Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

[ispaydeu]

Hi all,

Is it okay to just buy a rope from a home improvement store like Lowe's / Home Depot for towing my tube?

I see that a 4 person towable rope is:
-Pre-stretched, UV-resistant, 5/8-in diameter, 16-strand rope
-Exceeds the 4,150-lb break strength requierd by the WSIA for 4-rider tubes

This is taken from here:
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2553140&cp=2367438.2367826.2672647


So, if I just get a 5/8 in rope or larger from a home improvement store would I be okay?

Is there any reason to purchase a rope from a boating accesory company (like iboats.com!!!) vs. just getting some in bulk from a home improvement store?


I was wanting to save money, so thought this would be a good way to do it.


Has anyone looked into this before and care to comment? Love some feedback, don't want to waste my money if its a bad decision.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

What are the specs on the HD/Lowe's rope? That's where your answer lies.

My bet is that it'll fall short on UV resistance and break strength.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

The answer isn't just in the specs. How are you going to attach the rope to the tube and the boat? Are you going to braid it like the ones you buy or just throw a knot in it. When you get the store boughten ropes the ends are tested too not just the rope. When you just tie a knot in it that isn't tested. If I were going to tow my kids or friends a few bucks wouldn't come into the picture.

 

[akazanar]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

I would bet it would be cheaper in the long run to buy the rope made for the purpose because it will most likely last longer so you won't have to replace it as often. Also, most purpose made tow ropes have pre-made hoops on the end to make attachment easier and some have sleeves that help the rope to float.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

As for the rope itself, it doesn't matter. How it's rigged is the convenience you pay for--sometimes worth it. Besides, there's no risk if the line breaks. BTDT many times.

 

[ispaydeu]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

I haven't gone yet to see the options, I did see on their website 5/8" that looked similar.

For the connections, I was thinking about just using carabiners (like climbers use), figured that would be quick enough.

My concern is not if the rope breaks from a safety stand point... Oh darn, they fly off the tube. My concern is I don't want to buy something that just can't do what the tow rope... In my head a "rope is a rope is a rope", so I was just curious if there was any difference between a "towing rope" that is rated at 4K versus a home depot rope that is rated at 4K.

For UV, to be honest, I don't think it matters... I will not have it stored in the sunlight, so I'm not so worried about that.

Any other thoughts?

 

[QC]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

Tow ropes float . . . I make my own Docklines, boat tow lines etc from bulk nylon, but I use specialty for towables. You need to be able to see the line in the water when you are circling back. Not as big a concern with Tubes, but there is still slack that will go under. If you can get Polypropylene of similar strength, then I'd probably go for it with a tube. I agree about the quality loops, but if you also know how to tie a proper bowline then I am less concerned about that. My .02

 

[cr2k]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

A tow rope doesn't stretch. If you buy a nylon rope that will stretch you will have problems and if the end with the 'biner comes off the tube it will fly at the boat like a bullet.

A good poly rope that doesn't stretch should work fine. Get a FID and learn how to make strong eyes on the ends

For instance, a climbing rope (mountaineering) is made to stretch to absorbe the climbers weight should he fall.

A rescue rope does not because it is used differently and needs to be taught during rescue, no sunrises.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

With my loved ones on the end of the tow rope I want something that I know is built for the job. You can get some sweet deals at the end of the season on this stuff.
My 2 cents

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

You're going to spend more money buying from the hardware store. A tube rope here at iboats is way cheaper. Go to the store and you'll know what I'm talking about.

 

[ispaydeu]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

Tow ropes float . . . I make my own Docklines, boat tow lines etc from bulk nylon, but I use specialty for towables. You need to be able to see the line in the water when you are circling back. Not as big a concern with Tubes, but there is still slack that will go under. If you can get Polypropylene of similar strength, then I'd probably go for it with a tube. I agree about the quality loops, but if you also know how to tie a proper bowline then I am less concerned about that. My .02

"Tow ropes float..."

... That did it for me. I do want to be able to see the rope for certain. Last thing I want is it getting in the propeller. Even though I do have a specialty marina rope "Y" that takes my to eye bolts on the transom and it does float, i was still concerned about that with the regular rope.


Wouldn't have thought that regular hardware store rope would float or not versus one from a marine company.

SOLD, thank you guys!

Now I just need to find a tow line strong enough to pull 4000 pounds (the weight limit on my transom "Y" connector is around 4000 pounds).
Any recommendations for a site to purchase from? Don't want to pay an arm and a leg.

Also, any partcular "perk" features to look for? I know its just a rope, but are there any cool little extra features that company add on to them that I should consider?

 

[scutly]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

is like 17 bucks to much? Heavy Duty 4K Tow Rope buy it right here on iboats dude!

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

"Tow ropes float..."
Last thing I want is it getting in the propeller.

Uhhhh.....even though it floats and its designed for watersports it can still get wrapped up in the propeller.....then you buy a new one and that one can get tangled in the prop also.....just beware lol.

Theres only 1 way that I know this....

As for perks, you can get a quick disconnect link which is kinda cool because you dont have to pull 60ft. of line thru itself to hook/unhook it.

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

Experience from my childhood I'll never forget... Dad's friend is out on the tube, us kids are going crazy waiting for our turn to ride the tube with the substandard rope... rope snaps... whips back and removes the skin from about half of his arm. Got him back in boat and off to the hospital. It was horrible and it took my parents along time to get me on a tube after that! Just spend the money!

I ordered tow ropes on Amazon for like $12-$16 w/ free shipping... they were here in just a few days.

Here's a 2 person rope for only $13!

http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-Airh...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1271431784&sr=8-6

Here's a 4 person rope for only $17!

http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-Airh...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1271431784&sr=8-3

Good luck!

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

Last one... here's a 6000lb rope for only $20

http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-Airh...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1271431784&sr=8-8

 

[ispaydeu]

Re: Rope for Towable - Okay from home improvement store?

I definitely will be getting a legit tow rope now.

Appreciate all of the feedback.