www.iFourWinns.com

Now that BW has marked their tubes down to a good price, I'm looking at picking up a new one. I'm looking at either the airhead blast or big shot. I was initially thinking of going with the big shot as it's bigger (but possibly harder to get on if they fall off) and I could put 2 smaller kids in it. Now, I'm leaning towards just picking up the blast and if I need another rider later, I'll get another one. We rarely have other families with us on the boat, so it's just my kids who won't ride together. Any thoughts on one vs the other? I'm open to other suggestions too. My kids are pretty mild right now and are working their way into tubing, so I'm leaning towards a basic round tube. I did some searching for tube recommendations and comparisons, but came up empty. I would appreciate any opinions and things to look out for when buying a tube. Thanks.

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'99 Horizon 200

The blast looks to be for 1 person, big shot for multiple.

Sounds like different purposes. I'd get a blast now - and get a big shot if you need it.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Airhead blast is a great single person tube and you should get one…. I personally feel multi people round tube such as big shot is more for older kids than younger kids since they are little tougher to hang on if they sit up on the rim and slip off from back easy. Our little one (8 years old) and his friends prefer other multi people tube such as Chariot Warbird 2 (with back support) and Gladiator Triumph Deck Rider (lay on flat). Have a nice summer!

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

We have a single person tube, real basic model that is something similar to this one:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl= ... 1%26um%3D1

It works fine, and its not too big.

We also have a larger 2 person tube, but the name escapes me. Its basically a simple basic tube like the one I posted, but just larger. My biggest complaint about large tubes (and tubes in general), is that they are so damn big to have on the boat. For people like me with smaller boats, they really get in the way. We never take both of them on the boat and the smaller one gets more action than the larger one. We keep them blown up at home and tie them down in the truck for the very short ride to the lake. Then we tie it to the sunpad and swim deck when we are not using it, but underway.

If it werent for the kids, I wouldnt have the darn things.

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Not sure the name of ours, but we have a two person Airhead and it works great.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Thanks for the replies guys....I think I'll go with the 1 person Blast and if needed later pick up either the Big Shot or possilby a 2nd Blast. I have the same thoughts on tubes being just too dang big for our boat. My plan is to pick up a 12V air pump so we can blow up the tube on the water so we can have more room on the boat.

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'99 Horizon 200

We typically use one or two single person tubes. We have a 12-volt air pump to inflate them when we use them and then we deflate when done.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

thats the way to go there...

2 tubes vs one another...thats is the only way I will tube!

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

Our collection includes:

Rave Hydro (great for smaller kids, very stable)
Airhead Viper (seats 2, also good for kids and stable)
Super Mable (seats 3, as wild or stable as you need it to be), I've also used a friends Big Mable (2 person) and almost prefer that since the size is more manageable.
Sportsstuff Half Pipe Thrash (we have 2 and run side-by-side, good for bigger kids and adults)
Sportsstuff Ske-Pal (single rider, not as good for smaller kids as the Hydro)

Haven't used (yet)
Sumo Tube - don't worry, I'll post pics when we get this one out...38 degree water is a little chilly.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

Heck, post some pics of all that you have!

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Hydro:


Viper:


Thrash/Big Mable Combo:


Double Mables:

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

The Hydro is AWESOME! I want one of those!

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Sweet pics! For some reason, I'm not seeing most of them though

I picked up the Blast over lunch for 37. Had to get the rope hook-up too. I assumed the tubes would have that on there. Just another thing to nickel and dime you on

M3eater, do you have each tube connected to the tie down eye hooks as opposed to the ski hook in the middle? I assume you just use a couple of those self closing C hooks.

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'99 Horizon 200

Wellll .........

When the tie-down eyes are accessible, we have used them. However, on the last two FW boats with the "Stable Vee" hull .... taa daaaa ....(insert fanfare, here), you can't really use the tie-down eyes. Soooo .... we use the rear cleats. Ain't never teareded one off'n yet!

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Chariot Warbird 2




No… This is not what you think…. He is just playing with it on the beach… no life jacket ….. There is a guy behind trying to flip it....... Kids can have fun with these without towing.

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC