UPDATE....Complete newbie tube question..........

[V4 Johnson]

Okay...........so I've never tubed before. Never even really seen it done.

So the UPS guy just brought me a Big Mable 2-person towable (I've seen some consensus that it's a good one) and I got a 12V pump and a patch kit and a quick connector for the tube. Also got a 60 foot tow rope.

Here's my question: How do I attach the tow rope to the boat?? I don't have a post for skiing. So I will have to attach it to the tiedown eye(s) on the transom. Does it tie off to one eye?? Or do I run a rope with enough slack to clear the outboard from one eye to the other and attach the tow rope to that rope??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[2000fourwinns]

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

There is a cable and "pulley" you can buy from about anywhere including Walmart for about $14 that attaches to both transom eyes and has a plastic pulley inbetween that you attach the tube rope to. They work great and are fairly strong. Be sure to put enough air in the tube. Most people start out thinking they have enough air, but usually not. If you don't have enough it will submarine prety easily. One good thing to get is a double action hand pump to get the pressure you want after the 12V pump does all it can. Most of the time when I leave the house my tube has plenty of pressure until it hits the cooler water. Then I have to add some pumps to it.

Also, if you have a swim step or something like that, be sure you route the pulley cable so it wont put any pressure on the ladder or anything.

Have fun.

 

[V4 Johnson]

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Thanks, 2000 !!! Appreciate the help.

Will be pulling the tube with an '84 4 Winns. I call it "vintage".

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Agree get as much air as possible in the tube. Helps it to Plane out easier and not plow through the water.

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Make that +3 on enough air. When it feels like it has enough, put some more in it. Like 2000 said, when it hits the water it will very quickly feel like it is losing air. The cooler the water he more it will feel that way.

 

[V4 Johnson]

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Re: Complete newbie tube question..........

Well............. just got back min off the water and our maiden tubing run.

We had a blast !!!!! My 6 year old daughter, once again, demonstrated that she has no fear. No matter which adult was riding with her, she was the one yelling "faster !! " and the adult was the one yelling "slower !! ".

As expected, it was a learning experience. But all in all, not too hard to make come together.

Found out that the 12V quick pump from Overton's is pretty quick. But you have to be careful the air hose doesn't melt where it comes out of the pump.

Found out weight distribution is all important in a 17 footer when it comes to popping onto plane while pulling 2 on the tube. If all the adults are behind the windshield, it ain't happening.

Found out that, in the absence of a proper tow harness with the pulley, a guy can make a really slick-working one from 25 feet of really rambo poly doubled with about 3 twists/foot, a bull snap on each end and a massive figure-8 carabiner to attach as a slide to the tow rope from the tube. Also found out that if I'd have put a couple sections of "pool noodle" foam around the harness to float it, it would have been a tad easier to work with.

Found out that the dead man's switch does not have to come the whole way un-clipped for your motor to die and have your buddy tow you for a couple miles until it hits you what happened. :facepalm:

Found out that we are REALLYgoing to enjoy our boat this summer with the addition of the Big Mable tube. I can't wait to get my 13 and 17 year olds on it for a good beating.