Where to Store Towable Tubes?

Towable tubes are great water toys that make summers in the water even better. However, they are quite big and bulky. It is difficult to find a place to store them. So, where to store towable tubes?

This article will give you eight suggestions. We have curated these from different forums where towable tube owners give their own two cents.

Continue reading to find out what they are!

8 Options to Store Towable Tubes

While traversing the water (potentially using them soon)

Tying it to the bow

The first option that many towable tube owners go for is tying it to the bow—the front part (most forward part) of the boat. This works out well if you are planning to store the boat away as well.

However, if you are still using the boat, it can pose a problem. The tube will take up a lot of space in the bow, especially if you have a lot of people and equipment on board.

Strapping it to the T-top

This is another approach that you can consider. It can keep your tube out of the way.

If your boat has a T-top, then it is not a bad idea to give this a try. However, do note that if you also use the boat for fishing, the tube can potentially obstruct the area for movement and casting lines.

Securing it to the bimini top

Similar to the approach just mentioned, some towable tube owners secure their toys to the bimini top of the boat, which is the open canvas structure atop of the cockpit of the boat.

However, this can catch a lot of windage. If your bimini top is not robust, it may not be able to carry the weight of the tube properly and cause other problems.

Placed in the casting deck, within the bow rail

This is a good place to consider stowing away your towable tubes. It is further up and so, should be out of the way.

However, if you know that you will be using the deck a lot to cast lines or leaning at the bow rail to sip wine while watching the waves, then you should reconsider.

Surely, you would not want to have to compete for space with a gigantic towable tube.

For the off-season/winter

If you are not going to be using your tube for a while, the best thing you can do is deflate it.

Deflate the tube to store it more easily and conveniently

Once it is deflated, roll it up. Here is how you should go about it:

After deflating the tube, make sure that every last bit of air is drained
Take the sides of the tube and pull so that they meet in the middle
Have the tip of the sides touch each other but do not overlap them
Roll from the bottom (vertical end) of the tube upward to the top

Ultimately, you should have a burrito-like roll of the deflated tube. Then, you can consider the following locations to store it:

1. On the boat

Your first option is to keep on the boat. This is more convenient because you can take it out and use it whenever you want, even if it is spontaneous, while you are cruising the water. It will also not take up a lot of space at home.

Except, if space is a problem on board, then you might have to reconsider this.

Nonetheless, here are the two places on a boat or watercraft for you to store the towable tubes:

The Engine Bay

This is the part of the boat that houses your engine. Usually, it is near the rear or aft of the boat. You can stow your deflated and rolled towable tubes here so they will be out of the way.

The Cuddy

This is also referred to as the cuddy cabin of the boat. It refers to a small room or enclosed space, on the boat.

The cuddy is away from the sun and other external factors, so you can keep your deflated towable tubes safely in it.

2. Off the boat

The garage or the shed are the most common locations for boat owners to store their water toys such as towable tubes, after wrapping up the fun in the water and docking the boat.

It is a safe place away from daily life so the tubes cannot become a space issue. But is important to note that when storing towable tubes in the garage or shed, they must first be properly deflated, rolled up, and placed in a container or bag.

In Critter-Proof Containers Or Plastic Tubs

After deflating and rolling your towable tubes to take off the boat, you can bring them into your garage or shed.

But rather than throwing them onto the ground and calling it good, you should put them into critter-proof containers of plastic tubs first. They can shelter your water toys from (potential) external harm.

They should not be too expensive or difficult to find. Here are some examples of containers and tubs you can get:

Note: Make sure you look for one that comes with a secure lid.

In Vinyl Storage Bags

An alternative to containers or plastic tubs is vinyl storage bags. After rolling the tubes, you tuck them in neatly in the bags for safekeeping.

Vinyl bags are a good choice because the material is durable and waterproof. You do not have to worry about possible spills, leaks, or drops that can cause damage to your towable tubes.

Just as containers and tubs, they are affordable and easy to find. Here are several that we recommend:

Things to Keep In Mind While Storing Towable Tubes (Dos & Don’ts)

Protect your towable tubes from environmental impact

Regardless of where you choose to store your towable tubes, ensure that it is not hot (just warm) and dry.

Moreover, it should be away from extreme temperatures (both cold-hot), direct sunlight or heat, exhaust, fumes, chemicals, and rodents.

Always clean the tubes before storing them away

You should always clean your towable tubes before storing them away. It is easy to pretend you do not see the dirt and grime caked on your toys.

However, doing so can cost you.

Mold and mildew that develop will cause irrevocable damage. As such, it is very important that you clean all the tubes thoroughly.

Always make sure the tubes are fully dry before storing them away

Aside from making sure your towable tubes are cleaned before storage, you need to ensure they are dry. If you store them while they are still wet or damp, mildew and mold are inevitable.

Let them air dry and go over them again with a dry towel if needed.

Try to store your towable tubes off the ground

Try to store your towable tubes off the ground. This minimizes the chances of it being ruined by the effects of cold cement, leaks, and spills.

Consider using skids and cement blocks.

Avoid stacking other things on top of the towable tubes

Be sure to not stack other things on top of your stored towable tube, even if it is deflated. The weight and pressure exerted on the tube can compromise it.

Give your towable tubes extra protection with tarps

You can give your towable tubes an added layer of protection with tarps. These are relatively affordable and easy to find. You can find them online from retailers like Amazon or at local stores and depots.

Use the tarps over your storage bags or bins. They will shield the toys from leaks, spills, drops, and other external factors. So, the structural integrity of the tubes will not be affected.

Conclusion

Great! Now, you no longer have to wonder where to store towable tubes. There are at least 9 different options you can consider.

Which one sounds like the best solution for you? Which did you choose to go with in the end? Let us know in the comments below.

We would love to hear from you!

Contents

8 Options to Store Towable Tubes
Things to Keep In Mind While Storing Towable Tubes (Dos & Don’ts)
Conclusion