Pontoon boats are a popular choice for families and groups of friends who want to enjoy the water. They are stable, easy to maneuver, and can accommodate a variety of water sports, including tubing.
If you are planning on tubing behind your pontoon, you will need to make sure that your boat has enough horsepower. The minimum horsepower required to tube behind a pontoon is 70 horsepower. This will allow you to reach speeds of 16 miles per hour, which is sufficient for tubing.
If you want to go faster or tow more people, you will need a pontoon with more horsepower. A 90 horsepower pontoon will allow you to reach speeds of 20 miles per hour, and a 150 horsepower pontoon will allow you to reach speeds of 25 miles per hour.
Here is a table of recommended horsepower for pontoons based on the number of people and the type of water sports you want to do:
Number of people | Type of water sports | ​Recommended horsepower |
2 | Tubing | 70-90 |
4 | Tubing, Water Skiing | 90-115 |
6 | Tubing, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding | 115-150 |
It is important to note that these are just general recommendations. The actual horsepower you need will depend on the size and weight of your pontoon, the size of the tube, and the conditions of the water. If you are unsure how much horsepower you need, it is always best to consult with a boat dealer or a marine mechanic.
Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a pontoon for tubing:
The size of the pontoon. A larger pontoon will be more stable and easier to tow a tube behind.
The weight of the pontoon. A heavier pontoon will require more horsepower to tow a tube behind.
The type of tube. Some tubes are more difficult to tow than others.
The conditions of the water. Tubing is more difficult in choppy water.
If you are planning on tubing behind your pontoon, be sure to do your research and choose a boat with enough horsepower for your needs. This will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable tubing experience.
Here are some additional tips for tubing behind a pontoon:
Always wear a life jacket.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid other boats.
Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
Be prepared to let go of the tube if you start to lose control.
Have fun!