BOATERS BLOG
Boating is a fantastic hobby for the whole family, and while a relaxing cruise on a pontoon boat can be just what you need, sometimes, a little more excitement can help spruce up your aquatic adventures. Since pontoon boats are usually reserved for slow sailing on the water, many people assume watersports and tow toys are simply out of the question. However, here at the National Boat Owners Association, we are helping you find out what your pontoon boat is capable of so that you and your family can get the most out of your boating experience.
Towing Behind Pontoon Boats
When determining what your pontoon boat is capable of, you must find out how much horsepower your boat has, the weight you’ll be carrying, the number of passengers you’ll have, and the size of your boat. Any boat with sufficient horsepower is able to pull an innertube, tow toys, or skier if that’s the kind of boating fun you’re interested in. Pontoon boats generally have less horsepower and speed than traditional motorboats, so tubing with a pontoon boat can be difficult if too many passengers weigh down the vessel or if its maximum speed is relatively low. Generally, it is safe to assume that an average pontoon boat needs a 90-horsepower engine for the best results for tubing or other watersports. If you are hosting a few passengers or have a full boat, you may need a 115-horsepower engine as the boat’s speed and performance are dependent on weight.
What is My Pontoon Boat Capable Of?
Whether you enjoy water skiing, wake surfing, or classic tubing, pontoon boats can offer an endless supply of fun. Different watercraft models and engines will allow you to tow different items with various efficiencies, so it is always a good idea to ask your manufacturer what the towing capabilities are for your specific boat. Another factor in identifying the towing capabilities of your pontoon boat is finding a sturdy and appropriate place to tie and secure the rope connected to the tow toy or ski handle. Once you’ve established a safe rope connection to the boat, you can determine if skiing or tubing are suitable boat activities.
Attaching a Tow Rope to Your Pontoon Boat
Ensuring your tow rope is tightly secured to the pontoon boat is the most crucial step for safely towing a tube or water skier. To make watersports behind a boat easier, some people attach their tow rope to the cleats. This, however, may weaken the cleat and provide a hazard to the person being towed. The best thing to attach a towing rope to is a ski tow bar at the back of the boat since it is more secure, sturdy, and less dangerous when towing someone. The ski tow bar is often found above the motor and should distribute the load evenly throughout the boat. When determining the type of rope to utilize, you should identify the rope’s tensile strength compared to the weight you expect it to tow. For example, a single rider of 170 pounds requires a rope with a tensile strength of 1500 pounds.
Pontoon boats can be pretty versatile and provide your family and friends with a myriad of options for fun on the water, from a floating picnic lunch to an afternoon of watersport excitement. Here at NBOA, we help you get the most out of your boating experience, including offering peace of mind through the best boat insurance. If purchasing a pontoon boat seems like the right fit for you, our boating experts can even provide insights into finding the most reliable boat manufacturers. Then, before beginning your foray into watersports, start the process of obtaining unbeatable marine insurance with a quote from NBOA.