Which Towable Should You Buy? 1, 2 & 3-Person (or bigger?)
A Jobe towable is one of the easiest ways to get everyone on the boat involved, from thrill-seeking teenagers to grandparents happy to hang on and laugh. But "just get a tube" gets a lot more complicated once you see the range of shapes and sizes on offer. Here's how to choose the right one for your crew, your boat, and how you actually ride.
How Many Riders Do You Actually Need to Fit?
Start with your typical group, not your biggest possible group. Rider-count ratings are maximum capacities, not comfortable everyday numbers. A 3-person towable with three adults aboard rides very differently to the same tube with one rider. If your crew size varies, it's usually better to size up slightly and simply ride with fewer people most of the time, rather than size down and outgrow it in a season.
Single-rider towables are built to spin, flip and catch air. They're the choice for confident riders who want the most reactive, high-adrenaline ride possible. They're lighter to pull, which also means boats with smaller engines can still deliver an exciting ride.
This is the most popular size in the Jobe towable range, for good reason. Two-person tubes balance stability with genuine excitement, making them the easiest recommendation for couples, a parent and child, or friends who want to ride together without needing a bigger boat. If you're only buying one towable, this is usually the safest bet.
3-Person Towables (and Bigger): Built for Groups
Bigger tubes are made for family days and group outings, prioritising comfort and shared laughs over sharp spins. They do need a boat with enough horsepower to get a fully loaded tube up and planing safely, so check your engine's towing capacity before sizing up. Bigger tubes usually are not recommended to tow with a jet ski.
Beyond Rider Count: What Else to Check
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Handle count and placement: more handles spread further apart generally means a more stable, secure grip for less confident riders.
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Seating style: open-deck tubes are more playful and bouncier, while bucket or cockpit-style seats suit younger or less confident riders.
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Weight capacity and boat power: always check the tube's rated capacity against your boat's towing recommendation, especially for 3+ person tubes.
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What's included: look for a Jobe package with the tow rope, repair kit and pump, so you're not chasing down extras before your first ride.
FAQs
Can two adults ride a 1-person towable?
No, 1-person towables are rated for a single rider's weight and shape. Exceeding the rated capacity affects handling and safety.
What size boat motor do I need for a 3-person towable?
As a general guide, look for at least 90–115hp for a fully loaded 3-person tube, though this varies by boat and towable — check your specific towable's recommended minimum.
Are bigger towables harder to control behind the boat?
They're less "reactive" than smaller tubes (less spinning and flipping) but are generally very stable, which is exactly why they suit beginners and family groups.
What comes included with a Jobe towable package?
Most Jobe towables come with the tube, a buckle connector, and a repair kit. Don't forget to add a rope or bungee rope if you're after the full-on experience.
Join the community: share a photo of your towable crew and tag @jobesports_anz — we love featuring family and friend-group action shots across our channels.
