Tubing with Kids

[beene]

Water Finally got warm enough to take the kids tubing.

SLIDE SHOW
VIDEO

I found that 20mph was perfect for the fun factor, kids yelling "go faster" stopped.

When water skiing, I was only able to get to 20mph with 200+ man back there. RPM would only reach 4000, so I had to watch that I was not over throttling and hurting the motor. I am thinking if I use the 14x11 as others have suggested, I will get a higher RPM no doubt, but I am not convinced I would get any higher speed.

The 14x13 was able to get out of the hole quick and get the skier up without a problem, which was my main concern. It might be due to the cupped prop having a better bite, or the thrust hub that Turning Point brags about as being able to "blow away the competition" most likely marketing hype.

Anyway, I am just happy the boat does all I had hoped it would as it was the reason we purchased it. Sails very well, and still fun and exciting for the kids. Although, now that they have experienced the other side of boating, I am having trouble getting them interested in sailing with Dad.



G

[mod]ModEdit: Moving to E&V ~fc[/mod]

[Andy26M]

Cute kids, thanks for sharing! Glad you're getting the most out of your Mac!!

Quick question: to what do you attach the tow rope on the boat end? Did you have a padeye installed somewhere?

[rfehon]

we tubed for the first time last weekend. We tied off at the cleats which made a "V". It is a 60 foot rope. It went through the toe rope that came with the Screamer 2 which I am unsure of the length but approximated 60 feet also. Yes it was longer than needed, but not too long. The "V" kept it away from the rudders. Fun time!

[Compromise]

Looks like they had a blast!

At four and five, our kids are still too young for this although I can't wait.........
They're starting to have a lot of fun with those quick 20 degree heels though
Hopefully we can continue to keep them interested in boating, there's so much competition (electronically) for their attention these days...

[beene]

Andy26M

to what do you attach the tow rope on the boat end? Did you have a padeye installed somewhere

I bought 50' tow rope for the tube and 60' ski rope. I attach either one to a second rope which came as a Y with 2 stainless snap hooks that I connect to each bow cleats. At the joint there is a foam tube that rests on top of the motor when slowed down that says "AirHead" on it, the brand name for the ski and tube equipment I bought.

rfehon
Sounds like you had a fun time also.

Compromise
My kids are 8 & 6.
As you must already know, the 6 year old has to do everything the 8 year old does. no matter what that is. At one point they both fell off, the 6 year old was very upset, the 8 year old was laughing hysterically. When the older one realized her sister was upset, she swam over to comfort her. When I got the boat turned around and back to pick them up, they were both begging to go again. I had to be a mean Daddy and make them go into the cabin to dry off and warm up while the others had a turn. I agree that 4 and 5 might be a bit young. They will love it when they are a bit older.

Hopefully we can continue to keep them interested in boating, there's so much competition (electronically) for their attention these days...

I know what you mean. I figure Duane has got that mastered with all the electronic toys he brings for the kids on his multi night adventures.

As for the 20deg heels, my kids sit in the V berth and rest their backs on the side of the hull. When I jibe, I yell into the cabin "prepare to come about" as I like them to learn a little sailing lingo along the way.

G

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

I like them to learn a little sailing lingo along the way.

Teach them how to say "aaaargh, matey".

[Mac Ziggy]

They seem to be such brave little darlings, especially when they are sitting still and have their eyes open.

[beene]

Thanks

Did I mention they LOVE the sound the OB makes when Daddy "PUNCHES IT"?






G

You should have heard them cheering me on when I went water skiing.... wearing my "Super Hero" wet suit....

Kids..... Gotta Love 'um.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Here is a little video short I made last year....




The kids wanted to go tubing and I wanted to try out a new spinaker, so we reached a compromise! Tube across the bay upwind, and ride the wind all the way back. So I only used half the gas..

[beene]

Hi Dimitri

Where ya bin?

Nice video.

This boat is LOADS OH FUN!!!

Cheers

G