Best 3-Person Towable Tube Options for Boaters

While your old tube may still get the job done with one rider, if you have more people to keep entertained a 3-person towable tube is a smart investment.

Everyone wants to have fun on the water, and towable tubes are a popular option thanks to new materials and technology making them more versatile and safe. A 3-person towable tube allows you to have fun with friends and family on the water with new designs showing just how far we have come from the old black inner tube that started the craze off.

There is something quite irresistible about inflatable towable tubes, but it is important to check out the specifications to make sure you are getting the right tube for your needs.

It should be remembered that towable tubes are designed to perform best when properly inflated. A properly inflated tube will expand to fill the cover without distorting the intended shape. Properly inflated towable tubes glide over the water with the least amount of resistance and if they are under inflated you will feel like you are ploughing through the water, creating drag, which in turn puts undue strain on the tube’s tow point and tow rope.

Experts also point out that a cover on an under inflated towable tube can quickly distort, fill with water and become damaged or even dangerous. Both over and under inflation can put stress on the cover seams and PVC bladder welds.

O’Brien Barca 3-Person Towable Tube

The O’Brien Barca is fully covered with 840/420-denier nylon and is described as having a durable PVC construction. This 3-person towable tube offers multiple ways to ride and can be pulled from the front or rear.

It can take up to three riders to an overall weight of 510 lbs and comes with 12 comfortably positioned handles with EVA knuckle guards and three EVA soft pads for enhanced comfort overall. This tube has multiple riding positions, kneeling and sitting, adding to the fun.

It also has lightning valves for fast inflation, which are easy to use and means there are no tiny parts to lose. It also lets you inflate and deflate twice as fast as previous valves used by this manufacturer. The inside diameter of the valve is 30mm and there are air pump nozzle adapters available for seamless integration with most existing pumps.

This models has a quick-connector tow hook that effortlessly connects the rope to the tube. It means here is no need for tying knots. You just slide the loop at the end of the towrope up through the hole on the tow system and then bring the loop over the two prongs at the end of the connector, pull tight to cinch the towrope down and that is it.

Shop for the O’Brien Barca here

HO Sports 3G Towable Tube

The HO Sports 3G 3-person towable tube also has two different towing options and room for three adults, weighing up to 510 lbs in total.

This 3-person towable tube as the HO quick connect two hook and a two way Boston valve for quick and easy inflation and deflation. It encompasses a Softshell construction in the seating area which the manufacturer says is more comfortable than nylon covers on other tubes and its resistant to sunlight so it won’t feel hot all day long.

With this tube you’ll never get bored as it has a unique reversible design that lets you ride seated or kneeling giving you two different ways to have fun on the water.

The technology used also means that it has a temperature resistant design so it doesn’t become hot to the touch even when left in the sun, an issue that ought to be taken into account for the hot summer conditions.

The manufacturer recommends a 4K tube rope to get the ultimate pull for your tube.

Shop for the HO Sports 3G here

O’Brien Rider Ultra Screamer

A tough PVC construction is one of the stand out points for the O’Brien Rider Ultra Screamer 3- person towable tube, which also has EVA pads for a comfortable ride and pull-up straps for easier boarding.

The tube is described as being tough, thanks to its PVA exterior that is covered with 840-denier nylon to deliver lasting fun. Two EVA pads on the topside provide a more enjoyable ride, while pull-up straps make boarding easier.

In total, the O’Brien Ultra Screamer has a diameter of 890 inches, has six handles with EVA knuckle guards, a quick-connect tow hook, and lightning valve which is similar to the Boston Valve, except that it is attached to the towable, so there are no parts to keep up with or lose. The wider opening inflates and deflates 57% faster than the Boston Valve and an interior flap prevents air from escaping, even if the cap is not in place. The inside diameter of the valve measures 30mm.

Shop for the O’Brien Rider Ultra Screamer here

Airhead Riptide 3

The Airhead Riptide 3 is described as being a great value and it features a wrap-around backrest which the designers say gives a ‘couch-like’ ride. The manufacturer also says that this this model is lively, requiring very little effort from the boat driver to get them to cross the wake.

This 3-person towable tube is equipped with a kwik-connect for easy rope attachments and disconnects and measures 85 inches by 70 inches and features comfortable seat pads and foam filled tubular webbing handles with neoprene knuckle guards for firm and comfortable hand holds.

Two patented Speed Safety Valves provide the ultimate in inflation and deflation convenience. The patented design allows for one way inflation so you never lose air when putting on the cap. The double safety valve locks the valve into place. Deflation is just as fast and convenient. Just open the valve and allow the air out.

Shop for the Airhead Riptide 3 here

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