Ski Tube Basics

Everything you ever needed to know!
Tips & Information On How To Purchase, Use, Store & Maintain Boat Ski Tubes-

This page is written for the novice water ski tube user. It's a primer for someone who would like to get a towable tube but doesn't know much about water sports. This site will give you information on choosing the right tube for your needs, towing a ski tube behind your boat, tips for safe tubing and maintaining your ski tube.

Scroll down to see information on the following topics: Towable Ski Tube Basics How Water Ski Tubes Work Tyes Of Towable Tubes Instructions For Using Towables Inflatable Tips, Advice & Information How To Assemble And Inflate A Ski Tube Tow Rope Specifications Ski Tube Maintenance

WARNING: Towing people behind boats is dangerous. There is risk of drowning, collision, propeller contact and injury from snapped rope. It is your responsibility to be aware of such risks and communicate them everyone aboard your boat.

This site is for general information purposes only. You must read the specific instructions provided with your towable and your boat. This information is provided on an as-is basis with no warranty regarding its accuracy, use or suitability for a specific purpose.

TOWABLE SKI TUBE BASICS

Why get a towable ski tube? Because towing a ski tube extends the fun you can have with your power boat. Towables allow riders to have an experience that's similar to water-skiing. Passengers can enjoy water sports without knowing how to water ski.

Some boat towable tubes can be ridden by several people at once, making it a great experience to share with friends. Children that aren't old enough to water-ski can ride in boating tubes and participate in a fun day on the water. Kids ski tubes can be towed by all kinds of boats... including boats that aren't necessarily good ski boats.

HOW WATER SKI TUBES WORK

A simple boat ski tube is nothing more than an inner tube with handles and a connection for a tow line. The inner tube (sometimes called a "bladder") is typically made from strong PVC material. Better quality tubes feature a nylon cover to protect the tube. It's worth the extra couple of bucks to get a covered tube.

The tube is attached to a special ski tube tow rope. The rope floats because it is made of nylon. The rope connects to the boat using a special water ski towing cleat or a towing harness. Ski tube tow ropes are typically 60 feet long. Children should be towed with a shorter rope to prevent them from gaining excess speed if they move from side-to-side across the boat's wake. ﾠNever tow with a rope shorter than 20 feet to reduce riders' carbon monoxide exposure from the boat's exhaust.

Installing a tow harness is easy. You simply attach two closed hooks to your transom tie-down eyes. ﾠThe harness forms a "Y" behind your boat. ﾠThe tow rope attaches to the center of the "Y". ﾠHarnesses are made of nylon rope and features a built in float so they stay on the surface and clear of the propeller.

If your boat does not have a water ski towing cleat you can add one. ﾠThey usually cost less than $50. ﾠNote that a towing cleat must be installed at a specific location on your boat. ﾠThe location varies from boat to boat. ﾠCall the manufacturer to determine the specific placement on your boat.

ﾠ

TYPES OF WATER SKI TUBES

As towable tubes have become more popular, more tube designs have become available. Choosing the right ski tube is a matter of knowing what you want to do with your tube.

SINGLE RIDER TUBE: ﾠAs the name states, a single rider tubeﾠaccommodates only one rider. ﾠSingle rider tubes tend to be high performance tubes. ﾠThese tubes are more maneuverable ﾠThey're better suited for tricks, jumping, flying and high speeds. ﾠThey make great jet ski towable tubes.

Single rider ski tubes tend to be more affordable and easier to store. ﾠSingle rider tubes can safely use standard strength ski tube towing line and a standard towing harness.

MULTI-RIDER TUBE: ﾠThese towable water tubes can accommodate 2-6 people, depending on design. ﾠThese tubes are inherently larger, slower and heavier than single rider models. ﾠMulit-rider tubes are great for families that want to slowly pull a group of kids. ﾠThey're also good for a group sociable adults who just want to play around. ﾠMulti-rider water ski tubes are larger, more expensive and bulkier to store.

Note: ﾠMulti-person boat tubes require use of a heavy duty tow rope and a heavy duty towing harness. ﾠCareful attention to ski tube equipment weight and stress limitations is required. ﾠWithout heavy duty lines, the tow rope will snap. ﾠThe snapped line will fling back like a whip and injure riders with amazing force.

STANDARD TUBE DESIGN: ﾠA standard ski tube is similar to a large inflatable innertube. ﾠIt may or may not have a "floor" on the "inside of the doughnut hole." ﾠIt will have handles on top. ﾠRiders can lay on their stomachs across the top, sit with their rear in the "doughnut hole" or sit upright with their rear on the top of the tube and feet in the "doughnut hole." ﾠStandard boat tubes come in both singer and mulit-rider designs.

DECK TUBE: ﾠA deck ski tube is a flat tube that's not unlike a mattress. ﾠThere is no "doughnut hole." ﾠRiders lay on their stomachs. ﾠThey hold on to forward handles. ﾠThese tubes get your face close to the water and give a greater sensation of speed. These towable tubes offer the best "high performance" features.

"RIDE IN" TUBE: ﾠA ride in ski tube is similar to a small boat. ﾠRiders sit on a dry seat or floor, with sides surrounding them. ﾠ

CONCEPT TUBES: ﾠOther fun water tube designs include stand-up chariots, inflatable kneeboards, ride-on-top jet skis, hydrofoil boats and multi-rider "hot dogs." ﾠ

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING WATER SKI TUBES

• Inspect the mechanical condition of your boat. ﾠWater sports towable tubes place an extra strain on the engine and propulsion systems. ﾠMake sure all fluid levels are correct and mechanical systems are operating properly. ﾠInspect your towing cleat or transom eyes to insure they're sturdy and tight. ﾠCheck that you have a rear view mirror, skiing safety flag, life jackets for all aboard and both a marine VHF radio and a cell phone on which you can call for medical help if needed.


• Inspect your towable tube equipment. ﾠThe tube should be properly inflated. ﾠThe tow rope and tow harness should be in good condition with no fraying or serious discoloration. ﾠHardware should be free of rust and working properly.
  Click here to see pictures of water ski tube tow ropes and tow harnesses.


• Select a safe area on which to tow your water tube. ﾠA safe area provides at least 100 feet of open water to each side of the boat (so your tube can safely move from side to side and jump wakes.) ﾠThere should be at least 3,000 feet of unobstructed waterway in front of the boat (no docks, pilings, daymarks, rocks, speed signs, etc.) ﾠThis allows you to avoid constant turning. ﾠMake sure you are operating in a "boating fast zone" that's okay for your intended speed. ﾠKnow the local boating laws for the area in which you will operate.
  Water depth should be at least 5-6 feet and free of underwater hazards.


• Assign a spotter to remain aboard the tow boat. ﾠThe spotter's full attention should always be on the ski tube. The spotter should constantly verbally communicate with the boat's captain about the riders' activities and status. ﾠThe spotter should tell the captain of any boats approaching from the side or rear. ﾠThe spotter should warn other boats of the ski tube by waiving a skiing safety flag when a rider is down in the water. ﾠ
  The boat captain's attention should always be on the water (in front, to the sides and behind the boat), obstructions and boat traffic.


• Discuss your towing plans with your water ski tube passengers and the spotter. ﾠAgree on the speed at which you plan to tow, your "course" (anticipated turns) and the distance you will cover.
  Review ski hand signals with tube passengers and the spotter. ﾠInsure everyone know how to communicate.
  Remind riders that towable tubes have no brakes and no steering systems.
  ﾠ Review how passengers will be retrieved from the water if they should fall off the tube. ﾠIf you have a large, tall tube fallen riders may need to board the boat prior to re-boarding the tube.
  ﾠ Discuss how passengers will be boarded onto the tube and how they will re-board the boat once the ride is complete.
  ﾠ Review the location of safety equipment aboard the boat (additional life jackets, floating cushions, VHF radio, cell phone, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flares)


• When you're ready to begin, choose a safe location to stop your boat. ﾠTurn off the engine and remove the key. ﾠBe sure to remove the ignition key any time someone is in the water near your propeller. ﾠHave your passengers board the towable tube and paddle away from the boat. ﾠCheck that all riders are wearing life jackets.
  ﾠ Boats with inboard engines should run the bilge blower while the engine is off. ﾠThe blower vents any accumulated gasoline fumes from the engine compartment. ﾠThis allows you to start your engine again immediately (without having to wait four minutes for the blower to clear the engine compartment.)


• Do not strap arms or legs to ski tube (riders will drown if the tube flips over.)


• Do not place arms or legs between the tube and its nylon cover.


• Restart your engine. ﾠMove slowly though the water at idle speed until the tow rope is tight and aligned directly behind the boat. ﾠNever "jerk start" a ski tube. ﾠDo not launch from a dock or land.


• You can now tow at slow or fast speeds. ﾠAs a general guide, a safe "fast" towing speed for adults is about 20-25 mph. ﾠSafe speeds for children are less than 20 mph.


• Most towables will come up on plane at 10 to 25 mph, depending on the weight of the riders. ﾠ It is important to keep the towable's nose up until planing.


• Your inflatable water toy should slow at the same rate rate your boat slows. ﾠMake sure that the water tube isn't "sneaking up" on the boat when the boat slows or stops.


• The safest and easiest way to tow is to simply keep the towable directly behind your boat, in the "flat" area between your two wakes. ﾠThe "flat" area is in the middle of the wake "V" pattern.


• The boat captain can place riders "outside the wake" by maneuvering the boat through a series of s-turns. ﾠThe sharper the s-turns, the greater the lateral movement of the tube. ﾠNote that excessive speed or sharp turns can cause the tube to flip over abruptly.


• If you are towing at fast speeds, note how the towable tube can move much faster than the boat. ﾠWhen moving in a straight line, the boat and tube move at the same speed. ﾠWhen a ski tube makes a sharp turn, tube speed can suddenly become twice that of the boat. ﾠ For example, a boat towing at 15 MPH can easily have a towable moving 30 MPH fromﾠside-to-side. ﾠ


• At fast speeds, be aware of how Centrifugal Force affects your riders. ﾠCentrifugal Force is most apparent after a ski tube jumps a wake and makes a sharp turn to come back over a wake. ﾠCentrifugal Force acts on the rider during the turn, making it natural for the rider to fall off the tube away from the boat. ﾠThis is known as the "slingshot effect." ﾠThe boat captain has the responsibility to control boat speed, Centrifugal Force and the "slingshot effect."


• Most fatal ski tube accidents happen when riders strike another object while turning. ﾠExtraordinary caution and vigilance is required when making s-turn maneuvers at fast speed. ﾠIt only takes a split second of inattention to send riders smashing into a dock, piling, sign, channel marker, rocks or another boat.
  ﾠ Accidents are also common when riders loose their grip while jumping wakes or making sharp turns.


• Note the "multiplying effect" that boat wakes can have one each other. ﾠA boat's wake is a sine wave moving through the water. ﾠWhen combined with another boat's wake (or naturally occurring swell or chop), the resulting wake can be the sum of the height of both wakes. ﾠThis is the multiplying effect of naturally occurring sine waves.
  ﾠ For example say your boat makes a 2 foot tall wake while on plane. ﾠAnother boat traveling next to you makes a 3 foot wake. ﾠAt certain points the sine waves will meet and the resulting combined wake will be 5 feet tall!
  ﾠ This is critical for your riders. ﾠIf a rider is used to jumping 2 foot wakes, a 5 foot wake will launch them much higher with much greater force. ﾠIt is difficult to remain safely in control when this happens.
  ﾠ At least one family has been devastated by this effect. ﾠA boat towing children was traveling at a safe distance from nearby docks. ﾠThen two boats wakes combined. ﾠThe children lost their grip as they were launched off the giant wake. ﾠThey flew much farther and much faster because of the unusually large wake. ﾠThey kids hit their heads on a dock (that under normal conditions was a safe distance away.) ﾠOne died and one is permanently brain damaged.


• Always tow at speeds that are safe for the weight, size, strength and skill level of your passengers. ﾠBoth the boat and tube should be under full control at all times. ﾠIf you're not completely in control, slow down.


• If a rider falls off the water ski tube, pick them up immediately. ﾠFallen passengers are not easily seen by other boats. ﾠThe boat captain should slow down immediately. ﾠThe observer should maintain visual contact with the fallen rider and provide directions to the boat captain. ﾠ The observer should look for hand signals from the rider indicating that he/she is okay.
  ﾠ Move towards the fallen rider with the boat at slow speed. ﾠThe boat should be pointed into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. ﾠTurn off engine and remove the ignition key when approaching the fallen rider. ﾠ
  ﾠ If the rider is hurt but able to grab a rope, throw them a line and gently haul them in.
  ﾠ If the injured person can't grab a rope, let the boat drift towards them with the engine off. ﾠ Always keep the boat operator's side toward the victim. ﾠRetrieve the rider from the water when your boat gets close. ﾠPut a swimmer in the water to retrieve the rider only as a last resort (you don't want to risk having to retrieve two people if you don't have to.)
  ﾠ Remember that it's much harder to retrieve people from the water than most people think. ﾠYou may wish to practice this technique in advance of an emergency.


• If anyone becomes tired, take a break. ﾠBoaters' fatigue and skiers' fatigue are a major contributors to accidents. ﾠThe risk of accidents increases as the day progresses and sun, motion, noise and muscle strain take their toll.


• When the ride is over, stop the boat in a safe location. ﾠShut off the engine and remove the ignition key. ﾠUsing your hands, pull the tow rope into the boat to bring the towable tube closer. ﾠAllow riders to re-board the boat. ﾠ
  ﾠ Safely secure the ski tube and rope. ﾠIt's difficult to stow a big tube on a small boat. ﾠA secured ski tube must not obstruct the boat captain's view. ﾠAn inflatable should be well secured so the captain doesn't need to worry about the ski tube flying off the boat. ﾠTie-down kits are available for about $20 to help secure a tube to a boat. ﾠHave an inflator aboard so the tube can be easily deflated and re-inflated if necessary. ﾠA deflated tube is much easier to stow.

WATER SKI TUBE TIPS, ADVICE & INFORMATION
> Make sure your boat has a full tank of gas. ﾠYou'll burn a lot of gas while towing. ﾠSome non-water skiing boaters are surprised to find that the cost of the boat ski tube is easily eclipsed by the cost of the additional gas burned while towing.

> Be aware of riders' perception of speed. ﾠOnce riders get off the boat and away from engine noise, their perception of speed will change. ﾠRiders may want to go faster than is safe.

> A good way for riders to get used to a new towable tube is to first experiment with it away from your boat. ﾠUse it in a swimming pool or near shore. ﾠSee how it sits. ﾠSit how easily it tips over. ﾠPractice climbing aboard as if re-boarding after a fall. ﾠFloat around and enjoy it. ﾠThis will give you an initiative sense of the tube. ﾠYou'll feel more confident with it and better be able to control it when it's behind your boat. ﾠPlaying with the tube in advance of towing is especially helpful to children.

> Under normal conditions, a safe towing speed for adults is about 20 to 25 mph. Safe speeds for children are less than 20 mph, depending on the age and physical capability of the child.

> Allow the towable to dry completely before it is stored.

> If you're storing an inflatable for several months, deflate it and store it indoors.

> Do not tow a tube upsidedown. ﾠIt will damage the boat ski tube.

> Do not pull a towable tube at high speeds without a rider. ﾠThis can damage the tube.

> To prevent CO poisoning, make sure your tow line is at lease 20 feet long. ﾠCarbon Monoxide is omitted by all engines. ﾠRiders who breath in exhaust fumes will get sick, pass out, suffer impaired judgment or become extremely fatigued.

> Water ski tubes can not be used as snow tubes.

> Between tubing trips, stow the boat inner tube in a place that won't obstruct the boat captain's vision. ﾠIf necessary, deflate your towable ski tube and store it in a locker or cabin.

> Monitor weather conditions carefully throughout the day. ﾠThe weather can change suddenly. ﾠImmediately stop towing if weather conditions deteriorate. ﾠNEVER tow or swim if lightning can be seen or thunder can be heard anywhere from your location. ﾠIf lightning is close enough to be seen or heard, it's close enough to kill you.

> Don't bother tubing when it's windy, rainy or the water is choppy. ﾠThese weather conditions create rider fatigue. ﾠIt's hard for the boat captain to maintain a consistent speed and easily maneuver.

> Wear a wet suit if tubing in cooler weather. ﾠCold water and wind can easily cause hypothermia.

> When towing young children, drive the boat at slower speeds and use a shorter tow rope. ﾠChildren under 6 should not ride any type of ski tube. ﾠChildren older than 6 should only ride with careful supervision.

> Only pull ski tubes during daylight hours (it's the law in most places.)

> Do ﾠnot pull more than one tube at once. ﾠA line from one tube can easily hurt riders on another tube.

> Do not buzz (spray) people or other boats. ﾠThis can easily result in a crash.

> Know your tube's maximum speed rating and don't exceed it. ﾠA tube moving from side-to-side behind your boat is traveling nearly twice as fast as the boat. ﾠExcessive speed will "slingshot" your riders off the ski tube.

> Know your tube's maximum number of riders and weight limitations. ﾠKnow the strength rating of your tow line and harness. ﾠDo not risk breaking and "whiplashing" your tow line by overloading it. ﾠMulti-rider tubes require special heavy duty towing line and a heavy duty tow harness.

> Insure that there is a lot of room between your boat and any nearby objects (pilings, docks, daymarks, signs, other boats, etc.) ﾠ Keep the boat on a straight heading (and the tube directly behind the boat) if there are objects nearby. ﾠIf a waterway suddenly becomes crowded, bring all riders and the tube back into the tow boat and find a better location. ﾠOnly tube in wide, long, deep and unobstructed areas.

> When loading or unloading tube riders, always turn off your boat engine and remove the ignition key.

> Assign a spotter to sit in the boat and monitor the tube riders.

> Equip your tow boat with a rear view mirror.

> Make sure everyone aboard the tube and the tow boat understands hand signals. ﾠ Hand signals are the only way you will be able to communicate.

> Review the planned towing course, speed, towing technique and location of safety equipment with everyone prior to making a run.

> Always wear an appropriate life jacket, know the boating rules for your area and study the tube manufacturer's instructions prior to tubing. ﾠ

> Of course never tube or drive a boat after drinking alcohol. ﾠDo not tube with people who have been drinking. ﾠTubing is inherently risky. ﾠThe risk of injury goes up exponentially when booze is involved. ﾠHave a safe trip and celebrate with a cold one when the tubing has ended.


HOW TO ASSEMBLE A WATER SKI TUBE
Always read the assembly instructions for your specific inflatable. ﾠIn general, most ski tubes are put together as follows:
ﾠ 1. Place the PVC inner tube ("bladder") inside the nylon cover.
ﾠ 2. Line up tube valves with openings in the nylon cover. ﾠ
ﾠ 3. Inflate until the inner tube is firm and nylon cover is taut.


HOW TO INFLATE A WATER SKI TUBE
ﾠ First inflate your water tube's safety chamber. ﾠThe safety chamber usually has a low-volume safety value that can be blown up with your mouth or an inflator with the proper "cone" shaped adapter.
ﾠ Most inner tubes are made of PVC, which is extremely tough and durable.ﾠ In order for the inner tube to inflate properly, the PVC must expand.ﾠ A ski tube is correctly inflated when the inner tube is firm to the touch and the cover fits like a glove. ﾠThe cover should be free of wrinkles. ﾠIt should be hard to get your hand between the nylon cover and the tube.
ﾠ Be careful not to over-inflate the inner tube.ﾠ This is the main cause of damage to PVC material.ﾠ Over-inflation also can rip seams in the nylon cover.
ﾠ Note that in hot weather, the air inside your tube will expand.ﾠ You may need to release some air to prevent the tube from becoming over-inflated and ripping seams in its cover.
ﾠ An under-inflated tow tube sits too low in the water. ﾠThis causes the ski tube to be dragged through the water (not get pulled across it.) ﾠThe stress of dragging due to under-inflation stretches the tube out of shape and stretches the cover.
ﾠ Ski tubes require a massive amount of air. ﾠI have found it easiest to simply reverse the flow of a shop vac, hold the hose securely to the speed valve and inflate. ﾠThis technique only take a couple of minutes. ﾠIt's much faster than using a low-air-flow compressor used to inflate tires. ﾠ
ﾠ The main chamber of towable ski tubes can not be inflated by mouth. ﾠDo NOT use a hair dryer to inflate your water ski tube. ﾠThe heat from a hair dryer may permanently damage the valve.
ﾠ Air will have to be added periodically to your towable tube. ﾠWater tubes that are used frequently will require injections of additional air more frequently. ﾠIf the tube is popping out of it's cover, more air is needed. ﾠ
ﾠ Proper inflation is critical to safety and tube longevity. ﾠCheck for proper tube inflation prior to each use.


TYPES OF VALVES USED ON INFLATABLE SKI TUBES
SAFETY VALVE:ﾠ This "push-in" valve is used on safety chambers.ﾠ A "safety valve" is similar to the valves found on inflatable pool toys that you can blow up by using your mouth. ﾠA safety chamber is a separate inflatable area of your ski tube. ﾠIt will remain full of air (and float) if the main tube should accidentally get punctured and loose its air.
ﾠ It's easiest to inflate a safety valve using a hand or electric pump. ﾠMost pumps have an adapter to fit this common valve. Make sure to open the small flap inside the opening and inflate until firm.

SPEED VALVE (RAISED & RECESSED TYPEs):ﾠ A speed valve can be used with a standard electric air pump.ﾠ It can also be inflated by using a shop vac, leaf blower or vacuum (so long as these appliance have a reversible flow switch.)ﾠ Adapters are available that allow you to use a speed valve with an air compressor ("tire" fitting.)

RECESSED MULTI VALVE: ﾠThis type is similar to a speed valve, but has a built in adapter for use with an air compressor (with a "tire" fitting.)

To inflate, unscrew the cap and attach the hose from your inflator. ﾠClose a speed valve by screwing the valve bottom into the base.



TROUBLESHOOTING TOWABLE SKI TUBE PROBLEMS
Problem: Tube doesn't hold air.
Solution: Check to see that the speed valve is installed properly. ﾠRe-install speed valve if needed. Check to see if the ski tube was inflated fully from the beginning and add more air if necessary.

Problem: ﾠSpeed valve is leaking.
Solution: Make sure the speed valve has a rubber gasket. ﾠ Listen closely to hear if air is leaking. ﾠ Be sure the valve and cap are screwed in straight and are tight. ﾠ Leakage can occur if the valve is cross-threaded. ﾠCheck to see that the washer is in place and sealed property. ﾠ Be sure the washer on the valve is completely flush against the top portion of the threads. ﾠInspect the base of the speed valve for nicks or scratches that may appear on the ridge where the washer and the valve would make contact. ﾠIf there appears to be nicks or scratches on this ridge, you can repair this at home by aiming a hairdryer set on a warm setting directly at this point. ﾠAfter one-to-two minutes and the nicks or scratches should disappear.

Problem: Towable inflates but doesn't become firm.
Solution: ﾠCheck to make sure it was inflated firmly with a high volume air pump. ﾠIf you are sure the tube was inflated property, assess the innertube for leaks or re-install the speed valve. ﾠSoapy water can be applied with a spray bottle to the outer skin of innertube. ﾠAn air leak will reveal itself by creating soapy bubbles. ﾠIf a leak is discovered, the innertube may be patched with a patch kit (sold at stores that stock ski tubes.)

Symptom: Towable tube nylon cover is loose.
Solution: ﾠCheck to make sure that innertube is placed inside the cover and that the tube is fully inflated. ﾠThe cover should fit snugly over the well-inflated tube. ﾠIf the cover remains loose, add more air.


WATER SKI TUBE TOW ROPE SPECIFICATIONS & GUIDELINES
WARNING: ﾠAlways check with the manufacturer of your specific towable product for tow rope specifications. ﾠOffered here as a GENERAL GUIDE ONLY these the WSIA (Water Sport Industry Association) recommendations for
tow ropes as reported by one tube manufacturer:

Number of Riders ﾠﾠﾠ Weight of Riders ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ Rope Tensile Strength
ﾠﾠﾠ Oneﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ 170 Lbs.ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ 1500 Lbs.
ﾠﾠﾠ Twoﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠﾠ 340 Lbs.ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ 2375 Lbs.
ﾠﾠﾠ Threeﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ 510 Lbs.ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ 3350 Lbs.
ﾠﾠﾠ Fourﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ 680 Lbs.ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ 4100 Lbs.

> A standard tow rope should be at least 50 feet in length, but not exceed 65 feet.

> The tow rope should be assembled in a manner appropriate for the water craft and tow tube.

> Check all rope connections for frays, cuts, sharp edges, knots and wear and tear before each use. ﾠDiscard any ropes that appear to be worn. ﾠIt is recommended that you replace each tow rope at the beginning of the boating season.

> Tow ropes are subject to stretching during use. ﾠWarn riders and people in the boat of the danger of ropes recoiling.

> DO NOT place arms, legs or head in the handle section.

> Ensure that the tow rope is free from all body parts prior to towing a rider.

> Do not use a tow rope made of bungee material.

> Ropes will deteriorate with direct exposure to sunlight. ﾠStore tow ropes and tow harnesses away from direct sunlight. ﾠThrow away any rope that is frayed, discolored or raveling.

> ﾠDo not add hardware to your ski tube that was not supplied by the manufacturer.

> Avoid being in proximity of the boat's propeller at all times. ﾠIf your tow rope becomes tangled in the propeller, shut off the engine and remove key from ignition before untangling rope from the propeller.


TOWABLE SKI TUBE MAINTENANCE
ﾠ Clean your towable water tube using soap and water or mild detergent. Never use talcum powder or strong solvents. ﾠOnce clean and dry your ski tube can be deflated and stored in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight. ﾠTo deflate, simply unscrew the entire valve from the base. ﾠDo not store a ski tube on the beach, dock or boat full of air! ﾠHeat will expand the air inside and cause over-inflation.
ﾠ Avoid storing your deflated towable in places with extreme temperatures. ﾠProtect your ski tube from insects and rodents.
ﾠ The bright colored fabric covers used on towables may bleed and fade when they get wet for the first time. ﾠ When your tube is new, protect your boat's surfaces from possible staining.