Pulling two tubes with two ropes?

[Gufinof]

I recently purchased a two person tube. I already have a one person tube. My kids want to use both at the same time. Anyone done it? Pros and cons appreciated. Pulling behind a Sea Ray 180 with a Mercruiser 3.0.

 

[JimS123]

With the right prop the little Merc can do it, but it would not be safe because the 2 tubes would undoubtedly hit each other. Not like skis where the skier has control. Tell your kids NO, you're in charge.

 

[Campylobacter]

Not to be contrary, but we (and a lot of folks on the lakes I frequent) pull two or even three behind our boat. Yes, the tubes will hit each other, its part of the fun. My kids a bit older now (teenagers), and if they go out with lots of friends multiple tubes is the rule. They love to have tube "wars" and jump from one to another.

You need to keep a sharp eye, as falling off is pretty much inevitable. But then again, skiers and boarders all eventually become swimmers, too.

 

[HalfFish5087]

Not to be contrary, but we (and a lot of folks on the lakes I frequent) pull two or even three behind our boat. Yes, the tubes will hit each other, its part of the fun. My kids a bit older now (teenagers), and if they go out with lots of friends multiple tubes is the rule. They love to have tube "wars" and jump from one to another.

You need to keep a sharp eye, as falling off is pretty much inevitable. But then again, skiers and boarders all eventually become swimmers, too.

+1 ^^^^^ Me and my brothers did the same. Just be sure that the ropes are the same length.

 

[H20Rat]

With the right prop the little Merc can do it, but it would not be safe because the 2 tubes would undoubtedly hit each other. Not like skis where the skier has control. Tell your kids NO, you're in charge.

Yeah I know, safety safety safety, but seriously... As the other two guys mentioned, that is half the fun! I grew up with 2 or 3 tubes behind a boat, its far more fun than trolling along with a single tube. For even more fun, ditch the commercial tubes and wrap a rope around a truck inner tube!

In many, many years of tubing, my experience that the bigger tubes that you sit on (not in) are by far the most dangerous. ESPECIALLY if your back is straight at any point. One neighbor at my lake has had some spinal fusion because of a 'big bertha' tube. (big flat tube with a backrest...) What ends up happening is that your spine is straight and compresses to take the waves. not good! I have never once seen an injury from towing multiple smaller tubes.

 

[southkogs]

... sorta' depends on how crazy you get. Pullin' along straight, the tubes can bang off each other quite a bit without hurtin' anyone. Take 'em into a 25 MPH "cheerio" and let 'em build up some inertia ... ya' can easily send someone to the hospital. Tubing is actually my least favorite "tow" sport off a boat (as much as I don't like being around an active wakeboard boat carvin' up the lake), because the tubes are difficult to control and can fold ya' in half bouncing over waves. We do tube some, but be wise about how crazy you go.

 

[oldjeep]

Since the tube question has already been covered. My .02 - put a knife through each tube and teach the kids to do something active like skiing or boarding.

 

[phillyg]

Go to youtube and search for tubing. Think you'll find lots of multiple tows.

 

[JimS123]

OK, I give in. Whatever floats your boat.

 

[Gufinof]

Thanks for all the input. The ropes are the same length, I intend to stay around 20-25 MPH, they are the flat, oval type of tubes that you usually lay on, and Yes, we also do skis and knee boarding. Grandkids that will be doing this range from 13 to 18. Safety on the water has always been a priority for me. This is why I posed the question here. Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful, safe summer.