Are inflatables really all that much fun?

Pump
Up the
Volume
Are inflatables really all that much fun?
Or are tube enthusiasts just full of hot air? We hit the water in
search of the answer. By Jeff Hemmel • Photos by Tom King
58
b oat i n g m ag .c o m
June 2013
There’s something irresistible about
the simple fun of an inflatable tow
tube. Skis may be more challenging, a
wakeboard capable of delivering more
thrills, but the best bang for the buck
is a marine accessory not far removed
from that old black inner tube many of
us enjoyed as kids.
For starters “tubes” prove versatile.
Overweight or skinny, athletic or
klutzy, young or old, nearly anyone can
enjoy. There’s no real need for balance,
no real learning curve. They deliver a
ride ranging from mild to wild. But with
a bewildering array available, which
type should you choose?
We approached our selections by
loading some Web pages and then
asked our test subjects — 8- and
12-year-old sisters — to tell us what
looked cool. We matched their choices
against the best-sellers found on the
Overton’s and West Marine websites.
We settled on two each in one-, twoand three-passenger capacities. How’d
they fare? Read on.
b oat i n g m ag .c o m
june 2013
59
TO See the tubes
in action,
go to boatingmag
.com/tubetests.
TO See the tubes
in action,
go to boatingmag
.com/tubetests.
Get the free mobile app at
Get the free mobile app at
http:/ / gettag.mobi
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Obrien
Screamer
Gladiator
Sonix I
$145
$149.99
You can feel the ­simplicity
of that inner tube at the
heart of Obrien’s best-selling
Screamer. It’s a circle, measuring 60 inches in diameter for
the solo version. But unlike an
inner tube, there’s no hole in the
middle. A full nylon cover protects the inflatable PVC bladder
within. Two large EVA (ethylenevinyl acetate) pads lessen wear
at contact points, as well as provide a softer layer against bare
elbows and knees. Four padded
grab handles offer a choice of
handholds for rider security.
Like most tubes, the
Screamer arrives already
zipped into its removable cover.
Inflation is quick and simple; a
single Boston-style valve is used
to inflate the entire tube. The
Screamer’s tow point is a quickdisconnect tow hook. We gave
it extra points for additional
webbed grab-straps that ease
carrying it around.
The Screamer may be simple,
but our testers gave it enthusiastic thumbs up. The size lets the
rider manipulate it easily, using
body English to maneuver in and
out of the wake. Its ample thickness cushions impact with the
waves, increasing the fun factor
for those riding up top. Simple?
Absolutely. Still one heck of a lot
of fun? Without a doubt.
The Gladiator Sonix I is more
of a “ride-in” than “ride-on”
tube. Like a mini rubber life
raft, it features cockpit seating for those who would rather
kick back and enjoy than be
forced to hang on. An inflatable
backrest provides support; EVA
knuckle guards are positioned
below the Sonix’s two padded
handles to avoid scrapes. The
entire inflatable is covered by a
durable outer nylon skin, with
a sewn-in quick-connect tow
point at the bow.
The Gladiator was perfect
for our youngest tester after
she was unceremoniously flung
into the chilly water while testing another tube. Its relatively
tame, controlled ride proved a
match to those who might not
want a full-on thrill ride, or who
might just feel like chilling. But
the Sonix can get aggressive.
Head for the wake and it jumps
into the air like a sled on a ski
hill. The catch? With the Sonix’s
relatively thin inflatable floor,
and the seated position preventing the rider from absorbing the shock, those landings
can deliver a jolt. Size is also a
limitation. Though 60 inches in
length, the inflatable collar limits the size of its cockpit, making
it a tube that is hard-pressed to
carry an adult in comfort.
60
b oat i n g m ag .c o m
June 2013
Proper inflation tips
The number-one mistake
inflatable owners make,
according to most manufacturers, is not filling their
towable up with enough air.
When properly inflated,
an inflatable should feel
photo: Jon Whittle
Best for: All-purpose fun; great
bang for the buck.
Get Pumped!
firm, not soft or squishy,
to the touch. Its nylon
outer cover should be free
of wrinkles and should fit
the inflatable like a second
skin. Underinflation not
only affects performance
and longevity, but it also is
a safety issue; if the cover
doesn’t fit the tube tightly,
riders may become entangled between the fabric
cover and the bladder.
Ideally, choose a highcapacity, 110-volt inflater
(like Airhead’s 3.0 psi electric Super Pump, pictured)
to get the job done. Such a
pump will inflate or deflate
a tube in minutes. If you’re
going to be inflating on
the fly out on the water,
look for models that can
hook directly to the boat’s
­ attery via alligator clips
b
(like Airhead’s AHP-12HP),
rather than using the 12-volt
accessory plug. These will
shorten the amount of time
it takes to inflate.
While proper inflation is
essential, don’t overdo it.
Overinflation is the primary
cause of damage to the PVC
bladder and can result in
ripped seams in the cover.
Best for: Kids or smaller adults;
those looking for a tamer ride.
b oat i n g m ag .c o m
june 2013
61
TO See the tubes
in action,
go to boatingmag
.com/tubetests.
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Sea-Doo
Evo Pro 2
Airhead
Revolution
$179.99
$299.99
Sea-Doo’s 69-by-72-inch Evo
Pro 2 stands out for its shape
and its side-to-side rocker.
Upward-curving wings give its
bottom pronounced side-toside curvature, reducing the
wetted surface for more speed
and allowing riders to roll the
tube to angle back and forth
across the wake. The wings
also provide a certain sense of
security. Get slingshot outside
the wake, or butt up against the
wake trying to come back in,
and riders don’t feel as though
the tube may flip. The result is a
split personality and the ability
to handle a wide range of ages
and interests. Stay calm when
desired, or take advantage of
that minimal drag to go into
aggressive mode.
Like all of our test inflatables, the Evo Pro 2 came already
assembled, with its PVC bladder protected by a heavy-duty
nylon cover. A single Boston
valve allows for quick inflation.
No less than eight padded grab
handles line the front edge, with
neoprene knuckle guards below.
That same neoprene protection is also featured in the knee
and foot area to prevent wear
— on both human and the
tube. A padded flap covers the
valve opening.
Our 12-year-old tester dubbed
the Airhead Revolution “so
much fun!” — especially after it
launched her sister and mother
into the water. After repeated
rides, however, even the
Revolution’s most enthusiastic
fan had endured about enough.
Such is the fate of a tube that
spins its occupants in circles, like
Disney’s teacup ride.
Yes,the 80-inch-diameter
Revolution uses a centrally
installed stainless-steel swivel
as a tow point. Accelerate, and
multiple pockets commence
rotation. We found the speed
manageable at about 10 mph.
Above 15 mph the centrifugal
force will win the fight, unless
the riders are strong. You can
also thread the tow line through
the “no spin” strap for a tamer
straight ride.
Riders lie across the
Revolution in opposing directions, on opposite sides of a
central fin. Additional inflatable leg-holders are positioned
between the riders’ knees,
allowing them to use their
legs for added grip. Padded
grab handles feature neoprene
knuckle guards. Its PVC bladder
is protected by an 840-denier
nylon cover, with neoprene
panels up top in contact areas.
Inflation is via a single Bostonstyle valve.
Best for: All-around use; those
who like to experience a mix of
speed and stability.
62
b oat i n g m ag .c o m
Best for: Advanced tubers.
June 2013
Get the free mobile app at
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Dragging
the Line
Choosing the
right tow line
and accessories
photo: courtesy sportsstuff (booster ball)
Get the free mobile app at
TO See the tubes
in action,
go to boatingmag
.com/tubetests.
While you may have
a water ski or wakeboard tow line already
in the boat, it’s worth
your while to get and
use a dedicated tow
line for your inflatable. Inflatables can
put a massive amount
of strain on a tow line
and, as such, often
need a greater breaking strength than
a standard ski rope
provides. Choose a
tow line that best
fits your tube’s passenger capacity. Most
inflatable-specific
lines are 60 feet in
length, to position the
tube in the ideal spot
in the boat’s wake.
If the tow line frequently gets caught in
the boat’s prop wash,
consider SportsStuff’s
Booster Ball ($109,
sportsstuff.com). A
38-by-27-inch inflatable ball sandwiched
in the middle of a
60-foot tow line, it
enhances the performance of most inflatables by keeping the
line out of the water,
reducing drag, absorbing shock and reducing spray off the rope.
TO See the tubes
in action,
go to boatingmag
.com/tubetests.
TO See the tubes
in action,
go to boatingmag
.com/tubetests.
Get the free mobile app at
Get the free mobile app at
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Regal
27 FasDeck RX
We had boatbuilders clamoring to participate in our
tow tube test. We chose
Regal’s 27 FasDeck RX for a
number of reasons.
As a deck boat, it
64
b oat i n g m ag .c o m
June 2013
http:/ / gettag.mobi
­ aximizes cockpit space
m
and features broad boarding platforms fore and aft,
elements that make it perfect for carrying a big crew
and all the gear for a day of
tubing. An enclosed head
ensures the crew is comfortable. Its FasTrac hull planes
flat, remains maneuverable
at slower speeds, and maximizes fuel efficiency. Fitted
with an electrically folding
“PowerTower,” a Fusion
audio system with six
speakers, and arena seating, our tube testing proved
the 27 FasDeck RX is an
ideal family water-sports
boat. — Kevin Falvey
uLOA: 27'3"
uBeam: 8'6"
uDraft: 3'0"
uDisplacement
(approx.): 5,460 lb.
uPrice: $91,503 (base with
a 300 hp Volvo Penta V-8 300
Duoprop sterndrive)
Regal Boats Orlando, Florida;
800-877-3425; regalboats.com
Rave Sports
Ravenger Plus
SportsStuff
Poparazzi
$299.99
$429.99
Our kid testers were drawn
to Rave Sports’ Ravenger
Plus, thanks to its looking like
a personal watercraft. The
90-by-64-by-33-inch Ravenger
features a saddle, handlebars
and footwells. One rider sits in
the saddle; two more fit into the
footwells, each of which features an inflatable floor.
Its 840-denier nylon wrap
covers the bottom and sides,
leaving durable 30-gauge
PVC saddle, seat base, footwells, console and handlebars
exposed, making us nervous
bumping around the dock. With
six separate air chambers, the
Ravenger was also the most
taxing to inflate.
As to the ride, it’s exceptionally stable, even with three
passengers. The saddle rider
enjoys a generous amount of
inflated padding below his or
her bottom. Passengers don’t
fare as well on the inflated
floors, which transfer more of
the bumps and are more in the
line of spray coming off the hull.
Our mom dubbed the footwells
too small for adults. Still, our
younger enthusiasts gave it
the thumbs up — and loved
the Rave Tail, which channels
water up into a spray behind the
inflatable as it’s towed.
The SportsStuff Poparazzi
was the most eagerly anticipated inflatable on hand.
With its integrated arch, rockered bottom and in-your-face
graphics, it just looks cool to the
kids. Closer inspection reveals
that its 72-by-68-inch base
offers plenty of real estate for
passengers to lie, sit, kneel or
stand. Lay all three passengers
below the arch, put two standing behind it, or mix up combinations of positions. Neoprene
pads offer protection. Padded
grab handles, with neoprene
knuckle guards, are at the ready.
Additional webbed straps are
located inside the arch for those
who want to apply some added
leverage.
And you can leverage this
tube. The rockered bottom and
weight shifts generated by a
standing passenger (or two)
give the Poparazzi maneuverabilty. Ride it straight and it’s
stable. But throw some body
weight around and things start
rocking and rolling, as you carve
in and out of the wake.
The Poparazzi was the lone
towable we tested with a speed
valve that allows inflation with
anything from a Shop-Vac to a
designated inflator.
Best for: Novelty factor; those
seeking a stable, leisurely ride.
Best for: Multipassenger versatility; those who like the idea of
teetering … as they’re tottering.
b oat i n g m ag .c o m
june 2013
65