How to Choose a Ski Tube: Sizes, Styles and the Right Rope

A ski tube is the easiest way to get the whole family onto the water. There is no skill needed, it works behind almost any boat with enough power, and riders of all ages love it. But with one, two, three and four person tubes in deck, seated and wing shapes, it can be hard to know which to buy. Here is how to choose.

1. Start with the number of riders

Buy for the largest group you plan to tow at once, then check the maximum rider weight printed on the tube. Remember that more riders means more weight for the boat to pull.

2. Choose a style

Deck tubes

Riders lie on their stomachs on a flat top and hold on to handles at the front. Deck tubes slide wide on the turns and give the wildest, fastest ride. Great for teenagers and adults who want thrills.

Seated and cockpit tubes

Riders sit in or on the tube with a backrest or sides around them. They are more stable and easier to hold on to, which makes them the best choice for younger children and nervous first timers.

Wing and sofa shapes

Wider shapes with wings or a sofa layout keep riders side by side. Wing shapes like the Bat Wing can lift and catch air through the turns, so they suit riders who want a bit more excitement without the full deck tube experience.

3. Check your boat can pull it

A small boat can pull a 1 or 2 person tube easily, but a fully loaded 4 person tube is a lot of weight and drag. If your boat struggles to plane with a heavy load, a smaller tube will be more fun for everyone.

4. Get the right tube rope

This is the part many people get wrong. A tube puts far more load on a rope than a skier, especially with several riders. Always use a tube rope rated for at least the number of riders on the tube, and never use a ski rope to pull a tube.

• 2 person tube rope for 1 and 2 rider tubes.
• 4 person tube rope for 3 and 4 rider tubes.
• 6 person tube rope for extra margin on big tubes.

A ShockBall fitted in the line absorbs jolts and gives a smoother ride, and a quick connect bridle makes clipping the tube on and off easier. If your boat has no ski pole, use a boat harness to centre the pull.

5. Tube safely

• Every rider wears a properly fitted life jacket.
• Have a dedicated spotter watching the riders at all times, and agree on simple hand signals for faster, slower and stop.
• Keep the speed sensible. Many tube makers publish a maximum tow speed on the tube, and it is lower for children. Check the label and build up gradually.
• Stay well clear of swimmers, other boats, jetties and the shore, and make wide turns.
• Switch off the engine when riders are climbing back on near the stern.

Look after your tube

Rinse it with fresh water after each use, let it dry fully before packing it away, and store it out of direct sun. UV is the biggest enemy of the cover and bladder. Check handles and the tow point every time you use it.

Browse all ski tubes or WhatsApp us your group size and boat and we will help you choose.