Towing ringos with kinds behind the RIB

Sprocker · 22 July 2019, 10:08

So the grandkids are showing an interest in water toys....(More expense!) so I'm looking to start them off with a ringo type towable.

I do have a tower on the RIB, and assume the towing eye on the tower would be preferable than using the towing eyes & a bridle on the transom?

Can anyone also advise on a dual inflatable ring, I don't want to jump in with a lot of expense if they're going to lose interest quickly, but do want decent quality.

I have done water skiing myself many years ago, but I would welcome any general advice on towing these with kids aboard.

Fender · 22 July 2019, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprocker

So the grandkids are showing an interest in water toys....(More expense!) so I'm looking to start them off with a ringo type towable.

I do have a tower on the RIB, and assume the towing eye on the tower would be preferable than using the towing eyes & a bridle on the transom?

Can anyone also advise on a dual inflatable ring, I don't want to jump in with a lot of expense if they're going to lose interest quickly, but do want decent quality.

I have done water skiing myself many years ago, but I would welcome any general advice on towing these with kids aboard.

Avoid any hard connections ( shackles / snap clips etc ), we use either appropriate knots or soft eyes - a failed tow line with a heavy shackle heading back to you at warp factor nine is going to put a dent in you........ And always use a spotter - have fun!

Iankristy · 22 July 2019, 12:29

Watch out for heads banging together. A kayak style helmet for kids would be sensible [emoji106]

BigE · 22 July 2019, 13:49

We started off Ringo-ing last year with the kids. They absolutely loved it.

My best advice is to have a spotter in the boat to keep an eye on the one you are towing. You don't need to go fast to for them to get a buzz but if they bounce over the wake when the ringo hits the water again it can be quite a jolt. I had a few goes and I was surprise how much force there is when you get thrown off.

We attach out line to the top of the A frame where there is a loop, it generally keeps the line well away from the prop.

Have fun.

The Black Pig · 22 July 2019, 15:30

I have used rage Watersports for a pair of ringos

They might have gone under no pun intended

I believe they were based in the Channel Islands Ive had mine for fifteen years running and used every year bar one, new inner tube this year though

Jrworthopod · 22 July 2019, 16:53

the tower is more for wake boarding. why not from the transom where there are usually eyes so stronger. you'll need a bridal however.
Jamie

Limecc · 22 July 2019, 21:45

I have a 2 person 'steerable' tube which makes it more interesting, it planes more efficiently as well so it will go faster when horsepower is limited. Look for Airhead's Slash II.

HDAV · 22 July 2019, 22:15

Jobe and excite sell bridles and there are special tow ropes with soft quick release ends. Plenty of used ones about for £50 to start off. The flat discs are supposed to be good fun

https://boatworld.co.uk/boatworld/bo...ider-tube-rope

https://boatworld.co.uk/boatworld-vortex-duo

lakelandterrier · 22 July 2019, 22:26

I ringo, with my 2 - great fun.

I'd recommend a floating bridle that attaches to the tow-hooks on the transom - it will keep clear of the prop, not attach from high on the A-frame - you want a straight lateral pull.

Proper ringo tow rope - will float and have the correct give- will probably come with the ringo.

Do watch the speed - 14-16kts is plenty - and when you turn the ringo will accelerate

As other have said if 2 on same device head protection good idea

PFDs vital, wetsuits good idea - will absorb some of the impact of hitting the water at speed

As is a watcher

Most important KILL ENGINE before launch / recovery of ringo-ers (victims) every time

Consider in advance how how will retrieve hapless victim from water over the tubes.

Have fun

Poly · 23 July 2019, 08:44

We are relatively new to this too. Just a word of warning - we have a quick release on the towabale end. Be careful that it is rigged correctly and doesn’t get tangled - otherwise it becomes a “harness” attaching the occupant rather than a release! (It’s just Velcro so probably comes off the wrist in a crisis but a little disconcerting for kids if they try to pull the cord and it doesn’t work).

Sprocker · 23 July 2019, 10:16

Many thanks for all of your replies Gents. All good advice which i will definitely take.
I'll go with the bridle and transom eyes method to start with, and see how we fair.

I've already got the PFD's sorted so on the lookout for a dual ringo type now.

I totally agree that having a 'watcher' is a must, and I suspect that mum will want to do that job anyway.....

I guess this season will be mostly getting them used to the experience rather than trying to launch the little mites into orbit (I'll save that for next year...) so 10knots would probably be my initial max speed.

allroad4 · 24 July 2019, 14:09

Having just had to renew my rib insurance, make sure you are actually insured to tow inflatables.....

Sprocker · 24 July 2019, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by allroad4

Having just had to renew my rib insurance, make sure you are actually insured to tow inflatables.....

Very good advice thankyou.

nicksharpe · 24 July 2019, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprocker

Many thanks for all of your replies Gents. All good advice which i will definitely take.
I'll go with the bridle and transom eyes method to start with, and see how we fair.

I've already got the PFD's sorted so on the lookout for a dual ringo type now.

I totally agree that having a 'watcher' is a must, and I suspect that mum will want to do that job anyway.....

I guess this season will be mostly getting them used to the experience rather than trying to launch the little mites into orbit (I'll save that for next year...) so 10knots would probably be my initial max speed.

Hey Sprocker

Asking for my own interest only: how old are the kids and how well can they swim (where 0 is not at all and 10 is Tom Daley)?

Sprocker · 24 July 2019, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicksharpe

Hey Sprocker

Asking for my own interest only: how old are the kids and how well can they swim (where 0 is not at all and 10 is Tom Daley)?

Hi Nick,

Eldest is nearly 10, youngest is 8 1/2. Both excellent swimmers, both bringing gold medals out of gala's and eldest swims for the county (Shameless proud grandad bragging rights being exercised there).

nicksharpe · 24 July 2019, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprocker

Hi Nick,

Eldest is nearly 10, youngest is 8 1/2. Both excellent swimmers, both bringing gold medals out of gala's and eldest swims for the county (Shameless proud grandad bragging rights being exercised there).

[emoji106]

jonp · 25 July 2019, 15:14

I've used a bridle method too. Make sure the pfd's fit tightly as kids soon get bored with tooling around on the water and much prefer fast adrenaline rides. Here it's law to have a watcher over 16yrs old and a licenced boat driver.

Remember to keep well away from other vessels and obstacles.

Frar · 25 July 2019, 20:56

But any recommendations on actual Ringo's?

Poly · 25 July 2019, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frar

But any recommendations on actual Ringo's?

I can’t really give a recommendation but we have a Jobe single person one, and a friend has a two person Jobe. They do what you would expect.

Frar · 25 July 2019, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

I can’t really give a recommendation but we have a Jobe single person one, and a friend has a two person Jobe. They do what you would expect.

Just wanted someone to type Jobbie.