Tips for Towing Passengers with Your Sea Ray® Boat
For Sea Ray boat owners, there’s not much more exciting than towing passengers on the water. Whether you love wakeboarding, tubing, or water skiing, there are several tips you should follow to have the best experience possible.
Gather the Right Gear
Make sure you are prepared for the activity you plan to do! Not all equipment, ropes included, are interchangeable for different watersports. It’s crucial that you pack all needed gear and don’t attempt to perform a sport without the correct equipment!
Tow Lines
The tow line is an essential piece of equipment for safely partaking in watersports. You will require different lengths of rope for your passengers to have a safe and controlled ride.
Wakeboarding tow lines should be between 65 and 75 feet long with no give while water skiing ropes should be 75 feet and have some stretch. On the other hand, tubing ropes should be selected based on weight capacity and can vary between 50 and 60 feet.
Tow Bridles
For specific activities you will need to two the line from the centerline of your boat. In some setups, this means you’ll need a bridle. These attach to each side of the boat’s engine so that the rope can attach to the center, creating a pull point along the centerline.
Sporting Equipment
Another set of gear you need to have available is the equipment for the watersport specifically. For example, there are many types of water boards and skis to choose from. Make sure your passengers are comfortable participating and have the appropriate supplies!
Have a Safety Plan
Another important tip for a fun day on the water is to have a safety plan in place. Have a life jacket available for each passenger, ideally ones designed for use during watersports. These life jackets are made with range of motion in mind for the wearer.
You should also dedicate one passenger to be the spotter for the duration of the trip. The spotter will be the point of contact between the driver and the passenger! This allows the boat to be operated safely because the captain will be able to focus solely on navigation. The spotter will be responsible for relaying information.
Know How To Drive While Towing a Passenger
The most important driving tip is to drive in a way that reflects the safest experience for the person being towed. You will need to be more deliberate about the way you throttle and the way you navigate the water. Allow the rider to signal to the spotter when they are ready to go! Make sure the line is secure and there is no slack, then gradually increase speed as you go. Pay careful attention to speed and always stay in contact with your spotter.
It’s thrilling to partake in watersports, especially when everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. We hope these tips will help you and your passengers enjoy time on the water! Our team at Clews & Strawbridge, located in Frazer, PA, would love to help you find the best Sea Ray boat for you! We proudly serve the Philadelphia and West Chester areas and offer great financing options.