The exception to this would be if someone had a jet ski with a seating capacity of 2, had installed rear-view mirrors which are large enough, and was in a place where a spotter is not required with the large mirrors. Then there could be one driver and one rider on a tube. But, since tubing is usually more fun with multiple people on the tube, it is a good idea to shoot for a jet ski which has a seating capacity of 4.
That way there can be 1 driver, 1 spotter, and 2 people riding on the tube at any time. Please note that 2 or more tubers increases the risk and danger of injury. Everyone who is on the jet ski or being pulled behind it must be wearing a life preserver the whole time that they are on the water. If 2 or more tubers are riding at once, helmets are strongly encouraged. You have a spotter ready to watch vigilantly and you have two adults who want to see what kind of towing skills you have.
Should you indulge them? When engaging in any sort of water sport, safety and caution should come before wild fun. A friend told me a story about her uncle who found himself in a situation similar to the one above once. Her uncle used to have a jet ski and would bring it out to all of the family reunions that they have at the lake every year. There are a lot of little kids in the family, so tubing is a popular activity every year. One year, all of the uncles got an idea that they thought would be fun.
They would have one of them drive the jet ski while the other two rode on the tube behind it. The two riding the tube were over pounds each, so they added some significant weight.
At first, everything seemed to be fine. The jet ski was not straining too hard and the rope was doing just fine. Then the driver decided to do what is known as a whip.
When the tube is whipped, it moves from one side of the jet ski to the other very quickly. Jet skis at the very most will weigh a little over pounds. The jet ski in this story was probably closer to pounds. So, when around half the weight of the jet ski suddenly yanked it in one direction from behind, the driver was actually thrown right off of the vehicle.
So always ask yourself, just because you can, should you? A jet ski can pull a lot of weight, but it is important to remember that the jet ski is not terribly large itself, so the weight that it pulls can have a lot of influence on it. It might be a better idea to stick to pulling kids while using a jet ski. So the big question is, why would you use a jet ski to pull a tube instead of a boat?
There are a lot of reasons that a jet ski could be considered a better choice. Some people might believe that jet skis are pricey themselves. This is fair. Even when it comes to used models, boat prices are still very high. You need to go back to models from the 90s and even 80s to start to see significant price reductions, whereas a jet ski that is 5 years old will be much cheaper than the same model of the current year.
Another advantage of using a jet ski over a boat is the size. Most jet skis are under 12 feet long. To be considered a jet ski, a watercraft actually has to be under 13 feet long according to the United States Coast Guard. So you know the biggest they will be is 13 feet. Boats come in many different sizes, but the ones used for towing will generally be larger than jet skis. Best case scenario, you should have a horsepower or greater jet ski for doing this. You should only pull someone between to pounds for lower horsepower machines.
One thing that you should remember when it comes to pulling tubes or skiers behind your jet ski is that you should always know the laws. These will differ between states and maybe even water sources, but this is something you must check. Some common law across most states are:. This is the best way to guarantee that you are meeting any requirements necessary. AquaSportsPlanet is an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you do want to go tubing or waterskiing behind your jet ski, one of the most important things to know is how to hook up your rope correctly.
Tip: Never use a regular inner tube ; ensure you are using a tube that is designed for these purposes. Our favorites are in that post.
Some important things to keep in mind when attaching your tube to your jet ski are:. Those who pull skiers or tubes behind their jet ski regularly will more than likely run over the tow rope at least once. If you do drift over the tow rope, you should turn off the engine immediately, and if the rope is in the pump, do not start the engine. Remove the key to avoid accidental starts. If you start the engine with the rope inside, you can strip your driveshaft splines.
As soon as you realize the two rope is in the pump, you should have your jet ski towed back to the shore. Once you are on the shore, you will put your jet ski on a trailer and remove the tow rope from under the ski. You may even have to remove the spark plugs and rotate the engine, cut the rope, or more to remove it.
You should remove any rope in the drive area. If there is rope left behind in the drive area, you do run the risk of causing damage to the seals. You should avoid tipping your jet ski when doing this as it can damage the exhaust system. It is extremely important that you keep safety your top concern at every point while jet skiing or pulling with your jet ski. If you do a sharp turn, it may mean a double distance for the tuber -which means double speed as well!
Always keep this in mind, operate the jet ski carefully and listen to your spotter at all times. The number one rule you have to keep in mind while pulling a tube is that you always have to keep a safe distance from the shore and objects like piers, docks, or buoys. Also, double check the other vessels in your area as they mean high risk for you and your tuber. Additionally, they recommend the maximum length for the tubing tow rope is 65 feet. Be prepared! The majority of tubers simply wear a bathing suit which, of course, does the job well.
It not only keeps you warm on the colder days, but can protect you from smaller injuries. Keep in mind that falling into the water at higher speeds can incur many different injuries! Pulling a tube with a jet ski is tons of fun, but you have to pay attention to many factors to stay safe and legal.
In most states, a spotter is required, while in other states, you have to mount appropriate mirrors on your jet ski. Beyond that, every jet ski rider and tuber has to wear USCG-approved life jackets , and you also have to keep general safety accessories onboard. These are the most important rules, but laws may vary from state to state so always check the local rules and regulations in your area before your first jet ski — tube ride! This power is plenty for any tow sports, and these jet ski models offer great seat and storage capacity as well.
Jet Ski vs. Last Updated on May 2nd, Can a jet ski pull a tube or a banana boat? Can a jet ski pull a tube? Can a jet ski pull a banana boat? Is kite tubing illegal? The Best Jet Skis for Tubing When it comes to jet-ski tubing, selecting the right model is essential, as a poorly chosen jet ski will be a hassle in the long run.
What are the Best Hulls? The rule of thumb is that the bigger and heavier jet ski hull is always better for tow sports! How to Stay Legal While Jet Ski Tubing In order to pull a tube with a jet ski legally, you have to know and follow the laws in every state and region! Conclusion Pulling a tube with a jet ski is tons of fun, but you have to pay attention to many factors to stay safe and legal. Related Articles.
Related Posts None found.
0コメント