Best Tow Towers and Harnesses for Pontoon Boats
If you own a pontoon boat and enjoy water sports like tubing, wakeboarding, or skiing, having the right tow tower or tow harness is essential for safety and performance. Tow towers help secure ropes away from outboard motors, while harnesses provide reliable towing connections. Below is a summary of top-rated tow towers and boat tow harnesses specifically suited for pontoon boats, combining durability, ease of use, and safety features.
| Product | Brand | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower | Krypt Towers | Durable aluminum tow bar with easy installation |
| SELEWARE 8ft Heavy Duty Boat Tow Harness | SELEWARE | Stainless steel connectors and floating polyester rope |
| Marine 316 Stainless Steel Transom Mount Ski Tow Hook | Marinebaby | Marine grade stainless steel tow eye with mounting hardware |
| Self Centering Tow Harness for Watersports with Float Ball | YAXSHIMU | Heavy-duty tow harness with floating attachment loop |
| Swonder Boat Tow Harness for Tubing – 16ft Tow Rope | Swonder | Extra long, abrasion-resistant rope with heavy-duty hooks |
Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower
The Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower by Krypt Towers is a highly durable aluminum tow bar designed to keep your tow rope clear of outboard motors. This tower addon increases safety by elevating the tow point, preventing rope entanglement. It features an overall width of 43 inches and uses sturdy 2.25-inch tubing. Installation is straightforward, complete with all stainless steel hardware to resist corrosion. The polished finish adds a sleek look while providing long-lasting performance for pontoon boat owners who want a reliable rear ski tow solution.
SELEWARE 8ft Heavy Duty Boat Tow Harness
The SELEWARE 8ft Heavy Duty Boat Tow Harness excels in versatility, supporting activities like tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding with jet skis or waverunners. Constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel connectors and hooks, it boasts up to 5,000 lbs break strength for durable towing. The rope is made of 100% polyester that floats on water to prevent sinking and includes sewn ends covered with soft plastic for added safety. This harness offers a secure towing experience suitable for various watercraft in saltwater or freshwater environments.
Marine 316 Stainless Steel Transom Mount Ski Tow Hook
This Marinebaby transom mount ski tow hook offers strong, marine-grade 316 stainless steel construction to ensure resistance against saltwater corrosion. Its solid 9.5mm thickness and polished mirror-like finish provide durability and aesthetic appeal. Suitable for mounting on boats, kayaks, and surf boards, the package includes stainless steel screws for easy installation. With a 4-inch overall length and 2.5-inch ring diameter, it accommodates most tow ropes securely for towing skiers or tubes.
Self Centering Tow Harness for Watersports with Float Ball
The YAXSHIMU Self Centering Tow Harness features a unique float ball that keeps the attachment loop above water, avoiding contact with boat propellers. This heavy-duty tow harness utilizes 100% polyester static ropes combined with resin connectors and rust-resistant stainless steel hooks. It includes different rope lengths on each side to adapt to various towing needs for skiers, wakeboarders, or double rider towable tubes. This design enhances safety and control during water sports sessions.
Swonder Boat Tow Harness for Tubing – 16ft Tow Rope
The Swonder Boat Tow Harness is tailored for pontoon boats without built-in pylons or center tow hooks, allowing the two hooks to attach on opposite boat sides. This setup enables it to tow tubes with up to four riders. The extra-long 16-foot rope is braided from polyethylene with a 9/16 inch diameter, providing strong abrasion resistance and 4100 lbs tensile strength. Its length makes it ideal for wide-beam boats or multiple outboard motor configurations, maintaining safe clearance from the motors.
Buying Guide for Tow Towers and Tow Harnesses for Pontoon Boats
When choosing the best tow tower or tow harness for your pontoon boat, consider several key factors to ensure safety, durability, and appropriate performance.
Type of Tow System
- Tow Towers: Typically attached to the rear of the pontoon, they elevate the tow rope above the motor to prevent entanglement and enhance pulling angles for watersports.
- Tow Harnesses: Provide a secure connection point for ropes; often favored for boats without pylons, they can be fixed on the transom or sides with hooks and ropes.
Material and Corrosion Resistance
Boats operate in a wet environment, often in saltwater. Stainless steel (316 grade) and marine-grade aluminum are optimal materials for resisting rust and corrosion. Also, incorporate hardware like stainless steel screws and pulleys to improve longevity.
Rope Construction and Floatation
The tow rope should be strong, abrasion-resistant, and ideally able to float to prevent it sinking near the boat’s propellers. Polyester ropes sewn with reinforced ends and protective coatings offer good durability and safety.
Weight and Tensile Strength
Check the maximum tensile strength rating of the rope and connectors to ensure they support the intended load based on the number and size of riders or towables.
Ease of Installation
Consider tow towers or harnesses that come with all necessary hardware and clear instructions for swift, DIY installation without specialized tools.
Additional Features
- Self-centering pulleys and float balls: These prevent twists and keep attachment points clear of motor hazards.
- Adjustable rope lengths: Provide flexibility for different water sports or vessel sizes.
By carefully selecting a tow tower or harness tailored to your pontoon’s setup and intended water sports, you enhance safety and enjoyment on the water.