Are you getting excited for a summer full of boating? I know I sure am! As the seasons change I can’t help but daydream about sunny days spent on the lake. There’s nothing better than the smell of sunscreen and the wind in your hair, right?
My family absolutely loves to go boating and while we like wakeboarding and waterskiing, one of our favorite activities on the boat is riding on towable tubes. They really come in handy if we take friends or family who don’t know how to wakeboard or waterski.
Tubes provide a good time for all ages; while the little ones like to go for a smooth ride, the teenagers want to see how long they can hold on during a wild ride!
If you’re like me and looking for a fun, new tube to tow behind your boat this summer, you’re in the right place. Let me save you the trouble of sorting through page after page of products and tell you all about some of the best options on the market right now. Then you’ll be ready to hit your favorite lake!
What to Look for in a Boating Tube
Before we dive in, let me outline the most important features to look for in towable tubes. Each of these are essential to consider if you want a tube that will last all summer long and deliver plenty of adventures!
Material
Note the material of the tube. You’ll want something that is thick and sturdy enough to withstand rough rides, like nylon, because nothing ruins the fun like a punctured tube.
Support and Protection
Make sure you select a tube that will properly support your passengers. Consider how many riders plan on going. Most towable tubes carry anywhere from one to four passengers. Knowing how many people will be riding will help you determine adequate dimensions and weight limits as well.
Inflation and Deflation
Certain tubes come equipped with speedy inflation and deflation valves. These make setup and takedown so much easier so they are definitely worth it!
Connection
Look into how the tube connects to the boat. The best options are universal fits. Some manufacturers even boast special patented technology making it ultra easy to connect the tube to a rope.
Warranty
Anytime a product comes with a warranty, you can count on it to be a great purchase. These are sometimes called “risk-free purchases” because you can get a replacement or refund if there are any problems. However, the length of warranties vary, which is important to note.
Alright, with that said we’re ready to take a look at the ten best towable tubes for boating. I’ve sorted them from least expensive to most expensive so you’ll find the most affordable options first with the highest end options at the end. They range from $150 to $400, but keep in mind that prices vary and sometimes sales come up. But you’ll see that there is something for every price range!
Top Towable Boating Tubes
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
O'Brien Super Screamer | |
Airhead Renegade 3 | |
Airhead Poparazzi 3 | |
Airhead G-Force | |
WOW Macho | |
Rave Sports Escape | |
WOW Super Thriller | |
Airhead Mach | |
Airhead Hot Dog | |
WOW Big Bubba | |
SportsStuff Super Mable | |
SportsStuff Chariot Warbird | |
Airhead Switch Back |
1. O’Brien Super Screamer
Number of riders: 1–2, or up to 340 lbs.
Dimensions: 60″ diameter
The Super Screamer may be the least expensive option on this list, but it certainly lives up to its name since riders will scream with delight on this tube! It comes with six padded handles and built-in knuckle guards to ensure comfort and safety.
Plus, it features a quick connect tow system so it couldn’t be easier to connect to a rope. Other awesome features include thick, durable nylon covering the bladder and a lightning valve which rapidly inflates or deflates. Overall, it’s a great value!
2. Airhead Renegade 3
Number of riders: 1–3
Dimensions: 74″ x 92″
The best feature of this tube is that it has two tow points, allowing riders to have two different riding experiences—either kneeling while being pulled forwards or sitting down while being pulled backwards. And no matter which way they ride (or how crazy your boat’s captain drives), passengers will be safe and secure with high-backed EVA foam seats and ample padded handles to grip. The Kwik-Connect tow system makes it easy to switch back and forth between the two tow points.
With its wide wingspan, this tube is stable enough to cut through the toughest wakes. And for your convenience, this particular Airhead design comes with its own 50- to 65-foot tow rope and inflation pump. Speed Safety Valves make inflation and deflation quick and easy so you can spend the bulk of your time having fun. And when you’re ready for a break, the tube can be used as a float for three people to lounge around and relax on.
3. Airhead Poparazzi 3
Number of riders: 1–2
Dimensions: 75″ x 65″
For a fun, speedy ride, you can’t beat this high-winged tube with rocker bottom that minimizes drag and allows you glide easily and quickly across the water. The Poparazzi 3 is built to last, with a bladder made from heavy-gauge PVC, a heavy-duty nylon cover that has been double stitched, and seams that have been made strong through radio-frequency welding. But “tough” doesn’t have to mean “uncomfortable,” so the tube also boasts comfortable EVA foam pads to lie on and 8 foam-filled handles to grip, complete with knuckle guards to keep little (and big) hands from being irritated by the rough nylon cover.
Other important features include a patented Speed Safety Valve, which makes the inflation and deflation processes safe and easy, and a Kwik-Connect tow point for frustration-free connection to and disconnection from the tow rope.
4. Airhead G-Force
Number of riders: 1–3
Dimensions: 78″ x 75″
While the Airhead G-Force is another affordable choice, it is one of the highest rated tubes on our list. This is an excellent tube because it packs up small when deflated, glides across the water without tugging on the boat, and lasts a long time. It is also covered in a heavy-duty nylon cover and has bolster fins which keeps riders stable. Riders lie down and cling to cushioned handles to see how long they can hold on!
5. WOW Macho
Number of riders: 1–2, or up to 240 lbs.
Dimensions: 74″ x 62″
On this brightly colored tube, riders can either lie on their bellies, sit in the seats, or kneel on the back. However you decide to ride, you are sure to have a blast! Teenagers especially love the WOW Macho tube. Once you get this out on the water you’ll quickly be glad you purchased it. No doubt about it, the Macho is a great tube for a reasonable price!
6. Rave Sports Escape
Number of riders: 1–2, or up to 340 lbs.
Dimensions: 66″ x 64″
If you own a pontoon, this is the tube for you! The first-ever tube made specifically for pontoons, the Rave Sports Escape is designed to slide smoothly over the water at both slow and fast speeds. If you choose the latter, you’ll appreciate the tube’s skim-fast coating on the bottom, which also prevents it from nose diving when the boat takes off.
If you don’t have a pontoon, no worries! This tube can be used with power boats or jet skis as well. And no matter how you tow it, your passengers will enjoy its comfortable, padded, sling-style seats and soft neoprene handles. Made from high-quality materials, including a heavy-duty, dirt- and fade-resistant fabric, and boasting a wide, stable design, this tube is the perfect addition to an afternoon on the old pontoon.
7. WOW Super Thriller
Number of riders: 1–3
Dimensions: 75″ x 62″
Also from the WOW Sports Store, the Thriller Deck is another fantastic tube. Everything about this towable tube is heavy-duty and well-built from the nylon cover to the sturdy foam handles and the reinforced towing system. It is big enough to support up to three passengers who will love the thrill of flying around the lake!
8. Airhead Mach Tube
Number of riders: 1–2
Dimensions: 69″ x 69″
The Airhead Mach will quickly become a favorite with your family! I find it more comfortable than other options because the seats are deep buckets with backs and non-slip handles.
And connecting it to a rope couldn’t be faster or simpler with Airhead’s patented Kwik-Connect. Just keep in mind that kids and small adults will fit mostly comfortably on this tube; larger statured people may feel squished in the bucket seats.
9. Airhead Hot Dog Tube
Number of riders: 1–3
Dimensions: 103″ x 44″
Now this great 3 person towable Hot Dog tube from Airhead offers a unique riding experience and a distinct look that will stand out on the lake. Rather than lying down or kneeling, up to three passengers straddle this tube at a time. This is why the dimensions are longer and slimmer than other tubes featured on this list. It also is one of the best towable tubes for kids.
Since you are less likely to fall off this tube, it is a popular choice for young children or older adults who want a mellow ride. You know you can count on a high-quality product with Airhead so you can’t go wrong with this fun hot dog tube!
10. WOW Big Bubba Tube
Number of riders: 1–2
Dimensions: 66″ x 60″ x 42″
There’s no denying that the Big Bubba is not only huge but also a super awesome towable! Since a rope can attach to the front or the back of it, passengers can ride sitting down in the seats, lying down, or kneeling chariot style against the backrest.
I’ve noticed that some families even use when they’re hanging out on the shore as a floating couch or to play king of the mountain. It has fun, bright colors making it extra visible to passing boats. Just make sure there is enough space on your boat to tote it around.
11. SportsStuff Super Mable Tube
Number of riders: 1–3
Dimensions: 78″ x 79″
One thing I really like about the Super Mable tube is that it can be towed from multiple points, like the Big Bubba. Let me tell you, it is a much different riding experience on each configuration so it’s almost like you’re getting multiple tubes for the price of one.
Just like you would expect with a quality tube, this option is fully covered in heavy nylon, quickly inflates/deflates, and easily connects to ropes. It comes highly recommended for good reasons!
12. SportsStuff Chariot Warbird
Number of riders: 1–2
Dimensions: 82″ x 92″
I’ve included a few products from SportsStuff because they are a reputable company with a proven track record of producing exceptional water sport accessories. Young kids like it because it is a safe, stable tube unlikely to tip over.
Like the Super Mable and Big Bubba, this one can be towed from several points and is fully covered in heavy-duty nylon. The main difference between the two is that the Chariot Warbird is much bigger and the edges flair out. The Chariot Warbird may be pricey but you won’t regret buying it!
13. Airhead Switch Back
Number of riders: 1–4
Dimensions: 88″ x 70″
While the Airhead Switch Back is expensive, it is top of the line and will be a big hit with everyone in your family! Made with the best materials, it will comfortably fit four riders which is more than any other tube on this list. Two passengers sit facing forward and the other two can decide if they want to face backwards or kneel facing forward.
Because of this design, I consider it very family friendly since more the kids don’t have to wait as long between turns. Some boat enthusiasts say it is the best tube they’ve ever owned. Trust me, you’ll agree that it’s worth every dollar spent!
Summary
Well that’s it for my list of the best towable boating tubes! There are a lot of great products out there, right? I’ve presented several styles of tubes on a wide range of prices but you really can’t go wrong with any of the products reviewed in this article because they all come highly rated.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, you should be able to find it here. Here’s to hoping you find exactly what your family wants and that you put it to good use this boating season. See you on the lake!
FAQs
What are important features in a boating tube?
You’ll want a tube that’s durable, with a heavy duty exterior and a good way to connect it to a boat. Be sure it is large enough to accommodate as many passengers as you need it to. It’s also good to look for a tube that is easy to inflate and deflate.
Is a towable tube a good option for kids?
Most kids really enjoy riding on a tube pulled by a boat. Adults should take all needed precautions when kids are riding tubes, including driving the boat at a reasonable speed and making sure the kids are wearing coast guard certified life jackets. Kids be supervised and remain seated.
Are boating tubes safe?
Boating tubes are safe as long as safety measures are followed. Boaters should follow all rules and regulations of the recreation area and be alert and aware as they drive. Tube riders should wear properly fitting life jackets and be aware of safety precautions such as what to do if they fall off.
