Tubing

[Ktown]

In an effort to make our boating more family oriented, I purchased a 3 person tube last year.  I originally just used my overpriced wake rope, but recently decided to purchase a specific 4,500lb tested "bungee" tube rope (not sure if I really needed it, but it was only $20).  Here are a couple of questions.  Has anyone used the airhead bungee rope?  Do you use the lower ski pole or tower mounted pole (can the tower support the weight)?  I had a problem last year with the tube submerging at low speeds.  Scarred my 5 year old pretty good (he got submerged and wouldn't let go) and caused me to dive-in leaving my SX to the control of Flyn's wife (who doesn't know how to drive) and his 2 year old daughter.  Is this caused by underinflation, poor design, or bad driving? Last, does anyone use the transom mounted pulley system?  Flyn bought it to allow him to hook the tube to the transom, especially since his X22 requires the rope to be in the way of the rear passengers.  Any reason to have one of these for a V-drive?  Also, Flyn is looking for a good tube, so let him know what you are using and how you like it.  Thanks

[skiboarder]

I bought a 3 person big mable last year, I towed it from the factory pylon and the transom mount when we had people in the back seat of my 99 e21. plenty stong, all tube sink like a sub when you are going to slow tell the kids not to lean forword and it wont do it.

[masonlk]

I bought a couple of cheap tubes and ropes for tubing from www.wileyski.com last year. They work as well as any of the expensive ones.  I just run the ropes off the tower so people can sit in the back seat if they want. Ditto skiboarder, you do need to keep the weight back at slow speed or you'll be swallowing the lake.

[flyn2001]

I bought this harness that hooks to the two transom hooks.  It has a hook in the middle that you connect your tow rope to.  It seemed like a great idea because the entire towing set up would be behind the boat and low to the water for some good sling shot action w/ K-town on the tube.  Also, to paint a better picture of the last time we did some tubing, K-town (aka D. Hasselhof) baywatched off the back of his boat while the only other adult in the boat was my wife, sitting in the back seat (i.e. nobody driving, but boat still going).  By the time he was able to yell to my wife to put the boat in neutral, she was able to promptly reply with "what?  I don't know how to do that!"  Pretty much the funniest thing we saw last season. 

[tenn162000]

thats great....  funniest thing i have heard in a while....  Epic love is great

[westtx]

Just caught up on this thread...does that mean I don't need to bring the 3-person tube I bought to Travis this year? I have towed it off the tower with no ill effect, but I got nervous and went back to towing it off the center pylon (E22). You could probably tow the queen mary off that thing

[flyn2001]

I just got a sweet 3 person tube.  I also got a heavy duty harnes that hooks to the u bolts on the back of the transom.  I think that a lower mounted position will make for some nice sling-shot action.  It will be its maiden voyage!! See ya there.