Towable water tubes are one of the most fun and safe ways of enjoying high-speed fun out on the open water. They are inflatable water toys that can be ridden in a variety of ways from sitting back in relaxed comfort to standing up while carving wakes like a waterskier. There are many different styles of towable water tubes that have been designed for different methods of riding and to hold any number of riders. We’ve got the lowdown on the best towable tubes on the market, including a few wacky ones that are nothing but fun.
After reviewing many different towable water tubes we have figured out the best available for one, two, three, four, and five riders at once. We’ve even included a hot dog and a duck in our top picks, but we did seriously consider factors such as material durability, rider comfort, and towing versatility in making our decisions.
We looked at dozens of towable water tubes and have chosen the World of Watersports Big Ducky as our overall top pick. Yeah, seriously. It’s a well-rounded towable tube that can fit three passengers but will work great for one or two riders as well. It has no faults as far as we’re concerned.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Towable Water Tubes for Boating
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Towable Tube Overall | World of Watersports Big Ducky | 4.6 |
| Best 2 Person Towable Tube | SportStuff Big Mable | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Towable Tube | Airhead Hot Shot | 4.1 |
| Best 4 Person Towable Tube | World of Watersports Giant Bubba | 4.2 |
| Best Hot Dog Towable Water Tube | Airhead Jumbo Dog | 4.2 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Towable Tube Overall: World of Watersports Big Ducky
We have no doubt that the World of Watersports Big Ducky will be the most fun towable water tube you’ve ever ridden. Its large and balanced design allows it to effortlessly carry one, two, or three riders at a time. Many other water tubes that claim to carry up to three or more people often require a specific amount of people to ride at a time to best balance the water tube, but that’s not the case with this Big Ducky! It’ll keep its balance like no other. This a great option for families and friend groups because swapping riders around isn’t a hassle.
And you can ride it any way you like! The unique design encourages riders to try out all sorts of different wave-surfing positions including sitting, kneeling, standing, and chariot-style riding. Users have said that this tube is almost impossible to flip over. The flat and stable winged design provides ample floor space to move around on, and the protruding inflated bolsters will help keep riders from sliding off of those wings. Let’s not forget to mention the large non-slip EVA floor pads which also keep you onboard and prevent chafe at the same time.
The heavy-duty, wide-webbed three-point tow system features an EZ Tow Connector. It’s a secure system designed to haul the Big Ducky without issue. Tough nylon covers the entire craft that can hold up to the rigors of extreme and continuous water tubing. The high visibility color scheme is easy to spot from far distances, and the distinct rubber ducky design is sure to stand out. This awesome water tube comes backed by a one-year warranty.
World of Watersports Big Ducky Key Features:
- One large saddle seat
- Two bolstered and padded wing seats
- Three-point tow system
- One-year warranty
Best 2 Person Towable Tube: SportStuff Big Mable
Fitted with dual tow points, the SportStuff Big Mable can be towed forward or backward for a relaxing seated ride or an exciting on-your-knees wake-jumping good time. Whichever way you face, the soft EVA foam seating pads provide a nice cushion that’ll protect your skin from chafe and keep you from sliding across the otherwise slick nylon surface. Each of the two tow points is equipped with an aluminum Kwik Connect tow hook for quick and easy rope connection.
The dual seats have a couch-like design with a high backrest and inflated side bolsters to keep you securely in place. Ten flexible handles are within reach to give you plenty to grab to no matter which way you face, and each has a soft EVA knuckle guard underneath. While sitting forward, both riders can rest in comfort no matter the speed because their weight will lift the front of the tube to reduce drag. When facing backward and kneeling, the backrest serves as a cushioned curb to keep you from sliding off, but you’ll be that much closer to the water’s surface as your weight dips the back end into the wake, making for an exciting ride.
This towable water tube has a heavy-duty K80 PVC air bladder, and the entire tube is covered in durable double-stitched nylon. The dual tow points are also made strong by their three anchoring points. Everything about this water tube has been engineered to be tough where it counts, yet soft and supportive for the people who ride it. This tube also has a speed safety valve for fast inflation and deflation and it comes backed by a one-year warranty.
SportStuff Big Mable Key Features:
- Dual tow points
- High backrest and side bolsters
- EVA foam seating pads
- One-year warranty
Best Budget Towable Tube: Airhead Hot Shot
There’s really no need to go with any towable tube more expensive than the Airhead Hot Shot. This tube is as durable, fast, and fun as any other towable tube we came across in our research, and it’s available at an amazingly affordable price. It has been designed to hold one adult or two small children. Sure, you could get a larger tube that can hold more people, but if you’re willing to take turns than the Airhead Hot Shot is definitely the best bang for your buck.
The construction features a durable RF welded PVC bladder and a strong double-stitched nylon covering. Four soft-grip handles have been spread out on the forward-facing end of the tube and each has skin-protecting EVA knuckle guards. The low-profile tube deck design has a disc-like shape that is easy to get yourself onto and slides over the water’s surface with ease. As most of your body will be positioned at the rear of the tube while it is being towed, the front will be lifted to reduce friction. This encourages a faster speed and prevents water from splashing into your face.
Steering is made possible by leaning your body weight from side to side. This tube’s relatively small design gives it a fair bit of maneuverability, and when the speed and waves are timed right it can catch a good amount of air to create some thrilling tricks.
Airhead Hot Shot Key Features:
- Solo adult rider or two small children
- Four handles with neoprene knuckle guards
- Tube deck design
- One-year warranty
Best 4 Person Towable Tube: World of Watersports Giant Bubba
Featuring a high backrest with large inflatable sidewalls, the World of Watersports Giant Bubba isn’t all that different from your living room couch. It has comfortable EVA padded seats and the deck acts like a recliner for your legs. This towable tube is designed much in the same way as our two-person towable tube pick, the Big Mable, but this Giant Bubba is large enough to seat a family of four.
That’s about all the difference there is, though. This tube has two Kwik Connect aluminum tow hooks that are securely attached to the tube, each with three anchor points. The couch-like design and long flat deck make it so that four people can ride this tube in three different ways: sitting to the front, kneeling to the back, or chariot-style riding to the back. There are 16 double webbing handles and 8 flat handles to grab onto no matter which way you face, and the high backrest and sidewalls will keep you from flying off during even when the tube jumps a wave.
We like this design because of its versatility. It can be towed in two directions, ridden in several different ways, and it turns into a comfortable water couch to relax upon when it is not being towed. The tube weighs 45 pounds and measures 87″ x 80″ x 49″ when deflated, so you’ll want a partner to help you pack it up and store it away when your fun day on the water is done.
World of Watersports Giant Bubba Key Features:
- Four-person 680-pound max capacity
- 24 handles
- High backrest and inflated sidewalls
- Dual tow points
Best Hotdog Towable Tube: Airhead Jumbo Dog
Not only is the Airhead Jumbo Dog the biggest hotdog you’ll ever see out on the water, it’s also the top dog among inline towable tubes. There’s enough room on the Jumbo Dog to seat five passengers comfortably, and each seat is fitted with a padded EVA cushion and non-slip foam-insulated handles with neoprene knuckle guards. Two hotdog bun bumpers line the sides of the tube to provide stability while also giving everyone’s feet a pleasant place to rest.
This towable tube measures 150 inches long and 44 inches across. It’s a big water toy that weighs over 30 pounds, and it is made with ultra-durable materials such as a tough 1680D nylon cover and heavy-gauge RF welded PVC air bladder. A single tow hook is mounted at the front of the tube, and there is a speedy air valve for fast inflation and deflation.
Though an inline Jumbo Dog may not be the best option for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, it is an excellent choice for families. The inline design with stability bumpers is a great design for children and older folks who aren’t looking for a water-slicing, wave-jumping extravaganza. This hotdog can still move fast, but its maneuverability is limited which gives it an overall pleasant and easy to handle riding experience that anyone of any age can enjoy.
Airhead Jumbo Dog Key Features:
- Inline seating for five
- Hotdog bun stabilization wings
- EVA padded seats
- Non-slip cushioned handles
Who Should Buy a Towable Water Tube for Boating
Towable water tubes are a fun and safe way to have an exciting time out on the open water. Anyone with a boat, pontoon, or other watercraft with a motor can safely tow a towable water tube. They’re best used on ponds and lakes where the water is flat and easy to maneuver on, but some wide rivers and calm bays can also make for great places to take a towable water tube.
You should buy a towable water tube if you have a motorized watercraft and want to take your family and friends out for a fun day of recreation on the water. You can also rent a boat and use it to tow your tube. There are plenty of towable water tubes which are also excellent as water floats that can be fun to play with or relax on when it is not being towed.
If you’re looking for more fun ways to enjoy some outdoor recreation on the water, check out our take on the best wakeboards for another great way to use your boat to shred some wakes.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing a towable tube.
- Number of riders. As obvious as it may seem, it is important to consider the number of riders that will be wanting to ride the towable water tube at any given time. We’ve listed many great tubes that can be used by one or multiple people at any given time, but certain designs are best utilized by the specific amount of person(s) they were intended for. Solo rider tubes usually have excellent steering control, whereas bigger tubes do not. Some require an even dispersal of people across the tube, while others have more forgiving designs that can accommodate any number of people.
- Ride style. How do you want to ride your towable water tube? Some are best for sitting, while others are better for kneeling or even standing. There are designs that befit a slower, relaxing ride and others that are meant for fast-paced thrills. All styles have their benefits and drawbacks, so make sure to consider them before deciding on a tube that will limit your options.
- Tow points. Every tube on our list has at least one tow point that can be used to attach a tow rope. Many tubes offer two, and sometimes three, different tow points to increase the variety of ways to have fun with the water tube.
- Pumps. The larger the tube, the more air is needed to fill it up. Manual pumps will work for smaller water tubes, but they’ll be largely ineffective for the big multi-person models. You may need to grab a high-velocity electric pump to go along with your big water tube.
- Non-towing use. All of these tubes will float without being towed. You may want a large family-sized tube to hang out on in the water near the beach on a warm day, or maybe you want a flat tube that you can lay down on to soak up the sun. Think about how you may use the water tube during the times that you are not towing it so that you can enjoy it during other outdoor water activities as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a towable water tube and how does it work?
Towable water tubes are fun outdoor recreation floatation toys that have secure tow points where a tow rope can be safely attached for a boat to pull the tube across the water’s surface. They’re made of highly durable materials that can withstand being towed at high speeds as well as the impact of wakes and waves.
Towable water tubes are available in a spectrum of shapes and sizes. Most can hold one to four people at a time, and some larger tubes can hold many more riders. These tubes have supportive features to keep you on the tube while it is moving such as numerous grip handles, bolstering walls, and non-slip padded surfaces.
Is tubing behind a boat dangerous?
Tubing behind a boat is generally safe so long as you take the proper precautions. Accidents can happen anytime people are having fun in open water, but you can minimize those risks. Every person who is tubing or on the boat that is towing should wear a life jacket. It is everyone’s responsibility to look out for one another and to be well aware of other watercraft in the area as well as natural hazards like rocks or logs.
How fast is boat tubing?
Tubing can be safely done at low speeds. There’s no need to go fast, but some people do crave the thrill of speed and excitement of catching some air. The fastest that a boat should pull a tube is approximately 18 to 25 miles per hour. Any faster will cause most tubes to catch air and lift off the water, even if the tube wasn’t intended for that purpose. Even the best tubes may take a dangerous nose dive at high speeds, or may even break apart. Be smart and safe out on the water.
How do you attach a tubing rope to a boat?
Tubing ropes have built-in loops to make attachment easy. You’ll want to attach your tow rope to a secure point on the stern of your boat, preferably on a strong tow bar or the transom. The key is the keep the rope well away from the motor.
Other Towable Tubes We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other towable tubes. Even though they didn’t make our five best towable tube list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for a fun day out on the water. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- One and Two Person Towable Tubes
- Three Person Towable Tubes
- Four Person+ Towable Tubes
- Budget Towable Tubes
One and Two Person Towable Tubes
The Airhead Patriot is a two-way towable tube that can pull seated passengers when attached at the front and can pull kneeling passengers when attached at the back. The high walls and backrest provide plenty of bolstering to keep one or two riders from sliding off the tube while it is bouncing over wakes.
Key Features:
- High backrest and sidewalls
- Towed forward or backward
- EVA sitting pads
Cost: $240
The Airhead Steerable tube is a rough and ready single-person towable tube with a thick 840D nylon cover that protects its 30-gauge air bladder. This tube is easy to steer thanks to its aerodynamic shape and padded handles. You’ll be carving up the water and jumping waves with this baby!
Key Features:
- Solo rider design
- Steerable
- Tough 840D nylon cover with zipper
Cost: $120
There are multiple ways to ride the SportsStuff Grandstand. Featuring a dragless, inflatable nose that won’t slow you down or spray you with water, this tube is easy to balance on and maneuver. The rider can lay flat on its surface or stand tall and ride like a waterskier as they hang on to the dual steering leashes for a ripping good time!
Key Features:
- Solo rider design
- Dragless nose design
- Dual steering leashes with holsters
Cost: $240
Built like an inner tube for two, the SportsStuff Sidekick is like the sidecar for your boat. It features two sunken seats that will keep riders firmly in place while they skim the water’s surface. A Kwik Connect tow point makes hooking up this tube a breeze, and the Speed Safety Valve allows for quick inflation and deflation of the device.
Key Features:
- Dual sunken rider design
- Speedy inflation/deflation valve
- Kwik Connect tow point
Cost: $200
Get ready to catch some air with the SportsStuff Stunt Flyer. This Flyer deck style tube can launch off waves like no other. There are two large EVA comfort pads on the tube’s surface to protect your skin during a rough ride, and each forward-facing padded handle is set atop a comfortable EVA knuckle pad.
Key Features:
- Dual EVA comfort pads
- Knuckle pads and cushioned handles
- Flyer deck style
Cost: $160
Feel free to ride forward or backward in the World of Watersports Bingo. This tube can be towed either way, and the sunken cockpit, along with the high backrest, provides plenty of support to keep you from bouncing out of position. There is also plenty of comfortable padding where you want it most.
Key Features:
- Two-way towable design
- Sunken seat and high backrest
- One-year warranty
Cost: $260
The World of Watersports Zinger is a speedy two-way towable tube with a backrest. It is less supportive than the Bingo, but its design allows you to lay down chariot style for an exhilarating ride. You’re going to go fast in this one, so hang on tight!
Key Features:
- Two-way towable design
- Backrest
- 340-pound max capacity
Three Person Towable Tubes
The Airhead Super Slice is a high-flying, wave-cutting towable tube fit for up to three people, but one or two riders can also ride this without issue. A large neoprene body pad keeps your knees and thighs protected from chafe, and the six handles are comfortable to hold.
Key Features:
- Tapered gusset
- Neoprene body pad
- Six soft handle grips
Cost: $195
The RAVE #EPIC is the ultimate luxury towable tube ride for three people. The extra-wide seats provide plenty of elbow room, and each is fitted with soft EVA pads. There are 14 foam-filled handles to grip, and this tube can be towed forward or backward depending on the style of ride you’re looking for.
Key Features:
- Three extra-wide seats
- Dual quick connect tow points
- 14 foam-filled handles
Cost: $295
Stability is the key element of the SportsStuff Chariot Warbird. The base has been designed with extra-wide wings that will keep the tube sturdy and planted to the water’s surface even on the wildest waves. You’ll feel confident riding fast in this tube with its stellar stability, multiple grab handles, and high backrest.
Key Features:
- Dual tow points
- Extra wide winged base
- High backrests with EVA foam
Cost: $395
The SportsStuff Super Mable is a larger, three-person variant of our top two-person towable tube pick. Everything that’s awesome about the Big Mable also applies here, but it has been supersized. This is a fantastic option for three people.
Key Features:
- Dual tow points
- High backrest and walls
- One-year warranty
Cost: $275
The World of Watersports Thriller is just that, absolutely thrilling. It’s a flying deck tube that is designed to go fast and fly high. You’ll be hanging on for dear life and having a blast while you’re doing it. The tow point has been reinforced to withstand high-speed towing.
Key Features:
- Flying deck tube design
- Heavy-duty nylon and PVC construction
- Reinforced tow point
Four Person Towable Tubes
Like all flying deck tubes, the Airhead G-Force is designed for speed. This crazy fast tube has ample room for up to four passengers, but the bolstered fins in the rear of the tube guide rider’s feet inwards for a more aerodynamic situation that also prevents the outside riders from falling off of the tube.
Key Features:
- Flying deck tube design
- Bolstered fins
- Padded handles
Cost: $245
Cut through the water like a torpedo with the Rave Waterboggan. This sleek inline tube can seat up to five riders and hold a total weight of up to 850 pounds, and it has inflatable wings to maintain balance on the water. It’s a massive water toy at over 18 feet in length. A polypropylene tow rope is included with the purchase.
Key Features:
- Inline seating for five
- 18-feet long
- 5/8″ braided polypropylene rope included
Cost: $755
The World of Watersports Bazooka is a highly versatile towable tube. This winged deck tube can hold up to four riders, but its unique design has numerous possibilities for one, two, and three riders as well. The flexible wings enable sharp steering. Riders can sit, stand, kneel, or lay on either the two wings or center tube for an array of riding styles.
Key Features:
- Deck tube for up to four people
- Flex wings allow steering
- Multiple riding styles
Cost: $250
Built for fun above all else, the World of Watersports Starship is a large and interesting towable tube. The center cockpit provides great stability for up to three riders while two more can hang on tight along the sides where more handles and EVA foam pads help to give them some grip.
Key Features:
- Fits up to five riders
- Deep center cockpit area
- Eva pads and handholds on exterior curved portions
Cost: $455
World of Watersports Trinity Sister Series
The World of Watersports Trinity Series has three tow points: one on the front, one on the back, and one on the side. The unique s-shaped backrest provides three comfortable and well-bolstered seats, and also enables a wide range of standing, kneeling, and chariot-style tubing that can change depending on the direction the tube is being towed.
Key Features:
- S-shaped dual-directional backrest
- Fits up to four riders
- Three tow point system
Budget Towable Tubes
A classically-designed towable water tube, the Airhead Blast is the result of decades of towable tube fun and technological advancement. This is a fun and fast tube with excellent grip and great bolstering for you behind as it rests inside of the tube’s doughnut hole.
Key Features:
- Solo rider
- Self-draining floor vent
- Four soft grips with knuckle guards
Cost: $65
Prepare yourself for some extreme water jumps, twists, turns, and spills with the Rave Razor. The triangle wedge-shape and low profile inflation give this tube a trick-style design. A water-shedding skim fast coating has been applied to this tube’s underside for less water resistance, which means even more speed.
Key Features:
- Fits one or two riders
- Trick-style low profile design
- Skim-fast bottom
Cost: $90
Another modern take on a classic water tube design, the SportsStuff Big Bertha is a fantastic family-style towable tube that can fit up to four riders. The doughnut shape gives your legs something to hang on to, and the eight grips have been padded with knuckles guards for rider comfort.
Key Features:
- Fits up to four riders
- Aluminum Kwik Connect tow point
- Solid doughnut hole floor
Cost: $150
