Tubing is one of the most popular boating activities for families, and pontoon boats are well-suited for it. They’re big, stable boats that can move fast enough to make the tube ride interesting. However, usually not so fast to put the tubers in any danger. There are countless tubes on the market and it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. We’ve put together this list to help you choose from some of the best tubes for pontoon boats available.
Top 5 Best Tubes for Pontoon Boats
1. SportStuff Super Mable
Top Choice
Features
- 1-3 riders
- Dual tow points
- Fully covered
- Speed valve
- Kwik-connect
This is the Cadillac of tubes and certainly one of the best tubes for pontoon boats. For one thing, it’s big. It’s far more spacious than any other tube on this list. The dual tow points mean it can be towed like a tradition deck tube or like a “boat” tube (meaning you sit down and hold handles at your sides instead of lying down and holding handles in front of you). The kwik-connect means you can easily switch towing methods whenever you want to.
It has all the heavy-duty materials and safety features you could want, and it’s more versatile than most tubes. It’s an all around great choice, but those features come with a price- literally, as this is the most expensive tube we’ve listed.
2. WOW Sports Tube
Budget choice
Features
- 1-2 riders
- Full nylon cover
- Zippered valve cover
- Reinforced towing system
- Speed valve
- Knuckle guards
- Double-webbing foam handles
- Heavy duty PVC bladder
- Tapered construction
This is a smaller tube meant for no more than two riders, but larger sizes are available if you need them. The tapered construction means that it’s thicker in the front and thinner at the back, which prevents the “submarine effect.” The tough nylon cover and heavy-duty PVC bladder make it surprisingly durable, and the speed valve makes inflation and deflation a breeze.
The foam handles are comfortable to grab and come with knuckle guards so you have nothing to worry about while clinging to the tube. A reinforced towing system extends the life of the tube greatly, as well.
3. Airhead G-Force
Features
- 1-3 riders
- Patented kwik connect for rope
- Heavy-duty full nylon cover
- Non-slip handles
- Bolster fins for stability
- 90-day warranty
The Airhead G-Force is popular because it’s easy to use, durable, and affordable. The Kwik-Connect system makes it fast and easy to attach and detach the ropes, so setting up the tube for use is as easy as possible. Bolster fins along the underside lend the tube extra stability to minimize the odds of the tube flipping over. It can handle three riders at once, and larger sizes are available too.
The non-slip handles are a great feature, too, as they make it easier for kids to hang on longer. The heavy-duty cover give this tube a long life, too, so your family can enjoy it together for years to come.
4. Airhead Mach
Features
- 1, 1-2, or 1-3 riders
- Patented Kwik connect
- Speed valve
- Padded, non-slip handles
- Partially covered
- Cockpit design
The cockpit design changes the way you use this tube. Rather than lying down on your stomach and holding handles in front of you, you recline like you’re in a lounge chair, and the handles are at your side. Some people find this more comfortable for extended riding, although typically you can’t pull these tubes as fast as the deck designs.
The 1-2 rider model is popular, but it’s probably a good idea not to buy the 2-person model if only one person will use it. The 2-rider model would be unbalanced with just a single rider, and would be more likely to tip over. And then there is a 3 person model as well.
5. SportStuff Big Bertha
Features
- 1-4 riders
- partially covered
- Speed valve
- Kwik-connect
- Padded, non-slip handles
This one actually looks like a tube! That does change how it rides, though. It’s bumpier and less stable than other tubes. That, however, is part of the attraction. It makes the ride more thrilling, although the boat may need to go a little slower. If you tow it with just one rider, the tube may be a little more difficult to ride. More riders means more weight, which means more stability.
Riders sit on the edge of the tube, facing inward. That can make it harder to hold on, and you’re more likely to be thrown off. In other words, this tube is less suitable for younger children, but adults will enjoy it.
Top recommendations
Top Choice
SportStuff Super Mable
The Super Mable is the best you can get. It’s big, it’s versatile, it’s tough, and it’s a ton of tun. The dual attachment points are what really put it over the top. Being able to tow it in two different ways makes the whole experience better, and with the Kwik-Connect attachments you can switch between towing methods with hardly any effort.
The high back becomes a high front if you attach the rope on that side, and it really makes high-speed tubing a pleasure. It not only prevents submarining, it also forms a sort of wind screen that makes the ride more comfortable. Towed from the other end, it forms an excellent back rest. It’s the most expensive option on this list, but it’s well worth the cost.
Best Budget Option
WOW Sports Tube
It’s smaller and cheaper, but the WOW Sports Tube is still a great product. It holds 1 or 2 riders, and it’s built to last. It’s a fast, relatively stable tube. The towing system is reinforced to ensure that it can handle being pulled at high speeds. It does feature a speed valve, which makes inflating and deflating the tube remarkably fast.
The foam handles are easy to grip and won’t be rough on your hands and the knuckle guards protect you from scrapes and bumps as you ride. Tapered construction prevents submarining, and it also enhances the wake effect as you ride.
Conclusion
Tubes are one of the funnest things you can buy for your pontoon boat. They take a boat that’s already ideally suited for family fun and give you even more options for activities on the water. Tubing is thrilling, fun, and safe. The above list has some of the best tubes for pontoon boats on it, whichever you choose, you won’t regret it.
