Best Tube Tow Bar Options for Pontoon Boats and Related Towing Accessory Systems
Choosing the right tube tow bar or towing harness for a pontoon boat can improve safety and performance when pulling tubes, wakeboards, or water skis. This guide compares five highly compatible options, focusing on durability, ease of installation, and how well they keep ropes and gear clear of your outboard. Read on to discover practical differences and help you select the right setup for your pontoon experience.
| Product | Type | Diameter/Width | Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower (Polished) – 43″ Width | Tow Bar Tower | 2.25″ tubing | Aluminum | Polished finish; easy installation; customer-ready hardware |
| Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower (Black) – 43″ Width | Tow Bar Tower | 2.25″ tubing | Aluminum | Black finish; straightforward mounting; stainless hardware included |
| Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower – 38″ Width (1.5″ Tubing) | Tow Bar Tower | 1.5″ tubing | 304 Stainless Steel | Compact option; robust 304 stainless build; 34″ height |
| ASVAEVAS Self Centering Boat Tow Harness | Tow Harness with Pulley | N/A | Steel components with pulley | 5000-lb capacity; 360° rotation; buoyant floatable design |
| SELEWARE Heavy Duty Boat Tow Harness | Tow Harness with Pulley | N/A | Stainless steel components | 4″ float; 5000-lb tensile rating; rust-resistant hardware |
Note: This article focuses on tube tow bars and compatible towing harnesses suitable for pontoon boats. All products are designed to keep rigging clear of the propulsion area while providing reliable towing for tubes and boards.
Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, Polished 43″
The Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower is a durable aluminum tow bar designed to lift and route the tow rope away from the outboard. With a 43″ overall width and 2.25″ tubing, this model helps prevent rope interference and simplifies mounting on the rear pontoon deck. The kit includes stainless hardware for corrosion resistance and a straightforward installation process, making it suitable for frequent towing sessions and family outings on the water.
Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, Black 43″
This Black version provides the same 43″ reach and 2.25″ aluminum tubing, designed to keep the tow line clear of the motor during pulls. It’s described as simple to install with stainless hardware included, ensuring durability in marine environments while maintaining a clean aesthetic on the pontoon deck.
Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower – 38″ (1.5″ Tubing)
This variant uses 1.5″ diameter tubing in a 38″ footprint and a 304 stainless steel build, designed for durability with a compact footprint. It’s positioned as robust enough for regular ski and tube use while offering a sleek stainless finish. The setup emphasizes easy mounting on the rear motor deck with included stainless hardware for quick assembly.
ASVAEVAS Self Centering Boat Tow Harness
The ASVAEVAS tow harness is designed for 1-4 rider setups, featuring a 5000-lb break strength rope and a 360° rotation pulley that centers the harness during turns. The floatation design improves visibility and reduces entanglement risk, while stainless hardware provides corrosion resistance for marine use. It’s suitable for towing tubes, wakesurf boards, and skis with enhanced stability during aggressive turns.
SELEWARE Heavy Duty Boat Tow Harness
SELEWARE’s tow harness emphasizes a high-tensile, 5000-pound rating with stainless hardware and a 4″ float ball to keep the line buoyant and away from propellers. The included pulley helps maintain a centered pull for smoother turns, reducing stress on the line and attachment points. This option is designed for rugged, extended towing sessions for recreational tubes, wakeboards, and skis.
Buying Guide
- Tow bar vs. tow harness: Tow bars (towers) provide a stable point for ropes and can be mounted on the rear deck to route lines away from the motor. Tow harnesses offer flexible towing for tubes and boards and often include pulleys and floats to improve control and buoyancy.
- Material and corrosion resistance: For pontoon boats, stainless steel and marine-grade aluminum resist saltwater exposure and humidity. Look for 304 stainless or anodized aluminum components and stainless fasteners.
- Diameter and width: Larger tubing (2.25″) offers stiffness and stability for heavier pulls, while 1.5″ tubes may be lighter and easier to install but still strong enough for typical tubing and skiing loads. Ensure compatibility with your pontoon deck layout.
- Hardware and installation: Choose options that include all required stainless hardware and clear mounting instructions. Ease of installation reduces the risk of improper mounting, which can compromise safety.
- Pulley and float features: A self-centering pulley helps keep the rope centered during turns, and a buoyant float improves visibility and keeps hardware clear of propellers. Consider these features for safer operation.
- Rope capacity and rider count: If you tow 1-4 riders, ensure the harness or tow bar is rated accordingly. Check the rated tensile strength and ensure it matches your towing activities.
- Warranty and compatibility: Review product warranties and verify compatibility with your pontoon model and existing tow points. Some products are designed for universal mounting, while others target specific deck layouts.
- Safety and maintenance: Regularly inspect hardware for corrosion and wear. Ropes, pulleys, and carabiner-style clips should be checked for fraying or deformation before each outing.
When selecting among these options, prioritize how you typically use your pontoon boat—family tubing weekends, performance skiing, or wakeboarding sessions—and choose a setup that offers durability, ease of use, and safe rope management. A combination of a tow bar for stable rope routing and a robust tow harness for flexible towing provides a versatile system for most pontoon boating scenarios.