Can You Pull A Tube With A Carolina Skiff? Tips To Stay Safe

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In this article, we’ll take a look at the Carolina Skiff line of boats, and determine whether or not you can pull a tube.

This fun summertime activity is great for kids and families, but there are a few things to take into consideration to stay safe and ensure your having the most fun.

Table of Contents

Can You Pull A Tube With A Carolina Skiff?

The currently available Carolina Skiff models are powerful enough to pull a tube and water skier. The Carolina Skiffs’ outboard motor capacity ranges between 90 and 300 horsepower. The larger the skiff, the more powerful the outboard motor, and the better the tubing/skiing experience.

NOTE: Pulling a tuber can be a hazardous activity, and should only be done by a qualified and experienced boat driver. Never pull a tuber in areas with heavy boating activity, and always wear a life jacket.

Boat Safety Tips for Watersports Tubing

Pulling a tube behind almost any boat is feasible; however, some of the older and smaller Carolina skiff boats support have very small outboard motors. Smaller motors mean less horsepower (HP). 

The ideal range when pulling a tube is 115HP or more. This HP will ensure the boat is able to get up onto a plane quickly and safely while towing a tube.

Can You Pull A Tube With A Carolina Skiff? Tips To Stay Safe

However, if you’re willing to “rough” it, you can use practically any size motor for tubing…I’ve used as little as 25 HP before. It’s more of a ‘slow and steady‘ kind of experience.

To pull a tube safely behind a Carolina Skiff, many recommend a minimum motor size of at least 70-90HP. 

Although you’ll be able to get away with outboards as small as 35HP, you won’t go fast, and depending on certain factors, it may not be altogether safe for the engine or the rider.

Which Carolina Skiffs Can Pull A Tube/Water Ski?

The table below compares the various Carolina Skiff models’ tubing and water skiing capacity.

Skiff ModelMotor Max HPCan you pull a tube?Can you water ski?
162 JLS 90HPYesYes (but 90HP is the minimum)
178 JLS 115HPYesYes
192 JLS 140HPYesYes
17 LS 115HPYesYes
19 LS 140HPYesYes
21 LS 175HPYesYes
21 LS Sport & Fish DC 175HPYesYes
23 LS 200HPYesYes
25 LS 250HPYesYes
19 SWS 140HPYesYes
21 SWS 150HPYesYes
19 ULTRA ELITE 150HPYesYes
21 ULTRA ELITE 200HPYesYes
23 ULTRA ELITE 250HPYesYes
24 ULTRA ELITE 250HPYesYes
26 ULTRA ELITE 300HPYesYes

All of the skiff models can pull a tube and a skier. The 162 JLS is the only model that might struggle with an adult/heavier skier.

Limiting Factors When Towing With A Carolina Skiff

Other factors contributing outside of the horsepower of your engine can affect towing a tube/waterskier. These include:

The Size And Weight Of The Tube (And Riders)

Heavier riders and larger tubes require more horsepower. While children are easily towed at sub 70HP, adults require 90HP and above. More people on a larger tube requires more horsepower. 

Conditions On The Water Body

The less “ideal” the water conditions (if there is a chop of strong headwind), the more power you’ll need for towing.

The Size And Weight Of The Boat

Bigger and heavier boats need more power to propel themselves, which is important for towing.

The Experience Of The Skipper And The Person Towed

An experienced skipper will be able to use their boat to its maximum potential and keep the riders and passengers all safe. Driver experience is the most important factor in a safe and fun ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Carolina Skiff For Wakeboarding?

You can use your Carolina Skiff for wakeboarding. Although the ideal range of an outboard motor for wakeboarding is roughly 130HP and more, you can pull a wakeboard with as little as 25HP.

Is Towing With A Smaller Outboard Motor A Bad Idea?

While it’s possible to tow with smaller motors, it’s not always a good idea. You put unnecessary strain on equipment that it’s not designed to take, shortening its lifespan.

Can You Water Ski Behind A Carolina Skiff?

The minimum horsepower you’ll need when water skiing is 60-70. The important factor is reaching roughly 25mph. While sub 50HP is possible for children and smaller riders, it will lessen their enjoyment/experience. 

If operating a vessel, you should always wear a lifejacket and wear a kill switch when driving. Boat safely and responsibly, and have fun!

Growing up in Florida, I’ve been surrounded by saltwater my entire life…and I love sharing my passion with others.

To learn more about why I started Saltwater Mecca, visit the ABOUT page.

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