Tubing with a pontoon

7lazy77

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Messages
226
Just was wondering what the best way to hook up a rope for tubing to a pontoon is? Can I just tie onto the tie-down eye's?
 

5150abf

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Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

Better to get some eyes mounted to the rear of the deck , making sure you go though a crosmember, the bow eyes are welded to .080 aluminum and really don't like to have a cross pull on them, they will bend and eventually crack and leak.
 

7lazy77

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Feb 28, 2011
Messages
226
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

Thanks, you wouldn't happen to have any pics to see how this is done, would you??
 

BatDaddy1887

Chief Petty Officer
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Jan 18, 2009
Messages
463
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

I use this tow harness and I used to attach it to the eye holes on the rear of the pontoons, but this wonderful forum inspired me to think better of that practice as I totally agree with 5150 and others who profess this. I don't have an actual photo of my new setup, so I created a facsimile to show you where I now attach the harness, which keeps the tow rope off the engine and away from the prop. I attached two u-bolts to the rear. After months of tubing with a two-seater towable, I see no stress on the connection at the boat, although the addition of an actual tow bar is the most preferable way. Good luck.
 

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Joined
Jul 10, 2011
Messages
26
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

I have been shopping pretty hard for pontoons lately and asked dealers the same question. Each told me to get a ski tower that mounts over the top of the motor. That way the tow rope doesn't get caught/tangled in the motor.
 

EGlideRider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
1,000
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

The ski tower is a great solution but very pricey compared to the U-bolts.
 

MinUph

Chief Petty Officer
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Jun 5, 2011
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466
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

Those U-Bolts fastened to the fence. Are they sturdy enough?
 

7lazy77

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Feb 28, 2011
Messages
226
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

Finally got the new pontoon home! There are no bow eyes welded on the toons, but there are these U-bolts that are attached to the decking. Would it be alright to attach a tube to these??? Thanks

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lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

Yep. Might need a nice long harness, but you'll have no trouble figuring something out.
 

BatDaddy1887

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Messages
463
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

Those eyelets should be perfect for what you need.
 

7lazy77

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Messages
226
Re: Tubing with a pontoon

Thanks for the help! This site sure is a big help!
 
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