Help me choose a tube!

[ErikF]

Hello,

I am looking to buy a tube or fix a tube or both.

Anyway here is my story. I have an 18' Blue-fin boat with a 65 horse Evinrude that we use for tubing and (attempted) skiing at our local lake.

Two or three years ago we bought a Sportsstuff Zip Ski tube to use with the boat and have loved using it. However at the end of last season after too much UV exposure the cover ripped all down the middle while we were towing it. After this happened we bought a larger 1-2 person tow tube that my brothers love to use but doesn't have near the speed that the other one did. I would like to either fix the little tube I have with a new cover or get something else to replace it.

So the questions are:

Is there anywhere I can get a cover for my tube 44" dia?
Where can I find a *cheap* zip ski tube?
Are there any other small tubes you would recommend looking at?

And last but not least:

I have seen these "bungee cord tow ropes" while I have been looking at tubes, they look like a fun way to sling-shot my little tube behind the boat, can anyone comment on how well these ropes work?

Thanks in Advance,

Erik Fellenz

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

When i pull a tuber i want as much control as possible and while ive never heard of the bungie pull rope it seems like a bad idea to me..


just get a standard rope and choose a style tube you like. 1 man large tubes are the most stable, 1 man flat tops are the most fun and remember the more bodies you put in a tube the more chance of sprained/broken body parts when you crash and all land on each other..

 

[AngelC]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

When i pull a tuber i want as much control as possible and while ive never heard of the bungie pull rope it seems like a bad idea to me..

The Bungee Cords are totally safe, I used them all last summer and were alot of fun. Just have to be safe and use common sense. When you turn and whip the tube you should be doing this at a very safe speed. It's only about six feet of the cord that's bungee. Very fun!!!

 

[ErikF]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

When you turn and whip the tube you should be doing this at a very safe speed. It's only about six feet of the cord that's bungee. Very fun!!!

Thanks for the replys so far.

Angel C,

What would you considor a safe speed to be running when you whip the tube around? Our boat is 18' long with 65 horses and tops out at about 36mph so it isn't a fast boat by any means.

Thanks,

Erik

 

[electricjohn]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

When my girls were small, max speed, especially on a whip, was 15 mph. When they got older, 20-25 on a whip, nornally closer to 20. A flipping tube with a rider still in there can do major neck damage. The flips usually happen during a whip.

 

[Tabes117]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

I also have the bungee tow line. the kids and wife do not like it. Since the line is heavier drags water more and sprays into their faces. FYI

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

The Bungee Cords are totally safe, I used them all last summer and were alot of fun. Just have to be safe and use common sense. When you turn and whip the tube you should be doing this at a very safe speed. It's only about six feet of the cord that's bungee. Very fun!!!

People get the wrong idea about those bungee ropes, they don't whip as much you would think, like you said only about 6' is elasticized. Truthfull i didn't notice any difference on the whips other than the forces are smooth and no jerk, easy on the transom and tube eye. It makes an interesting ride when not on plane, boing boing boing boing the little ones love that move.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

I'm in the market for a single rider tube that will slide sideways easily. I like to ride prone (face down) although if it could accomodate a seated rider that would be a bonus. Any suggestions?

Dave

 

[electricjohn]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

I have 2 O'Brien Le-Tubes that are well over 10 years old, and they do get a lot of use. When not using your tubes, keep them in the shade.

 

[domwebhost]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

If you and your passengers are experienced tubers you can go for the Manta Ray. It flies in the air and is a ton of fun. Once again, it is for the experienced tubers and ALWAYS wear a life jacket!!!!! With that being said here is a pic of it.

MANTA RAY ST3950 FEATURES:
1 or 2 water towable riders (10 years and up)
132"length x103"width with a 11'foot wingspan
Made of Nylon, with Neoprene seats.
Wings and bottom made from strong, reinforced sandwich-like composite material
Double hull construction.
Directional skegs
2 Inflatable oversized backrests
2 Position bridle giving rider control
1 foot rest for rear rider
Special towing (no flying) option included if desired.
45 lbs deflated makes it easily portable

SAFETY MANTA RAY
?Do not attempt to fly/hover with 2 riders.
?Life jackets and helmets are always recommended. Observe water safety rules at all times.
?The Sevylor Manta Ray Towable is extremely safe and stable at low speed.
?High flights and long extended flights are possible but should only be performed by strong, healthy, experienced pofessional riders and drivers.
?Never fliy higher than you are willing to fall.
?Inexperienced riders should never fligh higher than 6 feet. (NEVER attempt to hover higher than 8-10 feet/2.5-3.0 meters)

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

thats the daddy of em all.....we are experienced tubers but still have a hard time getting it to fly. requires what seems to be alot of speed to get it off the water. and, make sure you pump that thing up hard as a rock!!!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

I use a Connely Cruizer 20man tube which has been excellent. It has 6 neoprene handles with nuckleguards, as well as neoprine padded areas for elbows and knees. The tube was $75 bucks, but it performs really well and is quite stable. WE have some older boys, so it's not uncommon to be towing 25-30mph when throwing them into a slingshot. The bungee cord seems kinda worthless. We just use a 750lbs rated tube tow rope.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

Thanks - this is the kind of info I was looking for. Well, except maybe for the Manta Wing - I think that's almost as wide as my boat is long!

Anyone else want to chime in?

Dave

 

[Rogue427]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

My kids like the sportstuff Half Pipe for 2 people. I can slide it alot without fliping.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

That Halfpipe tube looks cool. They have a video on their website, too. And apparently, they offer a single-rider version, too. Pricey ($250) but might be worth it!

Dave

 

[Rogue427]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

I got mine on sale for $150 at fleet farm. Also watch craigslist. I picked up some ski's, knee board and wake board cheap. I let the kids tell me how fast to go through hand signals.

 

[BodunkPHilroe1]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

I have a 3 person Connelly that I really like. I like the flat lay down tubes.

Connelly? Lightspeed Deck Tube is similar.

I have had several of the doughnut Sportstuff tubes that are supposedly for 4 people. Save your receipt so that you can return it if you go that route!

 

[bds85466]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

at haulnazz's recomendation I picked up the connelly cruzer. I've yet to try it, but I'll let you know when I do.

I was also looking into getting the bungee rope to try out...

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

at haulnazz's recomendation I picked up the connelly cruzer. I've yet to try it, but I'll let you know when I do.

I was also looking into getting the bungee tube to try out...

I used mine behind a jet ski last weekend and it still looks new after 2 years of use. Quik-Connect system is pretty handy as well when getting all of the rope in.

 

[ckone0814]

Re: Help me choose a tube!

I'm looking for a beginner tube. Something stable and safer for "older" riders maybe? Want something easy to use.

Also, where can I get some basic info on using one? Are they attached to tie-down eyes? How much tow rope and what kind? How fast or slow do I go? etc.

Do y'all pump them up on board with portable compressor or bring 'em to the lake filled?

Thanks.