Tubing question

[RLKBOB]

Planning on getting a tube to pull the kids this summer and some adults. I have a 7 y/o and a 16 y/o so I want something that's good for all sizes and I would like one that can accomidate two riders. The question is about the 2 person tubes that have a recess on each side for the riders to sit in(as this would be best for the younger one). Do you need to have 2 riders on it each time to keep it stable or will it still ride fine with just one rider sitting on one side? I ask b/c it seems like one rider on one side could make it ride lop-sided or unsafe. I don't want to buy 2 different tubes, I just want the best all around option for 1 or 2 riders. Anyboby with personal experience that can provide input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[randmhall]

We use a Patriot Duo, with the double cockpit. My kids love it. With little kids it was fine with only 1 going just above planning speed. Once my son reached about 70 pounds he was too heavy by himself and the unloaded side would start to fly. But then he started riding on his hands and knees between the seats and was just fine.

Last year we switched to the Poparazzi (spelling?) by Sportcraft from Sam's Club It holds 1 to 5 kids no problem. sitting, lying, standing whatever. It is the best tube I've been on in 30 years of boating. I like it as much as skiing.

 

[RLKBOB]

Haven't checked Sam's yet, I'll have to check there this weekend. That was what I was wondering, if a single rider would need to stradle the middle on the 2 person cockpit styles. Thanks.

 

[dbric36]

We have one that you sit in and it gives a rough ride on the knees or butt. The ones you sit or lay on top are more comfortable to us. We also have a big 2 person 4 ball that gives a calm ride as it rides out of the water on the 4 ball corners. I am selling that one cheap as it is to big for us to tow with the ski.

 

[ChuckW]

We use the Crazy 8 2 person tube. It has two connect points, one for towing with 2 people and then one on the end for towing just 1 person. Kids love it and its not so big so we can stow it aboard and keep it with us wherever we go. I have an onboard electric air pump so we can deploy in a few minutes whenever the urge is there.
http://www.premiumpowersports.com/Sportsstuff-Crazy-8-2-Person-Towable-p-36.html

 

[wish2fish]

Haven't checked Sam's yet, I'll have to check there this weekend. That was what I was wondering, if a single rider would need to stradle the middle on the 2 person cockpit styles. Thanks.

sam's here has a sea-doo double rider for just over $125. I had a previous one that held up well. Yes my kids would sit in center and hold the handles when they went single on the double tube. I wouldn't expect that you will ultimately be happy with one tube. They all handle differently and the age difference between kids requires different performance.

 

[Gunn]

We use this one, the Rave Hydro:

Good for two kids, adult and kid, or two smaller adults. Very stable, no chance of flipping it, unless you really *Really* want to. Great fun. But probably not enough of a rush for your 16 y.o. unless he has never tubed before. It's the only one we have and everyone loves it, becuase they know they won't get wet or flip it. My kids have been using it since they were 4 and 2. Great price too!

Tom

 

[uraldyx]

With that span of age groups you will want more than one as wish2fish stated. Ages on our boat that tube range from 5 (close to shore and slow) to adult. The 5 to 10 year olds prefer the 'd' shaped tube and the older ones prefer the deck tube. Here is what I have:

http://www.hosports.com/product/306725/31302/_/Typhoon 'd' shaped with inflatable bottom that makes for a very secure ride and takes a lot to flip it. You can sit in it or kneel in it, or lay across the top as in the video on the link (much harder to hold on and why I bought the deck tub)

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...irhead_G_Force_Towable&aID=600G4&merchID=4006 deck tube the older kids and adults prefer. The can lay or kneel. Much easier to toss them off of.

We keep a 12 volt pump on board and can deflate and inflate in minutes. Both fit under the back bench seat and come in handy when on the anchor for the kids to play on and the wife to lay out on.

 

[thirtydaZe]

go low profile, something flat, nice and close to the water, that way your 16yo will get the performance they want out of it.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...Screamer_3_Person_Tube&aID=600G4&merchID=4006

will make an excellent tube for everyone.

 

[randmhall]

Updating my previous post,
The Poparazzi is now available from Overtons.
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=16797&pdesc=Poparazzi
My 6 year old likes it, my 13 year old likes it, my brother in-law likes it. My 75 year old mother likes it. All depending on how fast, bumpy, or tight the turns are.

My son and 5 of his 6th grade classmates spent hours and hors on it last year. All 6 at once. It was cool.

I'll post a pic of my mom riding it with all six grandkids if I can figure our how.

 

[RLKBOB]

That thing looks cool but I can't see myself ever spending $400 on a tube. We'll never have that many on a tube at one time any way. Thanks for the input though.