Water Skis – Pontoon Boats

Can You Ski Behind A Pontoon Boat?

May 9, 2022 by Staff

Introduction

A relaxing pontoon boat ride can be a lot of fun, especially with family and friends. One can unwind, have fun in the water, and even try out sports activities like skiing. The sport has proven to be one of the most popular fast games on the water. But with uncertainty due to the pontoon boat’s slow speed, one might ask, can you ski behind a pontoon boat?

Skiing behind a pontoon boat is possible with the right engine of a pontoon boat and the ideal speed. Generally, engines below 70HP make it hard for skiing. Although, a higher one contributes to ensuring that the skier remains afloat while enjoying the experience.

Can You Ski Behind A Pontoon Boat

The answer is Yes. The high horsepower makes skiing behind a pontoon boat possible. The possibility of skiing behind a pontoon boat relies on the pontoon boat’s horsepower and the skier’s weight.

It is crucial to know what pontoon boats are to understand the answer to the question fully. A pontoon boat is a flat-bottomed boat that relies on floats to stay afloat. These tubes have a lot of reserve buoyancy, allowing designers to make large deck plans with various accommodations. The designs of pontoon boats made them the perfect cruise ships because they were very slow.However, these days, better tube designs allow a higher horsepower, making it faster.

There are several models of pontoon boats in the market, but the most ideal for skiing are above 70HP. Besides that, the boats with engines less than 70 horsepower are ideal for cruising or fishing, but not for water skiing. This is related to the fact that it takes a minimum of 70HP to generate the right amount of speed for an average-weight adult to ski. An average adult weighs between 58kg to 100kg.

Another critical fact to note is that the number of passengers onboard can also affect the boat’s speed. Therefore, a pontoon boat of 70 horsepower is not always the right choice. If one wants to really enjoy the thrill that comes with skiing, it is best to go for a boat of 115HP and above. A pontoon boat of this power level is the best regardless of any factor that might hinder speed. Examples of some high-speed pontoon boats are:

Berkshire Sport RFX9 3.0 (300 horsepower).
PlayCraft Powertoon X-Treme 3110 (400 horsepower).
Bennington QR27 10 Wide (250 horsepower).
Manitou 25 X-Plode XT SHP (300 horsepower).

Even though these pontoon boats are pretty expensive, they offer the best skiing experience even while carrying passengers on tour.

How Fast Do You Need To Go

The right horsepower to ski is important, but it is also crucial to know the ideal speed for every skier. If the rider of the pontoon boat goes slow, there wouldn’t be enough speed to ski. On the other hand, if the rider goes too fast, it can cause serious havoc to the skier. Therefore, it takes just the right amount of speed. Below is a speed guide range for skiing:

Waterskiing with two skis: It is much easier to ski on two skis than one. This type of skiing is safer for children. A speed of 21 to 26mph is just right. Although it depends on how good the child is at the sport, the boat can run much slower.

Slalom water skiing: Slalom water skiing entails the use of numerous buoys in a skiing course. The aim of the game is to show prowess in skiing as skiers must pass all buoys to win. The sport needs a speed of 25 to 34mph to be successful.

Tubing: Tubing is another fun sport. It is a sports and leisure activity where a person rides on top of an inner tube while being dragged by a boat. Tubing does not need much speed as skiing because the tube can remain afloat on the water. A speed of 8 to 25mph is okay.

Two skiers: The higher the number of skiers behind a boat, the more drag the boat will experience, contributing to the weight of a boat. It takes a speed of 20 to 35mph to successfully drag two skiers.

Barefoot skiing: Itis also known as barefooting. Barefooting is a skiing sport where the skier skis on water barefoot. It is challenging and takes a professional skier to achieve due to how hard it is to balance one’s leg on water; skiing barefoot needs a speed of 30 to 45mph. The speed makes sure the skier doesn’t sink in the water.

Combo skiing: This type of skiing involves a series of stunts. The aim of the skier is to show off in front of an audience. The stunts include summersaults, backflips, high jumps, etc. Before one achieves these feats, one must attain a speed of 25mph and above.

It is crucial to note that these are average speed figures. Every skier has the ideal speed at which they are comfortable. Sometimes, the skier’s weight and passengers onboard can also affect the speed range, which varies.

The Difference Between Skiing Behind A Pontoon Boat And Ski Boat

The truth is that a ski boat was initially designed for skiing, unlike pontoon boats. A ski boat’s engine is located in the center of the boat and is coupled with a direct-drive transmission. The engine is able to generate hundreds of horsepower necessary for a skier to enjoy skiing, making it the best option for sports.

Even though some expensive models of pontoon boats can generate equal speed, it’s never the same. The controls of ski boats make it very easy to manoeuver, contributing to the creation of ripples and rough water suitable for a skier to go wild.

Pontoon boats, on the other hand, have got a slower response. The build and make-up of the ship contribute to this factor. Ski boats have keels underneath them that make it easy to turn quickly. In comparison, pontoon boats consist of aluminum floats which makes it hard to make a quick turn. Regardless of all these, even though one cannot ski as well with a ski boat, it is possible to enjoy skiing behind a pontoon boat.

The Problems Of Skiing Behind A Pontoon Boat

Although skiing behind a pontoon boat is a lot of fun, a few factors make it not as interesting compared to a traditional ski boat. A few problems of skiing behind a pontoon boat are:

It is not easy to make tight turns:

This situation should not be a surprise due to the way pontoon boats are built. The floats underneath pontoon boats make it hard to make tight turns. Tight turns are one of the maneuvers that make skiing really fun. The skier can wiggle between ripples and display several skills. Sadly, the turns of pontoon boats are mostly slow and boring.

There is less excitement:

Skiing thrives in fear and the rush of adrenaline. The right amount of turbulence generates an exciting feel for a skier. However, pontoon boats do not create enough turbulence to provide the necessary edge or excitement to complement one’s skiing. This predicament is because of the shape of a pontoon boat, which creates a few small humps in the water.

It is not competitive:

Skiing behind a pontoon boat is fun, but it doesn’t allow for a good competition because it has several limitations that will take skiing to a whole level. Even the fast pontoon boats are not completely ideal unless maybe for just a one on skiing practice.

Standing takes time:

Skiers might also find the time it takes to stand uninteresting. Due to the relatively low engine horsepower of pontoon boats, it takes an awful lot of time to stand and start skiing. Most times, this takes away the fun from the sports.

Final Thoughts

Can you ski behind a pontoon boat? Yes, it is possible. All it takes is a pontoon boat with an engine of 100 horsepower and above. The skier’s weight is still one of the factors that contribute to a smooth experience. A boat of 115HP and above is the boat to go for in case one wants to enjoy the thrill that comes with skiing.

10 Best Fun Pontoon Boat Accessories

March 3, 2019 by Dan

Pontoon boats are not just meant for riding or fishing. They allow you to engage in a wide variety of fun-filled activities. There are many fun pontoon boat accessories that enhance your enjoyment on a pontoon ride. These accessories are great for individuals who often entertain people on their pontoon boats or take their kids along. Listed below are the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories that allow you to spend fun-filled days on the water.

SportsStuff Big Mable Towable Tube

A towable tube is one of the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories to have. SportsStuff Big Mable towable tube is a popular choice for boat owners. It is an inflatable tube that has two tow points, one at the front and the other at the back. They are aluminum Quick Connect tow points and feature a speed safety valve. The tube can carry two persons with a maximum weight capacity of 340lbs. It has a backrest and air cushioned side walls for enhancing comfort. There are multiple grab handles with knuckle guards provided along with EVA foam padding in different locations.

RAVE Sports 00001 Pontoon Slide

If you take kids along with you on pontoon rides or like to have fun in the water, then a pontoon slide is the best fun pontoon boat accessory for you. The RAVE Sports 00001 pontoon slide is a well-recommended product. It is an inflatable slide that is easy to use and compact enough to store. It can be rolled for storing and takes no more space than a sleeping bag. The slide features four molded steps for easy climbing and two molded vinyl handles for sliding down. A 12V high-pressure inflator/deflator is included in the package.

Intex Pool Volleyball Game

Are you looking for various fun ways you can spend time while on a pontoon ride? Then the Intex Pool volleyball game set will be the best fun pontoon boat accessory for you. It allows you and your friends to engage in a game of volleyball. The kit includes an inflatable volleyball and pole bases with netting. You can also add anchor weights for keeping it still. The netting base is made from 10-gauge vinyl while the ball is made from 7-gauge vinyl. A repair kit is also included in the packet in case any inflatable item in the kit gets damaged.

Lillipad Diving Board

There is no fun like diving into the water from a boat and a diving board can enhance the fun further. Lillipad’s diving board is an excellent choice for buyers considering the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories. It is a great item for adults and kids alike and has a weight capacity of 250lbs. It is made from heavy wall aluminum with stainless steel fittings. The board has an energy canceling design that prevents the boat from rocking when people dive. It can be stored when not in use. The Lillipad diving board is available in surface mounting and underfloor mounting options.

Airhead EZ Ski

Do you have a couple of kids who want to ski behind a boat but are not yet trained? Then the Airhead EZ Ski is the best fun pontoon boat accessory for young wannabe skiers. It is an inflatable ski trainer that is designed to teach young children. It comes with integrated wooden water ski trainers as well as ski bindings that make skiing easy for young kids. The ski is designed for a single rider and has a weight capacity of up to 70lbs. An inflatable seat is incorporated into the ski for young riders until they are confident of standing up.

Subwing Towable Watersports Board

The Subwing towable watersports board is a great item for thrill seekers when it comes to the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories. The board allows you to ride on the water surface or glide underwater and even perform acrobatics. It is simple to learn and requires minimum effort to ride making it suitable for both kids and adults. The rider hangs on its wings using both hands and tilts them depending on the direction he or she wants to go in. It is designed for towing at low speeds making it safe but without compromising on the fun.

Sportstuff 53-2030 Booster Ball

The Sportstuff Booster Ball is another fun pontoon boat accessory. It is not an independent towable but is designed to be used with other towable items such as tubes for enhancing their performance. It is a tow rope that comes with an inflatable buoy in the middle. The buoy keeps the tow rope out of water for increasing the towing performance. It eliminates sprays and splashes that are caused by a submerged rope. The Booster Ball also prevents the towable items from submarining while lowering the stress and drag on them, increasing their life span in the process. It can be used with one to four rider towable items.

Hyperlite Wakeboard Package 2018 Vapor with Destroyer Wakeboard Bindings

The Hyperlite Wakeboard Package is one of the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories for adrenaline junkies. It gives them a chance to show off their wakeboarding skills and satisfy their need for thrills. The wakeboard has been designed to maximize stability while ensuring excellent lift off the wake. It has a three-stage rocker and four removable fins for maximum speed and exceptional control. The package also includes Destroyer bindings that will fit foot sizes ranging from 7 to 13. They have a thin yet strong base plate that reduces weight while improving maneuverability. EVA cushioning is provided for heel and toe to enhance comfort.

Leader Accessories Kneeboard

The Leader Accessories Kneeboard is a great alternate option to wakeboards for people looking for the best fun pontoon boat accessories. It allows them to knee surf behind their pontoon boats. The EVA foam padding enhances the comfort of the riders enabling them to have fun without getting tired. A 3” padded strap enhances the stability of the rider and can be adjusted. Even beginners will find it easy to ride this kneeboard as it comes with an integrated hook for assisted takeoff. Its beveled edges allow faster cuts and a low riding profile enhances stability.

Airhead AHWR-1, 2AHS-1100 or 1200 Wakeboard Rope

If you have purchased a wakeboard or kneeboard, you will also require a wakeboard rope for the same. The Airhead wakeboard rope is a great option for individuals that comes highly recommended by its owners. It is made from low-stretch 16-strand, 30 filament rope. The 15” handle is made from double-density EVA and has an aluminum core. It has four sections with take-off loops to suit a wide range of riding styles. There are 4” finger protectors provided for safety along with foam floats. A rope keeper is also provided for storing the rope when not in use.

Pontoon Boat Accessories – Fun Toys

May 28, 2017 by Dan

Pontoon boats are the ideal companions for fun times on the water. The boats allow individuals to engage in fishing, cruising, sunbathing and going for a swim. Besides these, there are plenty of pontoon boat toys that enable for more adventurous and thrilling experiences. Be it a family cruise with plenty of kids aboard or adults getting together for a weekend getaway, there are different types of toys available for different age groups that are suited to their tastes and preferred activities.

Diving Boards

Pontoon boats can be fitted with diving boards for merrymaking and jumping about into the water. Though some of the boats do have swim decks, a diving boards adds to and amplifies the fun. It is a great pontoon boat toy for both kids and adults alike and provides the perfect opportunity for some friendly competition. The boards may either be normal planks or might have springs for assisting the jump. Before diving, the depth of the water must be judged and shallow waters should be avoided.

Water Slides

No matter the age of a person, water slides will never go out of fashion. Slides are available in different designs, materials and sizes. Some of the boats might have preinstalled slides that may be mounted on the upper deck of the pontoon boat. There are also inflatable slides available that are not permanently attached to the boat and are easy to use and store. These pontoon boat toys are both entertaining and fun to have and are loved by kids as well as adults. For a family going on a vacation or a group of individuals looking to party on the boat, water slides are a nifty edition.

Tubes

While water skis and wakeboards are for adults and experts, the tubes offer a thrilling ride on the water for kids and the uninitiated of watersports. The tubes can be towed behind a pontoon boat and carry riders at good speed across the water. These pontoon boat toys do not require special skills and the rider is just required to hold on. Tubes are available in different designs and sizes. Some tubes only accommodate one or two persons while others can hold a bunch of excited kids easily. Tubes may be ridden in sitting position or while lying on back or stomach. Tubing is a great addition for both parties and family outings.

Water Skis

With most of the pontoon boats of today having good performing outboard motors and agile handling, skiing is another activity that can be engaged in. This makes water skis one of the must have pontoon boat toys for indulging in an exhilarating adventure on the water. The boats are fitted with ski tow bars that allows a person to ski. Adding the option of skiing can make a leisurely cruise and a party more exciting and fun. For a skiing experience, the outboard should have a power of at least 90HP.

Kneeboards and Wakeboards

Modern day pontoon boats have the option of being fitted with sport arch and towers that allow the people to indulge in adventurous water sports and activities. Wakeboarding can be enjoyed by those experienced in these sports when going on a cruise in a pontoon boats. Kneeboards and wakeboards can be other pontoon boat toys that can be stored on the boat for giving more bold options to the people on board.

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