If you and your loved ones like to enjoy time on the water, owning a towable tube is an excellent way to provide exhilarating fun. Towable tubes can be pulled by a boat or jet and allow riders to have hours of fun while staying cool on hot summer days. If you have yet to experience the fun and excitement riding on inflatable tubes has to offer, maybe it’s time to get one so you can be part of the fun too. Here’s a look at the different styles and types of  good tube for boating  that you will find on your search for the perfect model. This guide will help you decide on which type will best suit your needs and teach you some things you never knew about good tube for boating  before. You can also read my Tube Buyer’s Guide here and don’t forget I have reviews of all the mos t popular tubes here.

The oldest design for  good tube for boating  is the round donut-shaped tube which may or may not be partially covered. Originally designed to hold a single rider, some models are now designed to hold multiple riders. The over-all design for a donut tube features a small footprint and typically a higher center of gravity. It gets outside of the wake much easier than its larger counterparts but can be prone to tipping. This style is also better suited for adults or teens as the hole in the center can be too big to lay on for smaller children. An example of a popular tube is the Obrien Tow

Deck Tube

Kwik Tek Turbo Blast Inflatable TowableDeck tubes are flat lay-on-top towables that are typically round or “D” shaped and can accommodate anywhere from 1 to 4 riders. These tubes provide a lot of fun since they cross wakes easily and keep the riders extremely close to the water so they can feel the speed while riding. Due to the large surface area that is exposed to air when going over wake bumps and whip turns, it can tend to flip over easily so this style is better for teens and adults that like speed and the challenge of trying to stay atop the tube. Airhead Ride in tube Ride-in tubes can be designed in a number of shapes and sizes and can hold 1 to 4 riders depending on the model. They often resemble small boats since the riders actually sit down inside the inflatable instead of lay or sit on top of it. This type of tube is perfect for young riders or individuals who would like to stay comfortable and dry while getting towed behind the boat. A great example of a ride in cockpit style tube is the AIRHEAD AHVI-F2 Viper 2 Towable – pictured to the left.

Ride-In Tube

Airhead Ride in tube Ride-in tubes can be designed in a number of shapes and sizes and can hold 1 to 4 riders depending on the model. They often resemble small boats since the riders actually sit down inside the inflatable instead of lay or sit on top of it. This type of tube is perfect for young riders or individuals who would like to stay comfortable and dry while getting towed behind the boat. A great example of a ride in cockpit style tube is the AIRHEAD AHVI-F2 Viper 2 Towable – pictured to the left.

Ride-On Tube

Kwik Tek Jumbo Dog Inflatable Tube Ride-on tubes also can come in a variety of shapes and sizes but typically resemble a long torpedo and are often called “banana boats” like the raft seen in the Jaws movie. These can accommodate 1-12 riders depending on the model and are great options for people who want to enjoy the ride with their friends and family. A downside to this type is that they can tip over easily due to the high center of gravity. The leader of the pack in the hot dog style tubes is the Kwik Tek Jumbo Dog Inflatable Towable which I did a review on.

Rocker Tube

Airhead 2-Person Matrix tube Rocker tubes are a relatively new style that features wings or sides that flow upwards which creates a rocking effect on the water. This type of tube is usually extremely stable and won’t tip over since during extreme whip turns they will simply ride up onto the wings instead of just tipping over. This makes them great for riders of any experience and of any age. Talk about a blast with this style tube… you can read my Airhead Matrix Tube Review here.

Concept Tube

These good tube for boating  are designed for specific performance criteria. They are only for experienced riders who are seeking a thrill.  Concept towables can fly, roll, or produce some type of unique experience. Concept tubes are normally more expensive and usually only carry one, possible two, experience riders. I can’t ride these types of tubes, I get sick with all the spinning, but if you like thrills, this just might be your tube!