Towable tubes

[Tim M]

Took my ringo out for the first time day, so, as promised here is the verdict:
I was disappointed to say the least! The ringo is actually 42" not 52 as I said. Anyway, I threw my mate in, and attempted to get on the plane. Impossible. The ring was virtually underwater when we started. After a bit of practise he managed to lean back and get the front out, although the rear stayed in.
We didn't manage more than about 8 knots I shouldn't think. No hint of planning etc.
Where am I going wrong; slimtim you say you have a 25hp and have fun with yours (presumably fun involves planning??)
So, in conclusion, I would say that my cheap ringo is a piece of rubbish. I wish I had put the money into my GPS fund!

[gingercoastie]

Had my mate Sharky (10ft blow up shark) out for the first time last weekend.

Managed 23 knots with 2 large adults aboard. Very stable, as I had to try pretty hard to throw anyone off, but on the plus side when I didn't want to dunk anyone they remained fairly dry.

[Tim M]

Do the half decent ringos have sealed holes in the middle. Mine has a hole all the way through; could this be my trouble? I was thinking with a selaed hole there would be a greater surface area = better planning

[Rogue Wave]

Towsure sell some

[Nick Hearne]

Hi I have one of these it is a lot of fun; it gets used as a tender as well as it has rowlocks so you can row it as well! I used it for a whole week as a tender last year in Salcome; I did get some funny looks. I know have a little Yam to do that job, but it is usfall on days out when you get to the beach to be able to blow it up & be able to anker up & row in to the beach!

[slimtim]

timofengland

I'm thinking that a tube with no bottom shouldn't have been sold as a towable tube for a boat. Mine (wetline, about £65) consists of a vinyl tube and a tough nylon outer cover which has all the handles on. The cover covers the bottom and has a simple self bailer intregated into the floor.

My ickle engine managed to pull it onto the plane after a while, as long as the rider doesn't sit too far forward! I would imagine with your tube there is way too much drag witht he hole in the middle.

hope that helps.

Tim

[Tim M]

This is very true Tim - about the drag. Even with no-one in it it tends to slow me down.

This is definaty a towable tube - the box says so! It's got two handles and a "built in towing system". However, there's no-way my boat's gona pull it out!

Photo of the cheap nasty tube in question:

[Tim M]

Something odd's happening to our photos!

[John Kennett]

Have a look here

John