Pontoon boats are well known for having fun on the lake. Due to their minimal wake and smaller, outboard engines, pontoon boats are perfect for lounging and coving with rafts at the back of the boat. However, pontoon boats are great for towing tubes across the lake as well! We made this list to demonstrate some of the best tubes out there for your pontoon (or other) boat! If you are looking for the perfect “lounging” inflatables visit our Best Inflatable Floats article!
If you are in a rush we have put together a chart with the best towable tubes:
| Image | Title | Why We Like | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | SportStuff Super Mable Tube | Best Overall |  | Check Price |
 | Airhead Slice Tube | Best For Jumps |  | Check Price |
 | Rave Waterboggan Tube | Best Banana Style | | Check Price |
 | Airhead Hot Dog Series Tube | Best for Groups | | Check Price |
 | Airhead Viper Tube | Best for Kids | | Check Price |
 | Airhead Blast Tube | Best Value | | Check Price |
Best Towable Tubes
Here are the best tubes that you can buy for pontoon boats:
SportsStuff Super Mable 3 Person Raft
I selected the Super Mable as number one because we personally own it for our boat and can attest that it is awesome! It is bigger than it looks in person and when we blow it up it is as solid as a rock. It allows for up to 3 adults but when you have a large number of kids wanting to ride it can certainly fit more like 5 kids!
The Super Mable was pretty adaptable for our extended family because it gave us the best of both worlds. When we wanted to take it easy (i.e. when grandma joined with the grandkids) we slowed it down and it was super stable and seemed more like a couch than a raft. When it was time for the adults to get a little tossed around just pick up the speed a little bit and the SportsStuff Super Mable would get some huge air!
This is a BIG raft so it’s a little tougher maneuvering it than just a standard two person raft, but when you have a boat full of kids being able to put a bunch on the raft at once is MORE than worth it! The kids (ages 2-13) loved the big sides of the raft as it gave them a little more confidence and comfort. We didn’t notice all of the manufacturer’s features when were out there catching air but the dual tow points, heavy duty nylon cover, and kwik-connect value all helped us have a great time on the water with the raft without fussing over any details.
Airhead Slice Towable Tube
People who are speed junkies and are looking for a few liftoffs on the wake, can opt for the Airhead Slice. This deck style towable tube has a low-profile design that makes it ideal for speed surfing and is easy to climb on. To ensure safety there are six double-padding foam handles provided. The tube comes with two soft EVA foam pads and make the ride feel like a breeze. It has a lighting valve for lowering the inflation/deflation time and a quick connect tow point.
The original Airhead Slice can accommodate 2-persons at a time with a maximum weight of 340lbs but if you want to go bigger do not be afraid to upgrade to the Super Slice for 3 people or the Mega Slice for 4 people. They are all made very well and made to have a blast on the water. The Airhead Slice is the right fit if you are looking for a simple yet fast tube for your pontoon boat getaways.
WOW Super Thriller
The WOW Super Thriller remains one of the best towable tubes ever. It’s a unique model designed for water sports fanatics to enjoy thrilling rides behind a pontoon boat. The tube has a reinforced towing system, zippered valve cover, and heavy-gauge PVC bladder that provides added durability. This deck tube has a unique structure that allows one-way inflation and prevents air leakage.
For protection, the WOW Super Thriller comprises dual webbing foam handles and knuckle guards that provide peak comfort and exceptional traction around tight corners. Its speed valve helps fast deflation/inflation, so you don’t lose air while replacing the cap. Furthermore, the superior towing system makes attaching the tube to a boat using tow ropes easier and more secure.
Rave Waterboggan 5-Rider Sit On Top Towable
In this case, pictures certainly do more to help describe the awesomeness of this towable raft than words. The Rave Waterboggan 5-Person Towable is one of the highest ranked towables in our list because it is a beast! What other inflatable towable raft can you ride that can comfortably sit up to 5 full sized people? Just as a warning your pontoon boat had better be packing a large engine (or three) to be able to get this baby up to speed, and don’t travel too far with it because it won’t fit in the boat to be able to transport anywhere! Speaking from experience this raft is stable and fun for kids (and adults) of all ages!
Airhead Hot Dog Series 1-5 Rider Towable Tube
What list of towable tubes would be complete without the Airhead Hot Dog Series? Now, I do not have personal experience with the Hot Dog Series, HOWEVER, this family of floats gets AMAZING reviews from a large amount of people online so I can only assume that it is both fun to ride on and must be an awesome sight on the lake!
Now, Airhead didn’t just stop at creating a single hot tube float. I imagine that they started first with the Hot Dog, then decided to go a little bit longer with the Jumbo Dog, and then SHORTER with the Double Dog. Finally, they decided to blow us all away by creating a “never before seen” Quad Dog with two dogs located side-by-side! All kidding aside though people love this series because it is very well made, it is stable on the water, and it is very comfortable.
If you are hosting a party or have kids always arguing over who gets to ride the tube first, the Jumbo Dog is the perfect choice because it can fit up to 5 riders on it. This towable tube can accommodate 2 Riders with the Double Dog or all the way up to 5 Riders. This tube is made more for “cruising” rather than “jumping wake” so it is a hit if you have a wide range of people from younger kids all the way up to older adults.
To save time, there is a lightning valve option in the tube when you have an air pump available, or an Eco valve is provided for manual inflating or deflating. The material used for construction is PVC covered by nylon and the tube comes with a one-year warranty.
SportsStuff Big Mable Tube
The SportsStuff Big Mable Tube is the little sister to the Super Mable (also on this list). The Big Mable is as versatile as it is fun. Its high backrest makes the experience comfortable and relaxing while the air cushioned side walls ensure the riders stays on board when zigzagging in the waters. This tube features two tow points on opposite sides. Towing from the front gives a person a regular deck tube experience. For riding it as a chariot in gladiator style on the waterfront, the tow can be attached on the backside of tube. The Big Mable Tube can seat two and is a must have accessory for a great outing on the water.
Airhead Viper 3 Ski Tube
True to its name, the Airhead Viper 3 Ski Tube is the perfect water vessel for surfing and whipping in the waters. Inspired by cockpits and boat hulls, the design of the tube provides a scintillating ride without compromising on stability making this boat a great pick for families with kids. The boat is made out of PVC encased in nylon and is ideal for 3 people either kids or adults. There are knuckle guards and handles provided for safety along with inflatable back rests. If you or your kids love a NASCAR style ride on the water, the Viper 3 is your choice of ride!
Airhead Blast Inflatable 1-Person Towable Red
The Airhead Blast is a towable tube for adrenaline junkies who want to ride solo. It is compact and fast making it great for experiencing the wind rushing through one’s hair as the water is splashing all about.
There are nylon handles provided for you to hold tightly onto and knuckle guards to protect hands. Blast is made out of heavy-duty PVC bladder covered with nylon making it durable and comfortable. Other features include an internal tow harness, Boston valve for inflation/deflation, and a self-draining floor vent. Its dazzling graphics make it as attractive as it is fun to ride on. If you are looking to have a blast on the water while getting towed behind a pontoon boat, Airhead Blast is what you should opt for.
G-Force Towable Tube
The G-Force tube provides a thrilling journey for up to four thrill-seekers. Because of its topside stabilizer fins’ centrifugal force, the four superior nylon-wrapped handles with neoprene knuckle shields give a secure and comfortable grip. The G-Force has a robust heavy gauge virgin PVC bladder that is entirely coated with a durable double-stitched nylon cover and is fitted with a Kwik-Connect and safety valve for effortless rope hook-ups deflating and inflating.
O’Brien Super Screamer Tube
The O’Brien Super Screamer towable tube with 70″ diameter is a classic deck tube which provides tons of fun on the water. You can lie, sit or kneel and it doesn’t matter how you ride it. It has a maximum capacity of two riders or 340 lbs. There is a single chamber 26 gauge bladder. The bladder is fully covered with 420 Denier Nylon which maximizes the durability. There are six comfortably positioned handles with EVA knuckle guards.
The two soft EVA body pads are oversized so as to provide enhanced comfort. With the Quick Connect Tow System you can effortlessly connect the rope to the tube. The lightning valve is easy to use, having no parts to lose, it lets you inflate and deflate your tube quickly. With the pull up straps you can board the tube from the water with ease.
How to Choose a Tube for Your Pontoon?
There are different types of tubes available for purchase. Here are a few points worth thinking about while choosing a towable tube for your pontoon.
Seating Capacity
The main factor to consider when buying towable tubes is their seating capacity. They can seat anywhere from one to ten people, depending on their design. Choose a model based on the average number of people that you plan to tow behind your pontoon. Towable tubes with two to three seats will be suitable for most people. Towable tubes also have a maximum carry-weight rating. Ensure that the weight rating of the tube is ideal for the riders. Remember that pulling a towable with four occupants will require significantly more power than towing a single-seater tube. Make sure that your outboard is powerful enough for pulling the towable before buying it.
Riding Style
Towable tubes for pontoons support different riding styles. Some of them are designed for a laid-back ride, while others provide an adrenaline-rushing experience. Choose a towable as per your preferred riding requirements.
Banana Tubes
Banana tubes are ideal for a laid-back ride. They are suitable for towing people at slow speeds. These tubes can accommodate anywhere from five to ten people. Riders straddle the tube with their legs dangling on either side. Banana tubes provide a sled-like experience and are not suitable for fast rides.
Cockpit Style Tubes
Cockpit style towable tubes allow you to sit in them for the ride and hence are also known as ride-in tubes. They may also have a backrest and side supports to maximize comfort for the occupants. There are fasteners provided to keep the riders secure and preventing them from falling off due to sudden turns. These tubes won’t flip over and offer a stable ride. Cockpit style towable tubes are ideal for young children and people who prefer a relaxed ride behind a pontoon.
Deck Style Tubes
If you are looking for towable tubes that provide a thrilling experience, then consider a deck style model. These tubes have a flat surface like a deck. The riders lie down on their belly and grab the padded handles for support. There are no backrests or side supports, and the riders can fall off the tube if they let go. These towable tubes are suitable for riders who can securely hold onto the handles and want a thrilling experience. Deck style tubes can flip over and throw the riders off, which is a part of the fun.
Donut Style Tubes
Donut style tubes are one of the most popular ones among pontoon owners. They have a round shape like a donut with the sitting area being lower than the walls. The rider sits in the tube with his or her feet dangling over the edge of the tube. There are handles provided for keeping oneself secure. They are suitable for experienced riders.
Dual Point Tubes
Dual point tubes facilitate multiple riding styles. Riders can stand, sit, kneel, or lie on the tube for the ride. They may have two or more tow points to support different riding orientations. Dual point tubes are large in size and can accommodate two or more people.
Comfort Level
Riders must also consider the comfort level offered by a towable tube. Cockpit and banana style tubes are more comfortable as compared to other models. Tubes with a backrest and side support will enhance the comfort level of the riders as well. They keep the riders secure even when veering. Otherwise, the momentum due to the change in direction may knock the riders off the tube. Tubes that are designed to be used in the lying position don’t offer as much comfort, but they provide a more thrilling ride. For children, inexperienced riders, or those who like to take things easy, a towable tube that offers more comfort level is better.
Size
Buyers must consider the size of towable tubes before purchasing. Smaller tubes are more suitable for children and teenagers, while larger tubes are designed for use by adults. Choose a tube size according to the riders.
How We Selected the Best Towable Tubes?
There is a wide range of towable tubes being sold by different manufacturers. We selected the best towable tubes for pontoons based on the three primary factors listed below.
Build-Quality and Comfort
The essential quality we looked for in towable tubes is their build quality. They must utilize heavy gauge PVC for construction to make the tube durable and rugged. The PVC bladder is rough on the skin and, therefore, must be covered by a nylon layer to make the ride comfortable. A towable tube is even better if it has soft EVA foam pads for enhancing the rider’s comfort. The handles must have padding along with a nylon covering for protecting the hands of the users. While backrests and side supports are good to have on a tube for a laid-back ride, they will not be missed by adrenaline junkies. Towable pontoon tubes designed for a fast ride won’t have these.
Ease of Use
Riders will have to connect towable tubes to their pontoons. The mechanism employed may differ from one manufacturer to another. Users should be able to connect the tube to the pontoon quickly and effortlessly. All the accessories required for connecting them should ideally be included in the package or easily available. Most towable tubes can be inflated using an air pump. It can be accomplished in a few minutes without any fuss. The valve on the tube should be compatible with most air pumps, or at least should come with a few nozzle adapters. Lighting air valves lower the amount of time required for inflation significantly. Therefore, we prioritized these towable tubes over others.
User Reviews
User reviews provide a different perspective on the products. They can highlight some shortages or flaws in the towable tubes. Also, they grant insight into how the product faired over a period of time. It helps in determining if the tube was durable or any issues came up after a few uses. The aftersales services and support of the company are also reflected in the reviews. User reviews significantly impacted our selection of the best towable tubes for 2020.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pontoon boat tubes are a fantastic way to add excitement and adventure to your time on the water. Whether you’re tubing with family or friends, they provide endless fun for riders of all ages. With a variety of sizes and styles available, choosing the right pontoon boat tube enhances both safety and enjoyment. Durable and easy to use, these inflatable tubes can turn a simple boat outing into an exhilarating experience, making them a must-have accessory for any pontoon boat owner looking to make lasting memories on the water.
