By Seth Harper

atersports bring family and friends together for a day out on the lake. Some of the big watersports include wakeboarding (a warmer take on snowboarding), waterskiing (a warmer take on snow skiing) and tubing (a warmer take on sledding). These sports may vary in the amount of skill or experience needed to look like you know what you’re doing, but all get you outside and active.

Although there’s a number of watersport activities—from jet skiing to parasailing or paddle boarding—we’ll just focus on the ones that put you on top of the water while being pulled behind a boat.

Whether you’re an experienced skier, still getting the hang of boarding or just like being tossed around on a tube, the right equipment makes all the difference. Here’s a rundown on a variety of options to improve your boating experience when buying a new pontoon or deck boat.

Ski/Tow Eye

Basic is sometimes a good thing, and that stays true when it comes to the ski/tow eye, also known as a ski/tow ring. This small yet useful tow point quickly turns your boating experience into so much more than just an outing on the lake.

A ski/tow eye is an easy-to-install product designed to get watersport lovers out on the water in little time. It attaches just above the waterline and creates a connection between your boat and the tow line.

One of the best features of the ski/tow eye is its size. It’s effective yet doesn’t take up much room. If you’re looking for simplicity, look into this option.

Ski/Tow Bar

A ski/tow bar is mounted to the back deck of a boat and provides more height and freedom than a ski/tow eye would, though the installation process is a bit more complicated. Typically made from stainless-steel material, the rounded bar provides water enthusiasts an enjoyable ride. A variation of the more traditional ski/tow is the TurboSwing.

The TurboSwing is mounted around the outside of the outboard engine, creating a bumper-like look. It fits around nearly any brand of outboard and is easy to both install and remove without affecting the engine.

A pulley system allows the tow rope to swing freely around the bar, granting extra movement and versatility for those riding behind the boat. It also gives you the option to have multiple tubes and riders out at one time, enhancing the fun for everyone.

Ski/Tow Pylon

As a less expensive option than a full ski/tow bar, a ski pylon is a vertical pole that keeps the rope high above the motor, avoiding any tangling issues. Attach the rope at the top of the pole and you’re good to go.

A pylon isn’t necessarily the best option for tubing, but works great for skiers. Some pylon brands include an adjustable height and some are even removable so they won’t get in the way when not in use.

Wakeboard Tower

A wakeboard tower is just what it sounds like: a tower, arching over the top of the pontoon or deck boat that you can connect a rope to up top. A tower is a much more heavy-duty option that gives even more height to the tow point.

Most boats can carry a wakeboard tower that, despite its name, isn’t just meant for wake boarders. Skiers too can enjoy the added airtime that accompanies the higher tow point of a wakeboard tower and can glide across the water with more ease.

Other advantages of a tower (besides instantly upgrading the performance look) include being able to add lights, speakers and racks to it as well as additional shade that comes with a covered tower.

Other Equipment

Once you have your major equipment needed to pull a rider, it’s time to grab the cheaper, though just as important, items.

If you kneeboard, wakeboard or ski, you’ll need both a ski rope and a ski handle. Tubers are off the hook as far as getting a handle goes, but there are tow ropes with an inflatable included to keep the rope from dragging in the water.

A good tow rope has a little stretch to it to absorb some of the yanking and pulling that occurs and the length depends on what kind of activity you’re doing. Keep in mind, some ropes come with attachable parts to change the length depending on what you want.

Safety items to have on board include an orange flag for signaling, life jackets for everyone, a fire extinguisher, throwable flotation cushion and some sort of a sound signaling device. Get your equipment and then get out on the water, so you’re not missing out on your boat’s watersports potential.