Choosing the Right Tow Rope for Tubing

In the midst of boating season, safety is still top priority. Between the extreme heat and abundance of boaters out on the water, keeping yourself and your passengers safe can seem like a daunting task. Boating is relaxing and fun all at the same time. Many enjoy watersports of all kinds during the season – perhaps the most popular is tubing.

Tubing is exhilarating and so much fun. As a beginner, it can seem overwhelming from picking out the tube you want to making sure you have the proper safety gear and equipment (like a tow rope). That is where we come in to help!

Tubing Tow Rope Requirements

We have listed out the varying tubes previously; and, once you have decided which tube to go with, the next step is deciding which rope is best for you.

Find the Right Length

According to the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), tow ropes for tubing must be at least 50 feet in length, but not to exceed 65 feet. The rope needs to be at least 50 feet otherwise it can cause spraying from the crest of the wave. This can be dangerous because it can cause visual impairments for both the boaters and the tubers. Additionally, a short rope can get stuck in the propeller and also might tow the tubers too close to the engine so they will be breathing in carbon monoxide.

Select the Right Weight Capacity

There are specific ropes for towing a tube – these are not the same for other water sports so it is crucial to make sure that you have a rope designed for tubing. A tubing rope has two ends that attach – one to the boat and one to the tube.

There are different tube tow ropes depending on the amount of people you intend to pull. For example, you would not want to use a tow rope that is designed for a two person tube when you are using and pulling a four person tube. This could result in breakage of the rope and potential injury to your rider(s).

WSIA recommends rope tensile strength to be at least 1,500lbs for one rider under 170lbs. For three riders under 510lbs, the rope should be at least 3,350lbs. And, for five to six riders weighing between 810 and 1020lbs, the rope strength should be at least 6,100lbs. In general, you should always check with the manufacturer of your tube and to see what they suggest when it comes to towing.

Thoroughly Inspect the Rope Before Use

Whenever you take your boat out, you should inspect it to make sure all is well and nothing is needing to be repaired to ensure safety while out and about. The same type of care should be applied to taking a tube out. You should never use a rope that is fraying, has knots, or has been damaged by the sun. These things can cause the rope to break while towing.

Ready to go Tubing with TurboSwing?

We hope we have been able to answer some questions you may have when deciding which rope to choose for tubing. TurboSwing wishes you the best time boating and tubing.