Towing tubes on Ve

[talltigeguy]

How do you guys tow a tube on your Ve? My 05 24V had a sticker on the ski pylon stating it was not meant for tubing. I can understand that because there really is no strength to it, just alluminum in the fiberglass. I have a 2-3 person tube that sometimes submerges and puts an enormous amount of stress on the rope, I'm confident the ski pylon would not hold up.

I have used a tow harness attached to the lifting rings with my 05 24V, but the rope tow point is sort of low in the water and causes the rope to drag. The lifting rings are even lower on the back of the boat on the Ve series and I wonder what you guys are doing. I am not sure if the tower would be good with a tube, it may be more strain than the tower is meant to endure.

Please, give me your experience.

[raythompson]

Tow from the transom rings. Do not use the ski pylon or the tower. The stress that a submerged puts on towing assemblies is extreme. You risk damaging where the tower attaches to the hull and the same applies to the ski pylon.

The ski pylon is something that Tige should definitely reinforce. Mastercraft has theirs attached to metal which is anchored to the hull. A very good approach.

[sparky216]

I always tow tubes from the tower....you get better air, then again I got to thinking and just called Samson Sports and asked them, they stated that you should NEVER tow a tube from the tower, it wont hurt the tower but the strain could damage the boat where the tower attaches. So now I'm confused??:confused:

[Coop]

I've been using the ski pylon on my 24V for tubing. I've submerged it once or twice without any problems. Maybe I've just been lucky.

Talltigeguy -- Where did you get your tow harness? Is it the kind with a wheel/pully that moves back and forth? (We had one of those for an old outboard we had.) Does the low tow point (and rope dragging) inhibit the tube from moving side to side and across the wakes?

By the way, installing a pylon that can't handle these forces seems bogus. Every manufacturer knows people will be pulling tubes, and it does not seem it would be that difficult (or expensive) to make it stronger, a'la MC.

[Tequilasun]

We tow from the Ski pylon. But I am fully aware that there "could" be a problem. It just hasn't become one yet. We only pull one tube at a time, too.

The only issue with the lift rings is that when the water catches the rope, it can give the tube rider a jerky ride. That, and you catch some extra spray.

[talltigeguy]

I agree that the current ski pylon is a bogus design. My older Tige had a serious mounting structure that went to the stringers and could handle any load. I suspect that the transmission is a lot easier to work on with the current ski pylon. Do I dare mention the phrase 'cut corners'?

I ask the question because it is a PIA to run the tubes off of the transom rings. The rope sits too low in the water and it also puts the tube that much further back where the wake is wider and makes it even harder to get someone outside of the wake. The rope sits low and tends to get hung up in the water more than when I put it on the ski pylon. I have smaller kids that need to get outside the wake, but freak out if I go fast to do it.

Malibu's ski pylon is bolted to the frame too. I think that the current Tige ski pylon is a Tige 'innovation'.

I use this tow harness and have had very good luck with it. I have broken two of the Airhead tow harnesses, they suck. The material is like a seat belt material and simply runs back and forth to keep the stress equal on both lifting rings. I would not get a tow harness that does not move from side to side because the stress could then be applied laterally to just one of the rings. I know that they are very strong, but if you put the wrong force on it...

[Tanner]

When you guys are referring to the transom rings.... are you using some sort of Y to hook to the two, or are you just hooking to either one of the one's on the side?

My old Glastron used to have a ring in the center of the transom that you could use perfectly for tubing, but the Tige has the Handle there, of course it could just go up above that but I guess they assume people would never use it. O well.

[talltigeguy]

Tanner,

There is a picture of the tow harness to hook to the lifting rings just above your post. I wouldn't hook to just one of the rings for the reasons stated in my last post.

[tony dunn jr.]

I am just now at the 20 hour mark on my 22ve I was going to the tower but now I am with sparky totally confused. I guess I will be getting the harness also. My girls are grown and they and my wife have been waiting for the two seater to take a ride and I have been waiting to give them one! lol. Another good thread because I probably would of tore something off the boat! Thanks Tall.

[raythompson]

I have been known to use a parasail. That places significant strain on the tow equipment. I have harness that is rated for 5,000 pounds pull. It attaches to the D rings on the transom and the trailing rope is attached to a pully that rolls back and forth on the rope attached to the hull. This is absolutely necessary for pulling a parasail. I also use that for towing the tube.

I too was a little dismayed in the way the ski pylon is attached. The tower is just bolted to hull and I suspect is not strong. You certainly could not lift the boat by the tower or ski pylon but you certainly could with lifts rings on the transom.

[jsz]

I have a 2002 21V and my pylon SEEMS very sturdy as Talltigeguy said "serious mounting structure bolted to the stringers". I haven't seen the newer ones but it sounds like they are much less sturdy. I have always pulled from the pylon and haven't had any problems yet...

Have any of you had problems pulling with a pylon designed like mine on the 2002 21V? I'm trying to weigh the pros vs. the cons mentioned on this post.

[talltigeguy]

Jsz,

You will be fine. I had a 2002 21V and I loved the ski pylon. Unbeleivably strong. I once caught a big 3 seater tube just right and it dove down while going about 15 MPH. It literally stopped the boat in its tracks, you felt like you hit a sand bar. The pylon was unhurt. The pansy version of the ski pylon started in 2003.

[jsz]

Thanks. I've looked at that thing before and thought it was the strongest thing on the boat.

[raythompson]

Originally posted by jsz
Thanks. I've looked at that thing before and thought it was the strongest thing on the boat. Unfortunately that is not the case on the newer boats.

[xpjim1]

I tow 2 tubes at a time, each one attached to a transom ring and have never had a problem. I did it on my 20V and on my 24V. I check those rings daily to ensure they are tight and solid. I tow 2 -3 people per tube. No problem getting people outside the wake, and with skillfull driving can get both outside their own sides wake. Using the tow harness that slides is very dificult for me to get the tube outside the wake. Going on my 5th year of doing this.

My airhead harness has held up well, they make 2 different ones. I mainly use it to tow in Malibu's!!!

[Tip]

I have a 2003 22v and my pylon is mounted to beefy steel brackets, the brackets are bolted to the same stringers as the engine. I think the new pylon mounts started in 2004, unless Tige started it in late 2003.

[gman]

raythompson, do you or Anyone one know why TIGE changed their pylon design on the newer boats.

[raythompson]

Originally posted by gman
raythompson, do you or Anyone one know why TIGE changed their pylon design on the newer boats. I'n I had to guess I would say it was a cost cutting measure. Ski pylons were really only for skis and mounting through the top of the hull was probably good enough. Wakeboarders and wakesurfers you tow from the tower, skiers from the pylon, and tubes from the transom rings. So to save some money Tige just eliminated the reinforced ski pole.

[talltigeguy]

Thanks, Tip.

I assumed that the new style had the weak ski pylon, when they went from the 21V to the 22V. I guess you know what ASSUME means...

[Wake Havasu]

On the newer boats the ski pylon is for looks only.

Use it and loose it. Might as well use one of the window brackets for towing.

It's merely bolted through fiberglass!

Mine will be removed and hole glassed over.

[Coop]

Ok, looks like I'll try the transom rings for the tubes. If you don't use a self-centering sliding harness and you're just attaching it to one of the rings (like xpjim1), what's the best way to attach the rope so you don't have to pull the whole rope all the way through the end loop every time? Is there a simple connector with a clip for the transom ring?

Thanks.

[xpjim1]

I use a heavy duty stainless steel hook from west marine. Airhead has a short quick connect you can loop through the transom ring.

[NICKYPOO]

:confused: Dump the tubes, grab a stick. If it's too rough, surf. Ya ya, kids smids, record for youngest water skier is 6 months.

[xpjim1]

Did I upset you. My kids are 17 and 19. They love to board and tube. Tubing is fun. We will be surfing next trip out.

I was trying to eliminate buying 2 surfboards as kids are quite a bit smaller than me. Guy in boardshop basically told me i would not be surfing.

We will see what happens

[Tequilasun]

Jim...

Its Thursday, Nicky is always grumpy on Thursday.....its not the weekend yet.


Tubing rocks.....we have a ride the bull contest every weekend. He who lasts the longest takes the trophy. Yes there is a real trophy, but it is never in my possession!

[NICKYPOO]

Naaa, just stirring the pot. I am anti tube though.

1) Dangerous.

2) No skill needed.

3) Destroys the water for everyone else.

4) You have a Tige. Come on.

I should say that I do own a tube. It hasn't seen the light of day in three seasons. :D

I'm completely out of line coming on here and bashing tubes and tubers. Everyone is well within their rights to enjoy tubes. I have put some huge smiles on faces with tube rides. I have also put some people in serious pain with tube rides. For that reason most of all, my tube sits in a corner gathering dust.

I'm stepping off my soapbox now.

[xpjim1]

1) Dangerous - you haven't seen me on a wakeboard!

2) No Skill needed - don't tell my daughter, she is the tube riding champion

3) Destroys the water for everyone else. No one is left on the lake, they cant handle the whitecaps from the wind.

4) I have a Tige -- That is why I can tube. It handles rough water better than any other boat. I want to be on the water, not on land!

Its all in fun. The main thing is that we all enjoy our Tige's.

We will not tube around good water. If good water is around, we will be boarding!!

I ussually have grumpy Wednesday. Its hard being back at work after 10 days at the lake.

[talltigeguy]

Jim,

Why can't you surf? You are XXXL? If you get a board big enough - find a real longboard - you will be able to surf.

[NICKYPOO]

Originally posted by xpjim1
1) Dangerous - you haven't seen me on a wakeboard!

2) No Skill needed - don't tell my daughter, she is the tube riding champion

3) Destroys the water for everyone else. No one is left on the lake, they cant handle the whitecaps from the wind.

4) I have a Tige -- That is why I can tube. It handles rough water better than any other boat. I want to be on the water, not on land!

Its all in fun. The main thing is that we all enjoy our Tige's.

We will not tube around good water. If good water is around, we will be boarding!!

I ussually have grumpy Wednesday. Its hard being back at work after 10 days at the lake.

Leave it to a Tige owner to come up with an answer as solid as a Tige. :D

So far as the grumpy thing goes- Grumpypoo? :( :rolleyes:

[Ruune]

towing tubers with a wakeboard boat is blasphemous.

[LovinPowell]

Talltigeguy:

Where did you buy that harness from (the one that you posted a picture of)?

[talltigeguy]

I bought it at a local place on St. George Boulevard called Lip Trix.

I think it was their last one, but it would be easy to call them.

You can also google: Accurate tow harness and there are a few places that have them.

[xpjim1]

I went in to buy a Hypelite Landlock. Told the guy I weigh 270. He said that they have not had good luck with people my size and they come back upset since they can't stay in the wake. Talked me out of buying a board.

Any suggestions ?

I did not think it would be a problem but I thought I was dealing with an expert!!

[xpjim1]

So sorry but it is not my fault that I pull tubers, skiers, wakeskaters etc. Mu salesman must have lied to me. He told me I was buying a family oriented watersports towboat, which is so much more than just a wakeboard boat. :D

My family and friends will be so disapointed when I inform them that they can only wakeboard from now on!!

Hopefully I am not ridiculed for also being a safe Seadoo'r.

Next thing I know I might have my Tigeowners membership revoked.

Be cool :cool:

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by xpjim1


Hopefully I am not ridiculed for also being a safe Seadoo'r.


Be cool :cool:

Lake Lice!

I am one too!

I love my Seadoo!

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by talltigeguy
I bought it at a local place on St. George Boulevard called Lip Trix.

I think it was their last one, but it would be easy to call them.

You can also google: Accurate tow harness and there are a few places that have them.


Thanks for this great tip talltigeguy!

I ordered one from GI Joes

13.00 plus another 7.00 for shipping.

Accurate Tow Harness (http://www.gijoes.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2148165)

[Tequilasun]

Originally posted by xpjim1


Next thing I know I might have my Tigeowners membership revoked.



We'll take your card now.....you have violated Article 1 : Subsection 32 of the Tigeowner's.com membership regulations.

"Thou shalt not own a PWC"




:D

Ok...well it made me chuckle

[dogbert]

Originally posted by Tequilasun
We'll take your card now.....you have violated Article 1 : Subsection 32 of the Tigeowner's.com membership regulations.

"Thou shalt not own a PWC"


I'll be decidin' whose membership gets revoked Mr. Closet D-Drive Guy...and this time I got the NICKYPOO Kid to back me up! :D

[NICKYPOO]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh yeah bouy.

[NICKYPOO]

Originally posted by xpjim1
So sorry but it is not my fault that I pull tubers, skiers, wakeskaters etc. Mu salesman must have lied to me. He told me I was buying a family oriented watersports towboat, which is so much more than just a wakeboard boat. :D

My family and friends will be so disapointed when I inform them that they can only wakeboard from now on!!

Hopefully I am not ridiculed for also being a safe Seadoo'r.

Next thing I know I might have my Tigeowners membership revoked.

Be cool :cool:

See, now I would have approached it more like that scene from the Blues Brothers when they are out in front of Bob's Country Bunker.

"Now suppose we go in there and start playin', what are you gonna do 'bout it......STEIN? You're gonna look pretty funny tryin' to eat corn on the cob with no ******* teeth."

I'm still with Ruune on this one though.

[wrangler]

Ok...I'm backin' up my brother XP Jim... No bashing of pulling tubers with Tiges...I saw at least two other Tiges pulling tubes at Havi during our last trip and...dare I say it...threw my kids around on our convertivble as well. We won't destroy any good water for the sake of tubing either...it's an afternoon when the wind is blowing activity...but come on...don't be bashing our brother in arms for putting a mile wide smile on the face of kids all across the waterways of western AZ!!! Can I get an Amen...

[NICKYPOO]

Wow, I didn't realize tubers were so sensitive. Sorry guys, didn't mean to, hehe, deflate your egos.:D

[Ruune]

Actually, I've got a sea doo. they're great for floating sliders (no wake), and places that you need to go really shallow.

Tubers are Satan's spawn.

[wrangler]

Nicky...my wakeboarder kids will be devastated... Jim, perhaps we should gather our families together on the shores of Lake Havasu to break the news that there will be no more tubing...no more cross utlilization of the boat for family fun... Alas...it's a sad day. I almost feel like I am on a Mastercraft forum... Ouch...did I say that??? ;)

Satan's spawn....man, my back side is hurting right now... Perhaps it is the horns of the devil child developing in my gut... Me thinks we will rename you G-Nicky and G-Ruune!!! Now there's some fightin words!!! :eek:

[Ruune]

LOL- you havent seen the tubers around here. Absolutely ridiculous.

[wrangler]

You guys won't have me to kick around for a week...we are heading up to Lake Mojave for the first time... Remember...tubing is not a crime... Or is that skating... :o

[xpjim1]

We won't be spreading the word of no tubing. I say we take a road trip. We will visit Ruune's and Nickypoo's lakes and put on tubing demonstrations.

As in the famous words of the Borg, they will be assilmilated!!!

Ruune and Nickypoo, what are your favorite lakes - West coast Tiges are on the way!!:D

[Bog]

XPjim,

to answer your question about wakesurf boards. You would want something more buoyant than the landlock. I would recommend the inland surfer green room. It it almost like a longboard surfboard. I would think it would solve your issue. It is a fun board too but expensive.

[xpjim1]

I will check it out

[talltigeguy]

My local shop has some inland surfer boards. Looked very buoyant. They are incredibly light. For $450 I was thinking it was steep. Haven't checked elsewhere though. Offered me to demo one, but then I would feel obligated to buy from them if I want one...I do have some conscience.

I weigh 225 and notice I do have more troubles than my 170 pound crew members. At 270, I would get the one Bog is talking about. Make sure to get a big wave going with lots of ballast.

[xpjim1]

Inland surfer is having a sale that ends today. Boards are $270

[Wake Havasu]

talltigeguy

What's going on in St George?

I drove through enroute from Powell to Vegas and that town is exploding with building!

[Bog]

St. George real estate went up 30% in one year. I keep kicking myself for not buying a house there when I wanted to 5 years ago:mad:

[Tequilasun]

Originally posted by dogbert
I'll be decidin' whose membership gets revoked Mr. Closet D-Drive Guy...and this time I got the NICKYPOO Kid to back me up! :D


Closet D-Drive guy....man that's harsh.

But I did see a 2050i for sale on Saturday...I turned around and looked! His and her tiges for the Tequilasun household maybe?


She'd have to drive the DD though!:D

[NICKYPOO]

Did anybody notice where the lifting rings were placed on that RZ2 (pickle fork Tige)? Thumbs up from the ATC (Anti Tuber Crew).

[bneub]

I'll join Club ATC Nickypoo! Where do we sign up.

[xpjim1]

I hope the final picklefork has higher lifting rings or it will not be in the running when XP upgrades.

Come on tubers. We need your support. Membership is free today!!

[dogbert]

Originally posted by bneub
I'll join Club ATC Nickypoo! Where do we sign up.

I'm with NICKYPOO on this. Nobody, I mean nobody like to be in my boat when I pull my kids tubing. Even I get queazy from my driving :rolleyes: My wife and I are weaning the kids off slowly. Now I pawn them off on my buddy's boats (after I lend my buddy's kids our tubes) :D

Remember, friends don't let friends tube!

[xpjim1]

:D :D

[dogbert]

Besides, strange people driving Malibus disguised as the Batboat go tubing...

[dogbert]

Dude's got some serious issues...

[Tequilasun]

Understatement of the Century......


His wakesurfboard has a batman symbol on it!

[Ruune]

Originally posted by dogbert
Besides, strange people driving Malibus disguised as the Batboat go tubing...

funny thing is that I'm looking at that pic thinking, "hmmm that'd protect my bald noggin... and probably protect my ears on a flubbed up invert."

How funny would that be? you see someone cruisin' by on a board w/ that thing and a black drysuit on? hmmm theres an idea! of course, you'd have to make sure that the butt part of the suit is shiny... just to be authentic. HAH! :D

[talltigeguy]

Jim,

Going back to the surfing issues, I found a pic of this guy and he looks like he might be pushing 270. I think that is an inland surfer board he is on, seems to be staying up fine.

Wake Havasu,

Real estate here has been crazy! It has grown by leaps and bounds. I built my own house just in time, but wish I had been able to predict the future a few years ago. We are not yet like California, but a large half acre lot used to be 50K, now its 200K+ in just 2-3 years. I came here 6 years ago because it was kind of a sleepy quiet little town, now it is congested and noisy...

[Tequilasun]

Tall,

From the posts on Wakeworld, I think I remember that board being a custom that Surfdad created. Not 100% sure though.

The inland surfer red board is supposed to be good for the big guys.

[NICKYPOO]

I believe you're absolutely correct on that one tequila.

[NICKYPOO]

Originally posted by dogbert
I'm with NICKYPOO on this. Nobody, I mean nobody like to be in my boat when I pull my kids tubing. Even I get queazy from my driving :rolleyes: My wife and I are weaning the kids off slowly. Now I pawn them off on my buddy's boats (after I lend my buddy's kids our tubes) :D

Remember, friends don't let friends tube!

Chalk one up for the Kid?:D ;)

[talltigeguy]

Thanks tequila,

I guess we can tell Jim that it looks just like that one, but is red.

I heard that Kitetubing (while we are on the tubing subject) has been outlawed in your neck of the woods - what have you heard? I saw it on a press release.

I understand that Kite tubes have been outlawed at Lake Powell after multiple injuries there. I have heard it from several people, but have yet to see it in print.

[Tequilasun]

Tall,

Yeah, the Corp of Engineers has banned those Kite tubes of death from their lakes in the Little Rock District. Same for Oklahoma.

I'm indifferent on the issue, since I wasn't going to get one any way.

[LovinPowell]

Tall:
My brother called the Park Supervisor and confirmed that kite tubes are not illegal at Lake Powell, not only kite tubes, but parasails as well. They told them that basically anything that would go higher than 15 feet in the air is now against the law.

I guess I'll have to lower my wakeboard jumps from now on ;)

On another note, will you be camping at the sandhill in Navajo or staying on a houseboat. We used to go to that sandhill every year, but then all of the traffic made the water conditions undesirable, that's when we moved to warm creek.

LP

[xpjim1]

Spoke with Jeff and Inland Surfer. Very helpful person. Decided on the Red Tide as the Green Room is no longer available. He gave me the special price even though it ended on Saturday. Board shipped today and hopefully will be trying it out next week.

[Bog]

sorry i gave you the wrong model, i didnt know they changed it to the red tide. Maybe TallTige should get that one! GO UTES!:)

[tony dunn jr.]

The big guy on the yellow board is 270 the board was made by Jerry price of shred stixx. He is amazing to watch especially for his size. I have had him behind my ve a few times giving me lessons. His name is Dennis or Dennish on w.w. He is really getting me up and running. The first thing he did was bring his fat sack to convince me that i needed one. He was right. There was no comparison. That board makes my 58" Shred Stixx look small.

[xpjim1]

Recieved a package today. My Red Tide arrived. Fast shipping. Can't wait to try it out. Hopefully I can take a few days off next week. Sweet looking board.

[LovinPowell]

In case anyone was still wondering about kite tubes at Lake Powell, here is a reference to the National Park Service's declaration.

www.nps.gov/glca/News/2006-14.pdf

[raythompson]

Originally posted by LovinPowell
not only kite tubes, but parasails as well. They told them that basically anything that would go higher than 15 feet in the air is now against the law.That is a shame. I have a parasail and it can reach heights of 150 feet. I have been that high when the boat was purposely cut just to see what happens. I had my wife put the boat in neutral and cut the engine. What I basically did was float down to the water and hit the water with about the same impact as a 1 meter board. My head went about a foot underwater.

Parasails are safe if the user harness is installed properly, if the proper connections are made to the boat, and other objects such as bridges and power lines are avoided. Loss of power or rope breaking are trivial events.

I would say the biggest danger are spectator boats, those that follow the parasail to see how it works. They do not realize that there is 200 feet of rope trailing the boat. More than once I had to scream at other boats to get away at least 300 feet.

[dogbert]

Originally posted by raythompson
I would say the biggest danger are spectator boats, those that follow the parasail to see how it works. They do not realize that there is 200 feet of rope trailing the boat. More than once I had to scream at other boats to get away at least 300 feet.

Reminds me of one of the last times I was on Lake Travis and some moron drove between my boat and me while I was waterskiing. To this day I can't help but think how lucky it was that no one got their head taken off.

[Buck]

On Overton's website there is a safety recall of the kite tube.

[LovinPowell]

My brother is pretty bummed out that he wont be able to use his parasail at Powell any more, he just bought it last year. Hopefully they will come to realize the difference and modify their law.

[rushin]

After reading throught this thread again, something came to mind.


Why does nobody use the hand hold on the transom for towing tubes?


There is a place in the center for hooking up a rope.

[zany]

Originally posted by rushin
After reading throught this thread again, something came to mind.


Why does nobody use the hand hold on the transom for towing tubes?


There is a place in the center for hooking up a rope.

The 24ve does not have that handle on the transom, I think the 22ve does. I never have understood that one.

[rushin]

Stupid me, I forgot about the transom on the ve, but never noticed the lack of a grab handle.

How about the v owners, why can't you use the grab handle?

[xpjim1]

Its just a grab handle. No spot to hook a rope like the older models

[kko]

handle on back of ve is an option and it is NOT for towing.

[Ruune]

Originally posted by rushin
After reading throught this thread again, something came to mind.


Why does nobody use the hand hold on the transom for towing tubes?


There is a place in the center for hooking up a rope.

Thats only on the 22i, and I think thats an option.