin with, to chum the water with wake, so the tube drains as I do that, and is ready to fly when I am. You can still plane easily with it waterlogged and 300+lbs of passengers on it, and a full tank of gas. Doing that takes about the same effort as a fully loaded boat with cooler. After it drains though, it is no worse than our single stingray tube. With a little practice and some throttle assistance on tighter turns, I was able to maintain a plane speed of 14-20mph. This is about perfect in my opinion.
You can get these at gander mountain or overtons for under $200.00 with rope and storage case.
If the gladiator name is not appealing, consider that the triumph has O'brien an inner-tube! I found this out when I put air in it for the first time. The logo and "manufactured by" are molded print on the inner-tube.
:cheers:
Ernest
What would Lou and Jake need to tow Sis in a tube?
Is there a boat strong enough?????
LOL
Is there a boat strong enough?????
LOL
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