Tow Rope

Buying Guide | Water Towables

Materials

Nylon

Nylon is the most commonly used material for towable covers. It typically comes in different weights or thicknesses, commonly referred to as denier. The greater the denier number, the stronger the nylon is going to be. Note here that higher denier numbers will typically be found on more expensive towables or tubes that are designed for multiple riders.

As a guideline, a 420 denier is typically used on less expensive and single rider towable. This denier is lighter, thinner, and should only be considered when purchasing a single-rider towable.

An 840 denier is the heaviest nylon you will find in towables. Deniers at this weight are not simply heavier, but they are also stronger and used typically in more expensive, larger towables.

Polyester

Polyester is another commonly used material in towables. Polyester coated with PVC is often used to strengthen Polyester and provide an additional alternative to high denier nylon. 600 denier coated with PVC Vinyl will be as strong as 840 denier nylon.

Polyester is also found in a "solution-dyed" form, most typically on boat lift canopies or awnings, due to its color retention and non-fading properties. Treated polyesters have good durability and resistance to fading from the sun. Note: 600 Denier Treated Polyester is found in place of nylon on 1 and 2-rider towables.

PVC (Vinyl)

In addition to being used as a coating material on bottoms of new materials, PVC Vinyl is also the material used for all of the bladders, or inner tubes, of towables. The material comes in several thicknesses, measured by gauge. All PVC used in towables range from 24-gauge to 30-gauge, and are considered to be heavy duty. As a comparison, inexpensive pool toys are considered to be made of standard or light duty material (10-gauge to 14-gauge).

Neoprene

Neoprene is a common material in wetsuits. It is a soft, four-way stretch nylon or polyester material that covers a soft foam layer. This material can also be used as a soft covering over nylon or polyester towable covers. Neoprene provides an added level of comfort and also prevents against skin chaffing in areas of high-rub; areas such as under the handles, knees, ankles, head, and elbows. Neoprene is typically found in more expensive towables.

Shapes

Nowadays towables are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The shape of a towable is one of the determining factors of how the towable performs on the water, in addition to boat driving and body position.

Round Donut

Call it traditional, old-school, original, or the good ol' reliable, but the point remains that the round donut towable is the oldest shape and most affordable towable on the market. While originally designed to be just a single-rider tube, this shape now comes in a number of sizes, allowing for multi-rider configurations.

Adults will typically use it as a lay-on-top towable and find it easy to get the tube outside of the wake. Due to its small size and high center of gravity, this shape towable tends to roll over quite easily.

In comparison, children will find this shape somewhat uncomfortable because of the size of the center hole. It is often too small to sit in and too large to lay on for younger children.

The Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time buyers due to the price. Not recommended for the young ride due to the uncomfortable ride and high tipping probability.

Deck Tubes

Deck tubes are flat, lay-on-top towables that come in a number of different shapes. Whether round, D-shaped, or delta-shaped, deck tubes can be used by as few as 1 rider and as many as 4 riders simultaneously. Deck tubes typically are fully covered, offering a thrill-riding experience. Deck tubes can cross wake easily and their low-profile keep the rider's face close to the water for a true speed experience on the water.

Deck tubes have a large exposed flat surface that make them prone to flipping, particularly when going over bumps and during whip turns. This makes body position of the rider(s) important for staying on as long as possible.

The Bottom Line: Ideal for teenagers and young adult riders who seek a thrill. Deck Tubes are challenging and fun all around.

Ride-In

Just like deck tubes, ride-in tubes come in a variety of shapes and sizes that allow for anywhere from 1 to 4 riders simultaneously. The term ‘ride-in' means just that…the rider sits down inside of the towable. Most models have inflated floors or seating areas that provide comfortable, dry areas for the rider.

More expensive ride-in tubes offer neoprene head rests as well as fully nylon-covered sides and floors. Usually riders will be hard-pressed to tip ride-in tubes due to their low center of gravity.

The Bottom Line: Ideal for young children and adults who prefer dry, comfortable experiences. Ride-in tubes provide the feeling of comfort and security while still providing a thrilling rider experience.

Ride-On

If Ride-in tubes mean that the rider rides inside of the towable, you may be able to guess what a Ride-on tube is, but allow us to explain more about them anyway. Ride-on tubes are available in many shapes and sizes to accommodate up to 6 riders simultaneously. As opposed to sitting down inside of the towable, Ride-on tubes require the rider to sit atop or to straddle the fuselage of torpedo Ride-on tubes, or sitting in a recumbent style tubes.

Torpedo towables are designed for multiple riders and have the least amount of whip of all tubes. They can be somewhat unstable due to their long, narrow shape and high center of gravity.

Recumbent towables come in a D-shape design and provide riders with the thrills of deck tubes while remaining seated upright with head and back areas supported.

The Bottom Line: Ideal for multiple riders (Torpedo design) who wish to enjoy the thrills with their friends and family. Recumbent design towables are ideal for who seek the high-speed tubing thrills while seated in a supported upright position.

Rocker

Rocker designs are present in two types. The first type of Rocker design is the U-shape design. This design is a continuous rocker that flows evenly from one side to the other like a U.

The second Rocker shape is known as the 3-stage rocker, consisting of turned up wings on each side and a flat area which the riders lay or sit on. This design creates a tremendous thrill in extreme whip situations as the tube will actually ride up on the wings, while seldom rolling over. This Rocker shape is very stable when airborne over wake, making for fewer spills and far more thrills.

The Bottom Line: Ideal for any rider, any age, and any ability. All are welcome here!

Concept

Designed specifically for performance, concept towables can fly, roll, and perform other unique tubing experiences. Typically more expensive, concept tubes can provide a unique thrill that is unmatched with any other towable.

The Bottom Line: Ideal for extreme riders who are looking for a unique thrill ride.

Driver Instructions

We understand that this is a buying guide, and that you can't exactly "buy" driver instructions for water towables. However, that does not mean that they cannot contribute to a better tubing experience if they are understood. Aside from guiding you towards buying the towable that is right for you, we see it as only fair to provide some instruction on how to maximize the enjoyment of your purchase, while staying safe.

Water skiing and wakeboarding are rider controlled water sports activities. Comparatively, towables are reliant upon the boat driver to create the experience by changing direction and creating centrifugal force. The boat driver must follow certain boating rules and make certain that the tube riders are safe, and that surrounding boat, tubers, and skiers are safe.

1. Assure you have legal seating on your boat for each rider of the towable.
2. Due to the side-to-side swinging motion of the tube, it is imperative to select a safe are for towing the tube and rider. Keep minimum 100-feet of unobstructed water on each side of the boat and at least 3,000 feet in front of the boat.
3. Speeds should not exceed 15mph for children and 20mph for adults.
4. To produce a "whip-effect", if desired, make long 45-degree sweeping turns while keeping constant pressure on the tube and tow rope. If you start accelerating into a new turn with slack still in the rope, you may cause serious injury to the rider such as whiplash. The driver of the boat needs to accelerate as the boat turns to the right and continue accelerating until the towable crosses the wake. At this time, the driver shall decelerate and let the towable carry outward until the rope tightens before commencing the next turn. Note: A towbable in a whip will travel much faster than the boat itself. It is imperative that the boat decelerate after the towable has crossed the wake.
5. Boater courtesy is important and works both ways. When turning the boat back to pick up fallen riders, or simply tube in a different direction, always make a large gentle turn with no acceleration. Always maintain a general direction while pulling tubes and make it obvious to other boaters the intent of your direction. By doing this, other boat operators can predict where you are going and make the appropriate adjustments of their vessel.
6. Coordinate hand signals with tube riders, like those outlined in our Boating Hand Signals article, so that the boat driver and the rider can communicate during the ride.
7. In addition to the driver and the tube rider, it is highly recommended that one additional person be on the boat with an indicator flag. It is the job of this person to watch the towable at all times. If the rider of the towable falls, he/she will use the indicator flag to signify to other vessels that riders are being picked up and they should steer clear.

Ropes

Bear in mind that the rope that you use for water ski ropes is not designed with tubing in mind. Tow ropes, or tube ropes, are specifically designed with higher break strengths and less stretch than a standard water ski rope. Tube ropes are recommended by the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) and designed with the number riders being pulled in mind. Basically, a two person tube rope for a towable designed for two people, a three person tube rope for a three person towable and so on. Note: Never pull a multi-rider towable with a rope that is not recommended for the size of the tube, regardless of the number of people you have on board.

Your tube rope should be a minimum of 50′ in length and should not exceed 65′.

Tube ropes should have a loop at both ends for quick and convenient connection and never be tied to a towable or boat harness.

Specification & Guidelines

Number of Riders

Combined Weight of Riders

Rope Tensile Strength

One

170 lbs

1500 lbs

Two

340 lbs

2375 lbs

Three

510 lbs

3350 lbs

Four

680 lbs

4100 lbs

 

Note: Check with the manufacturer of your specific towable product for tow rope specifications. The specifications outlined above are meant to be a guideline ONLY and are recommendations of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA).

About the Author

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Tow Rope $24.99 A. Villani Tow Rope - Photographic Print

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / TOW ROPE, 12', SKI/TOW ROPE BRI / R405WHT99 $26.17 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - TOW ROPE, 12', SKI/TOW ROPE BRI - R405WHT99

12 Foot Tow Rope $15.95 Parts Unlimited 12 Foot Tow Rope Lightweight, compact, heavy duty tow rope with hooks

Inflatable Tube Tow Rope $19.95 Slippery Inflatable Tube Tow Rope For one and two rider tubes High strength 3/8" rope 60' long Maximum rider weight of 345 lbs

Sportsstuff 57-1522 Tow Rope $23.99 "Sportsstuff 2K Tow Rope Brand New Includes 90 Days Warranty, The Sportstuff 57-1522 is a 2 rider tube tow rope. This heavy-duty 60 foot tube tow rope is rated at 2375 pounds tensile strength Designed to pull the 2 rider tubes, this rope will stand the test of time. It comes with a molded plastic caddy for easy storage. 57-1522 Features: Product # 57-1522, 2K Tow Rope, 60 Feet Long Rope, 2, 375 lbs. Tensile Strength, Minimum Stretch Design, Molded Plastic Caddy"

Sportsstuff 57-1532 Tow Rope $27.99 "Sportsstuff 4K Tow Rope Brand New Includes 90 Days Warranty, The Sportstuff 57-1532 is a 4 rider tube tow rope. This heavy-duty 60 foot tube tow rope is rated at 4, 100 pounds tensile strength Designed to pull the 4 rider tubes, this rope will stand the test of time. It comes with a molded plastic caddy for easy storage. 57-1532 Features: Product # 57-1532, 4K Tow Rope, 60 Feet Long Rope, 4, 100 lbs. Tensile Strength, Minimum Stretch Design, Molded Plastic Caddy"

Sportsstuff 57-1542 Tow Rope $31.99 "Sportsstuff 6K Tow Rope Brand New Includes 90 Days Warranty, The Sportstuff 57-1542 is a 6 rider tube tow rope. This heavy-duty 60 foot tube tow rope is rated at 6, 100 pounds tensile strength Designed to pull the 6 rider tubes, this rope will stand the test of time. It comes with a molded plastic caddy for easy storage. 57-1542 Features: Product # 57-1542, 6K Tow Rope, 60 Feet Long Rope, 6, 100 lbs. Tensile Strength, Minimum Stretch Design, Molded Plastic Caddy"

S Hook Tow Rope $14.95 Parts Unlimited S Hook Tow Rope Superstrong three point tow rope measures 1" wide; each side is 5' long Features two rubber coated S hooks on each end Third steel hook easily attaches to towing machine

Spring Clip Tow Rope $16.95 Parts Unlimited Spring Clip Tow Rope Heavy duty three point tow rope hooks to the disabled vehicle Each side measures about 4-1/2' long, with a spring clip retaining hook on each end A must have for every tool kit

Highland 15' Tow Rope $12.95 The Highland 15' Tow Rope is made from braided polypropylene rope, with a 5,000 lbs. rated capacity and two forged steel hooks. Includes instructions on how to attach.

World Industries WITR-1 Tow Rope $23.99 "World Industries Skullbo Tube Tow Rope Brand New Includes 90 Days Warranty, The World Industries WITR-1 is a 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope. This heavy-duty 16 strand 3/8 inch x 60 foot tube tow rope is rated at 2, 375 pounds tensile strength Engineered to pull the big 2 rider tubes, this rope will stand the test of time. It has a unique Rasta color scheme with a 6-inch loop spliced at each end. A Rope Keeper with Skullbo graphics is included for tangle-free storage. WITR-1 Features: Product # WITR-1, 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope, Heavy-Duty 16 Strand Tow Rope, 60 Feet Long Rope, 2, 375 lbs. Tensile Strength, Measures Diameter 3/8 Inch, High Quality, Engineered To Pull The Big 2 Rider Tubes, Unique Design, Portable, Rope Keeper Included"

Equal Pull Tow Rope $8.99 WPS Equal Pull Tow Rope Place front hook in tow hitch and the two remaining hooks in the ski loops of the sled to be towed. Strap slides freely through the eye of the front hook for equal pull on both skis. Made of 4000 lb. mildew resistant flat nylon webbing. Packaged in an attractive display bag. Sizing Information: 5' 6"

Rave 1-Section 6-Rider Tow Rope $27.99 RAVE 1-SECTION 6-RIDER TOW ROPETube Tow Rope6-PersonRAVE's tow ropes have been tested to conform with WSIA standards for the tensile strength requirements of 6-Person. Each 60 foot rope comes with a 7" loop at each end and is constructed of 16C braided polypropylene. The 6-Person is 7/8" dia.WARNING

Rave 1-Section 2-Rider Tow Rope $18.99 RAVE 1-SECTION 2-RIDER TOW ROPETube Tow Rope2-PersonRAVE's tow ropes have been tested to conform with WSIA standards for the tensile strength requirements of 2-person. Each 60 foot rope comes with a 7" loop at each end and is constructed of 16C braided polypropylene. The 2-person is 3/8" dia.WARNING

Tow Rope Hook-Up Ropes $11.5 Atlantis Tow Rope Hook-Up Ropes The easy way to quickly attach and detach your ski or tube ropes to your PWC or boat. Just snap them on or off to change ropes.

Airhead AHTR4000 4 Rider Tube Tow Rope $26.99 "Airhead 4 Rider Tube Tow Rope Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Airhead AHTR4000 is a 4 Rider Tube Tow Rope. This heavy-duty 16 strand 9/16 inch x 60 foot tube tow rope is rated at 4, 150 pounds tensile strength Engineered to pull the big 3 and 4 rider tubes, this rope will stand the test of time. It has a unique Rasta color scheme with a 6-inch loop spliced at each end. A Rope Keeper is included for tangle-free storage. AHTR4000 Features: Product # AHTR4000, 4 Rider Tube Tow Rope, Heavy-Duty 16 Strand Tow Rope, 9/16 Inch Rope, 60 Feet Long Rope, 4, 150 lbs. Tensile Strength, Measures Diameter 5/8 Inch, High Quality, Engineered To Pull The Big 3 & 4 Rider Tubes, Unique Design, Portable, Rope Keeper Included"

Airhead AHTR50 1 Rider Tube Tow Rope $19.99 "Airhead 1 Rider Tube Tow Rope Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Airhead AHTR50 is a 1 Rider Tube Tow Rope. This tube tow rope has a 1, 500-pound tensile strength, meeting WSIA recommendations for 1-rider towables. It s 50 feet long with a 6 loop at each end. A Rope Keeper is included. AHTR50 Features: Product # AHTR50, 1 Rider Tube Tow Rope, 50' Long, 6 Inch Loop At Each End, 1, 500 lbs. Tensile Strength, Meets WSIA Recommendations for 1 Rider Towables, Portable, Rope Keeper Included"

Airhead Watersports / AIRHEAD 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope / AHTR-60 $21.75 Airhead Watersports - AIRHEAD 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope - AHTR-60

Rave Sports / Rave 1-Section 2-Rider Tow Rope / 02331 $21.89 Rave Sports - Rave 1-Section 2-Rider Tow Rope - 02331

Rave Sports / Rave 50' Bungee 1-4 Rider Tow Rope / 02333 $47.68 Rave Sports - Rave 50' Bungee 1-4 Rider Tow Rope - 02333

Airhead Watersports / AIRHEAD 50' Single Rider Tow Rope / AHTR-50 $17.75 Airhead Watersports - AIRHEAD 50' Single Rider Tow Rope - AHTR-50

AIRHEAD 50' Single Rider Tow Rope $12.99 AIRHEAD 1,500 LB TUBE TOW ROPE 50 FT. 1 RIDERAirhead 1 Rider Tube Tow RopeThis tube tow rope has a 1,500-pound tensile strength, meeting WSIA recommendations for 1-rider towables. It's 50 feet long with a 6" loop at each end. A Rope Keeper is included. Color: Yellow. A good tube rope at a great pric

Airhead AHTR60 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope $22.99 "Airhead 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Airhead AHTR60 is a 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope. Designed to use with Kwik Tek's Airhead inflatables for 1- to 2- riders, this 3/8-inch, 16-strand braided tow rope is rated at 2, 375 pounds tensile strength. A 6-inch loop is spliced at each end while a rope keeper is included for tangle-free storage. It is designed for 1 and 2 rider tubes. AHTR60 Features: Product # AHTR60, 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope, For 1 & 2 Rider Airhead Inflatables, 3/8-Inch, 16-Strand Braided Tow Rope, 60 Feet Length, 2, 375 lbs. Tensile Strength, High Quality, Unique Design, Portable, 6-Inch Loop Spliced At Each End, Rope Keeper Included"

Twisted Nylon V-shaped Tow Rope $26.98 Tow Rope strong enough to handle long-distance towing V-shaped tow rope is made of twisted nylon with three (3) vinyl coated 'S' hooksTwo hooks attach to the disabled machine to guarantee a straight pull when towing

AIRHEAD 2 Rider Tube Tow Rope $12.5 AIRHEAD DELUXE 1,500 LB TUBE TOW ROPE 60 FT. 1-2 RIDERSAirhead 2 Rider Tube Tow RopeThis 3/8" 16-strand braided tow rope is rated at 2,375 pounds tensile strength. Theres a 6" loop spliced at each end. A Rope Keeper is included for tangle-free storage. Designed for 1 and 2 rider tubes.

Airhead 4 Rider Tube Tow Rope $22.95 Kwik Tek Airhead 4 Rider Tube Tow Rope Heavy duty 16 strand tow rope Measures 9/16" x 60' long and is rated at 4,150lb tensile strength Engineered to pull big 3 and 4 rider tubes Features a Rasta color scheme with a 6: loop at each end Includes a rope keeper for tangle free storage

AIRHEAD Bungee Tube 50' Tow Rope $35.99 AIRHEAD 4,150 LB BUNGEE TUBE TOW ROPE 50 FT 1-4 RIDERSAirhead Bungee Tube Tow RopeAdd a little extra zing and excitement to your tubing! This 9/16" x 50 ft. tube rope has a 3/8" diameter bungee cord spliced inside. It's rated at 4,150 pounds tensile strength, conforming to WSIA recommendat

Airhead AHTRB-50 Bungee Tube Tow Rope $34.99 "Airhead Bungee Tube Tow Rope Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Airhead AHTRB-50 is a Bungee Tube Tow Rope, 50 ft. that adds a little extra zing and excitement to your tubing This 9/16"" x 50 ft. tube rope has a 3/8"" diameter bungee cord spliced inside. It's rated at 4, 150 pounds tensile strength, conforming to WSIA recommendations for 1 - 4 rider tubes. You will enjoy brief surges of speed as the bungee stretches and contracts. It reduces wear and tear on tubes and riders too, by absorbing sudden jerks from slack in the line. A Rope Keeper is included for convenient storage. AHTRB-50 Features: Product # AHTRB-50, Bungee Tube Tow Rope, 9/16-Inches Rope, 50-Fet Long Rope, 4, 150 lbs. Tensile Strength, 3/8 In Diameter Bungee Cord Spliced Inside, High Quality, Unique Design, Portable, Meets WSIA Recommendations for 1 To 4 Riders, Rope Keeper Included"

Airhead Bungee Tube Tow Rope 50 ft. $49.86 Airheadreg; Bungee Tube Tow RopeAdd a little extra zing and excitement to your tubing This 9/16 x 50 ft. tube rope has a 3/8 diameter bungee cord spliced inside. Its rated at 4150 pounds tensile strength conforming to WSIA recommendations for 1 4 rider tubes. Youll enjoy brief surges of speed as the bungee stretches and contracts. It reduces wear and tear on tubes and riders too by absorbing sudden jerks from slack in the line. A Rope Keeper is included for convenient storage. Product : KWIK TEK AIRHEAD BUNGEE TUBE TOW ROPE 50FT Manufacturer : KWIK TEK / DRY PAK Manufacturer Part No : AHTRB50 UPC : 737826018451

Rave 50' Bungee 1-4 Rider Tow Rope $33.19 RAVE 50' BUNGEE 1-4 RIDER TOW ROPERAVE's tow ropes have been tested to conform with WSIA standards for the tensile strength requirements of 2-person, 3-person, 4-person, and 6-person tow behinds.WARNING: For the safety of your riders and boat occupants, it is extremely important that a properly rate

Jet Logic TR20 20apos; Pwc Tow Rope $27.27 This 20 ft. tow rope has a heavyduty carabineer at each end. The 12 long soft hook is perfect for easy hookups to recessed bow eyes and doubles as a rope wrap for neat storage. The 3/8 diameter purple/yellow/red rope is UV mold and mildew resistant and color coordinates nicely with most PWC s and jet boats.

Seachoice Prod Seachoice Prod Teal Ski Tow Rope 86621 $20.39 Teal ski tow rope 1/4? x 75', 12-strand polypropylene ski rope Meets AWSA specifications Cushion soft handle Self winding holder included Teal Made in U.S.A Brand #: Seachoice Prod 86621 UPC: 719249866215 Keywords: ski tow rope

SportsStuff Doable 4k Booster Ball w/ Custom Tow Rope $79.99 SPORTSSTUFF DOABLE 4K BOOSTER BALL W/ CUSTOM TOW ROPEAdvanced towing system - includes 4K Booster Ball and Custom Tow Rope (Overall length with Booster Ball is 60FT.) We have developed the 4K Booster Ball, an inflatable buoy with tow rope connected to both ends, as a way of keeping the tow rope out

Sportsstuff Booster Ball with Custom Tow Rope $166.29 This Booster Ball is a custom tow rope with inflatable buoy in the middle that will boost your towable's performance in many ways. This booster keeps the tow rope out of the water while preventing it from getting caught in water or boat wake.Heavy-gauge PVC bladder840 denier full nylon cover with zipperTough 2-inch webbingExclusive patented speed safety valve60-foot overall length (including Booster Ball)Double stitching and reinforced stress pointsSelf bailing drain vent4k tow rope4,100-pound break strengthFor use with 1- to 4-rider towablesSafety features: Enhanced tow rope visibility on the waterMaterials: Heavy gauge PVC bladder, double-stitched nylon coverDimensions: 27 inches high x 38 inches wideModel: 53-2030

SPORTSSTUFF 571542 6k Tow Rope $42.02 6100pound (2.77 Mg) break strength This heavyduty rope is for towing any tube with up to 6 riders. Features a molded plastic caddy for easy storage. Size: 60 (18.3 meter) Length.

Seachoice Prod Seachoice Prod 2 Rider Infltbl Tow Rope 86661 $9.81 2 rider infltbl tow rope 2 rider inflatables tow rope Specifically designed for towing 2 inflatables including all types of water toys from tubes to sleds 16 strand 3/8? diameter rope with 6' loop at the end 50' plus (2) 10' sections Brand #: Seachoice Prod 86661 UPC: 719249866611 Keywords: rope tow inflatable

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