tubing

Steved

What is the correct / best way to hook up a ski rope for tubeing?  The dealer told me the factory ski bar would bend if used for tubing and recommended hooking to the eyehooks on the back of each pontoons.  I have read other posts on other forums that recommend not to do this due to the stress it will cause to the welds and the inevitable leaks.
Just curious what the rest of you are doing with your Sweetwater's.  I have a new 2080 BF with a 90hp Yamaha.  
The wife, kids and long lost friends are anxious to start tubing!

Unknown

The most safest and most secure way to pull people on tubes is with a ski harness that is attached to the lifting eyes on the aft end of both pontoon tubes. The harness forms a V and allows for the attachment of your ski rope. Your dealer or any marine retail aftermarket shop should be able to assist you with acquiring a ski harness.

TKtoon

I was told the same thing when I bought my Sweetwater in March.  But I did pull tubes for endless hours attached to the eye hooks on the back of the toons on my last pontoon without any issues.  I plan on doing the same thing with the new pontoon.  The only downside is the rope drags in the water and whoever is on the tube get a lot of water splashed in their faces. 

three919499

I have been using a ski tow bar since I bought my boat I had it intsalled at the marina and haven't had any problems it's a 24' with a 90hp Mercury.

Capt_Steve

Really depends on how much weight, how hard you cut turns, etc. Multiple small kids or one adult at a slower speed might be okay on the tow bar, but really a ski rope harness is only about $20, simple to use, and helps to safely distribute the weight.

baloo28

Ok, major confused. If you shouldn't use the tow bar, then why the heck do I spend a bunch of extra money to have "tow" bar? Is it just a shiny piece of chrome the dealer installs just to get money??

RickFisher

I ordered the towbar on my Aqua Patio.  Was given no warning about weight capacity.  I call BS if you can't use it for tubing or skiing.  

Capt_Steve

Hey guys...I've asked one of our pontoon engineers to weigh in on this subject.

Capt_Steve

@baloo28 & @RickFisher ... guys...this is a SKI tow bar that can handle up to 500 lbs. The problem with tubing is that you can quickly exceed the limit due to drag in the water. The recommendation is that you purchase a "Y" harness and attach to the pontoon tube eyes for tubing. You CAN use the existing tow bar for skiing.