6 Best Multi Rider Towable Skis For Pontoon Boats That Handle Lower Speeds
Explore the 6 best multi-rider towables for pontoon boats. Our guide highlights options engineered for stability and excitement at lower, family-safe speeds.
The sun is high, the cooler is packed, and the whole family is on the pontoon, ready for a day on the lake. The kids are buzzing with excitement to go tubing, but you know your trusty pontoon boat is more of a floating patio than a high-octane speedboat. You tie on a standard tube, throttle up, and the tube digs into the water, dragging like an anchor and refusing to get up on plane—a classic pontoon problem that can quickly turn a fun day into a frustrating one. This is precisely why choosing the right towable, one designed for the unique characteristics of a pontoon boat, is the key to unlocking watersports fun for everyone.
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Why Pontoon Boats Need Specific Towables
Pontoon boats are the undisputed champions of leisurely cruising and social gatherings on the water. Their stability and space are unmatched. However, the very design that makes them so comfortable—two or three large tubes (the "pontoons") and a wide deck—also makes them less than ideal for high-speed watersports with just any old towable.
Unlike a V-hull ski boat that cuts through the water and pops onto a plane with aggressive power, a pontoon has to push a lot of water out of the way. They generally have less horsepower relative to their size and a hull that creates more drag. This means they struggle to reach and maintain the higher speeds (20+ mph) that many traditional towables require to perform well. A high-drag tube will often "submarine," or dive nose-first into the water, when pulled at lower speeds, especially in turns. This is not only no fun for the rider but also puts a significant strain on your boat’s engine.
The solution is to find a towable specifically designed with a low-drag profile and a shape that promotes lift. These tubes are engineered to get on plane quickly and stay there, even at the 15-18 mph speeds more typical of a loaded-down pontoon. They transform the experience from a sluggish, wet drag to a thrilling glide across the surface, ensuring the fun isn’t limited to those with high-powered wake boats.
Airhead Super Mable for All-Ages Stability
When your crew includes a mix of timid first-timers and seasoned kids, you need a towable that inspires confidence. The Airhead Super Mable is a classic for a reason. Its design is a perfect match for pontoon boats that need to maximize stability and get on plane without a massive burst of power.
The Super Mable is a "couch-style" towable with a large, flat bottom and a slightly upturned nose. This large surface area acts like a surfboard, helping it lift out of the water and onto a plane with minimal effort from the boat. For a pontoon, this means less strain on the engine and a smoother start for the riders. The high backrest and side walls provide a secure "cockpit," making riders feel safe and stable, which is a huge plus for young children or nervous adults. Its dual tow points also add incredible versatility; pull it from the front for a secure seated ride or from the back for a more thrilling chariot-style experience.
Sportsstuff Chariot Warbird 2: Stable at Low Speeds
Imagine trying to pull a towable through a turn with your pontoon. The boat slows, the rope goes slack, and then as you accelerate out, a less stable tube can wobble or even flip. The Sportsstuff Chariot Warbird 2 is engineered to combat exactly this scenario, making it a fantastic partner for pontoon boat owners.
The Warbird’s defining feature is its wide, winged shape and deep, separated cockpits. This massive wingspan provides incredible side-to-side stability, much like the pontoons on your boat. It resists tipping in the whip and remains steady even when crossing the wake at lower speeds. The deep seating keeps the riders’ center of gravity low, further enhancing that locked-in, secure feeling. This design allows it to glide smoothly where other tubes might bog down, making for a consistent and enjoyable ride without requiring constant high speeds from the tow boat.
WOW Big Bubba for Secure, Comfortable Riding
For many families, the goal of tubing isn’t about catching huge air; it’s about shared laughter and a comfortable, exciting ride. The WOW Big Bubba leans heavily into this philosophy, offering a secure and plush experience that works beautifully behind a pontoon. Its design prioritizes rider comfort and a predictable ride over high-performance antics.
Like other couch-style towables, the Big Bubba features a high backrest and deep, individual cockpits. This is crucial for pontooning because it keeps riders securely in place, even if the ride is a bit slower and potentially choppier than behind a ski boat. The flat, wide base helps it pop onto a plane easily, and the overall construction is built for a smooth, gliding experience. This is the kind of tube where you can put younger kids on with an adult and feel confident that they’re having a safe, enjoyable time without the intensity of a more aggressive towable.
O’Brien Super Screamer: Low Drag for Pontoons
What if your pontoon is on the lower end of the horsepower spectrum? In this situation, your primary enemy is drag. Every bit of resistance in the water is working against your engine, and this is where a classic deck-style tube like the O’Brien Super Screamer shines.
The Super Screamer is a simple, effective, and incredibly low-drag design. It’s essentially a flat, round disc that riders lie on, belly-down. Once on plane, it has a very small wetted surface, meaning it skims across the top of the water with minimal resistance. This makes it one of the easiest types of tubes for a lower-horsepower pontoon to pull. The tradeoff, of course, is stability for performance. Riders need to hold on tight, and it’s a much more active, thrilling ride. But if getting on plane is your biggest challenge, the Super Screamer’s efficient design might be the perfect solution to get your more adventurous riders out on the water.
Rave Sports Mega Storm for Larger Groups
One of the best parts of owning a pontoon is the ability to bring a big group of friends and family out on the water. The Rave Sports Mega Storm is built for exactly that crowd. This large, 4-person towable looks intimidating, but its design is surprisingly well-suited for pontoon boats with adequate power.
The key is its massive surface area. Just like a wider ski helps a person float better on snow, the Mega Storm’s huge footprint helps it get on plane and stay there, even when loaded with multiple riders. It effectively distributes the weight over a large area, creating lift at lower speeds than you might expect. This makes it a viable option for pontoons that might struggle to pull two separate, smaller tubes. It’s the ultimate party tube, allowing more people to share the fun at once, which is what pontooning is all about.
HO Sports Maverick 3 for a Drier, Stable Ride
A common complaint with tubing at lower speeds is getting constantly blasted in the face with water spray. The HO Sports Maverick 3 addresses this with a clever, swept-wing "D-shape" design that offers a drier and exceptionally stable ride, making it a premium choice for pontoon families.
The Maverick’s shape is engineered to prevent "submarining." The curved front naturally rides up and over the water, deflecting spray away from the riders and ensuring the nose doesn’t dive when the boat slows for a turn. This feature alone is a game-changer for pontoon towing. Furthermore, the angled sides provide excellent stability in the whip, giving riders a secure feeling as they cross the wake. It combines the easy-planing nature of a deck tube with some of the security of a couch-style, creating a fantastic all-around option that minimizes hassle and maximizes fun.
Matching Your Towable to Your Pontoon’s Power
Choosing the right towable isn’t about finding the "best" one, but the best one for your boat and your crew. The primary factor is your boat’s horsepower and its ability to pull weight.
- Lower Horsepower (Under 90 HP): Your main goal is minimizing drag. A deck-style tube like the O’Brien Super Screamer is your best bet. Its efficiency is key to getting on plane and having a successful tow.
- Mid-Range Horsepower (90-150 HP): You have more flexibility. This is the sweet spot for stable, all-ages couch-style towables. The Airhead Super Mable, Sportsstuff Chariot Warbird, and WOW Big Bubba are all excellent choices that balance stability, comfort, and reasonable drag.
- Higher Horsepower (150+ HP): With this much power, you can pull almost any style of tube. Your decision can be based more on rider preference. If you want a dry, premium ride, look at the HO Sports Maverick. If you need to tow a whole crew, a larger tube like the Rave Sports Mega Storm becomes a fantastic option.
Always check your pontoon’s owner’s manual for its maximum towing capacity and follow all safety guidelines. The right towable is just one part of the equation; safe boating practices are what truly guarantee a great day on the water.
At the end of the day, the goal is simple: get out on the water and make some memories. Don’t get bogged down in finding the absolute perfect, most high-tech piece of gear. The right towable is the one that gets your family laughing and smiling behind your boat, without the frustration of a tube that just won’t cooperate. Pick the one that matches your boat’s power and your family’s adventure style, hook it up, and go enjoy the sunshine.
