Seachoice Water Ski

More than anything, the breaking strength of a tow rope determines its application. Wakeboard and ski ropes will have a minimum breaking strength of around 1,000 lbs. Ropes designed to tow tubes and inflatables have a much higher breaking strength, as there could be multiple riders. For this reason, never use a ski rope to pull a tube, and always make sure your tube rope is strong enough to tow the total number of riders. Another important feature of tow ropes is length. Wakeboard ropes can range from 60 to 70 feet; ski ropes are typically 75 feet. Some wakeboard and ski ropes come in several sections of varying lengths. This allows the wakeboarder or skier to find the “sweet spot” in the boat’s wake. Tube ropes are about 60 feet long but anything less than 50 feet could put riders in the crest of the wake where they will be sprayed in the face. Most Seachoice tow ropes are made from 16-strand polypropylene, chosen for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, resilience, wide range of available colors, and lower cost. It is also resistant to rot and mildew, so it retains its strength longer than other materials. When under heavy loads (>70% of breaking strength), polypropylene rope will stretch 2% - 3% of its length, but will go back to its original length when the load is removed. And it floats! Seachoice tow ropes have a number of features that make them last longer and help enhance your enjoyment on the water. To protect from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, all Seachoice tow ropes have UV protective coating. In addition, a number of our ropes feature a reflective tracer for easy visibility on the surface. Also, the included rope keeper will keep your rope coiled and out of the way when not in use. A handle is a handle, right? Not so! Handle width is different for wakeboarding and skiing for a couple of reasons. Wakeboard handles are 13 to 15 inches wide to make it easier to pass the handle behind the back while performing tricks. Also, wakeboarders prefer a softer, larger diameter grip with a textured surface for less wear and tear on the hands. By contrast, ski handles are narrower – 11 to 13 inches wide. As for grip, skiers need a smaller diameter and harder surface that allows for a more secure hold and better response. Stretch is another important differentiator for wakeboard and ski ropes. Because wakeboarders travel at a slower speed, a rope with little to no stretch will help them build power and speed while maintaining better control over the water and through the air. Water skiers generally prefer some stretch in the rope, as this will help reduce shock on the upper torso at faster speeds. Notwithstanding a higher breaking strength, tow ropes also allow for some stretch to absorb shock and provide extra-fun bursts of speed as they contract. Depending on the speed and type of boat, wakes can be vastly different. Likewise, the “sweet spot” of the wake can vary for wakeboarders and skiers, and could also depend on their level of experience. While an advanced wakeboarder may prefer to ride where the wake has the perfect combination of width and height, a beginning wakeboarder or skier will want to be where it’s most flat and narrow. That’s why several Seachoice tow rope models are available in 2, 3, 4 or more sections of different lengths. Simply remove or add sections to find the optimal length for the application and experience level of the wakeboarder or skier. No matter the application – wakeboarding, skiing or tubing – the tow rope will have to be connected to the boat. For boats without a ski eye or pylon, consider a Seachoice tow harness. Our harnesses come with carabiners that attach quickly and securely to the stern eyes, a float to keep the harness away from the propeller(s), and a heavy-duty plastic connector. If towing a tube or inflatable, Seachoice also offers a tube rope connect to secure the tube to the tow rope. Using a tube rope connect is the better alternative to tying a knot, as knots will typically weaken the tow rope. Handle Stretch Sections Harnesses & Connects Seachoice is committed to delivering quality marine accessories and OEM replacement parts to satisfy fishing, boating and watersports enthusiasts worldwide. Seachoice is run for and by boaters offering a wide-ranging product line while remaining affordable.