Best Boats for Tubing in 2027 (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Boats for Tubing in 2027 (Ranked)
Towing a tube is the cheapest thrill in boating, but not every hull does it well. The right tubing boat blends a strong wake-friendly hull, enough horsepower to pull two or three riders, a tow point that sits high and central, and room for spotters and gear. We judged the 2027 field on pull strength, rider visibility and safety, seating and storage, value retention, and real-world running cost.
This ranking favors family-friendly bowriders, deck boats, and dedicated tow boats that handle a 60-foot rope and a packed tube without bogging down. Whether you tow on a calm reservoir or a busy weekend lake, these ten boats move riders, spotters, and coolers without drama.
Direct Answer
The best overall tubing boat for 2027 is the 2027 Yamaha 252SD jet boat at roughly $78,000, thanks to its wide deck, no-prop safety around riders, and effortless mid-range pull. The smartest value is the 2027 Bayliner DX2250 at about $48,000, a deck-style bowrider that tows two riders on a modest budget.
Match horsepower and beam to how many people you tow, and always run a high, central tow point rather than a single transom eye.
How We Ranked
- Pull strength — A tubing boat must hold plane while dragging two or three riders, so torque and prop selection matter more than top speed.
- Rider safety and visibility — A high tow point, a clear sightline from the helm, and a place for a dedicated spotter keep everyone safer.
- Seating and storage — Wide bows, wraparound lounges, and dry storage for ropes and life jackets turn a long tow day into a comfortable one.
- Value retention — Brands with strong resale and parts availability protect your money when you trade up.
- Running cost — Fuel burn, insurance, and dealer support shape what the boat actually costs to enjoy across a season.
1. 2027 Yamaha 252SD 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Yamaha 252SD wins because a twin-engine jet boat removes the single biggest worry around tubing: a spinning propeller near swimmers and fallen riders. Twin 1.8-liter TR-1 engines push this 24-foot 6-inch deck boat onto plane fast and hold it there with two riders behind a long rope.
The wide 8-foot 6-inch beam gives spotters real standing room, and the rear-facing lounge makes watching riders easy.
Yamaha's Connext touchscreen with drive-control modes lets a parent dial down throttle response for younger riders, then open it up for adults. Expect a price near $78,000 well-equipped. The jet drive draws little water, so you can idle close to a sandbar to load riders without grinding a skeg.
- Price: ~$78,000
- Pros: Propless safety, fast hole-shot, huge usable deck, strong resale
- Cons: Jet boats sip more fuel at cruise, premium price
Verdict: The safest, most family-ready tow platform on the water in 2027.
2. 2027 Bayliner DX2250 💎 BEST VALUE
The Bayliner DX2250 delivers genuine tubing capability without a luxury price. At roughly $48,000 with a 250-horsepower MerCruiser sterndrive, this 22-foot deck boat tows two riders comfortably and seats up to ten people for a full family outing. Bayliner's deck-boat layout opens the bow into a wide lounge, which doubles as a staging area for riders gearing up.
The 8-foot 6-inch beam keeps the boat stable when a tube loads up on one side, and the high freeboard reassures nervous first-timers. Resale is softer than premium brands, but the low entry price and broad MerCruiser parts network make ownership painless. A factory tow pylon option raises the rope above the swim platform for cleaner pulls.
- Price: ~$48,000
- Pros: Low buy-in, big capacity, easy parts, stable deck-boat hull
- Cons: Weaker resale, base interior materials
Verdict: The most tubing fun per dollar in the 2027 lineup.
3. 2027 Chaparral 23 SSi
The Chaparral 23 SSi is a polished bowrider that pulls tubes with authority. A 6.2-liter, 300-horsepower sterndrive option gives this 23-foot 9-inch boat plenty of grunt for three riders, and Chaparral's Extended V-Plane hull holds a clean wake that makes tubing predictable.
Build quality is a step above mainstream brands, with hand-laid fiberglass and quality vinyl that survives wet life jackets.
Expect to pay around $72,000 with the larger engine and a tower. The integrated bimini and wakeboard tower doubles as a high tow point, and the deep cockpit keeps kids contained.
- Price: ~$72,000
- Pros: Strong wake control, premium build, excellent resale
- Cons: Costs more than mainstream rivals, narrower bow than deck boats
Verdict: A refined all-rounder that tows as well as it cruises.
4. 2027 Sea Ray SPX 230
Sea Ray's SPX 230 brings brand prestige and a smooth ride to the tubing game. The 23-foot bowrider pairs a 350-horsepower MerCruiser 6.2-liter with a deep-V hull that shrugs off chop, so a windy afternoon does not end your tow session. The optional wake tower raises the rope and adds board racks for families who mix tubing with wakeboarding.
Pricing lands near $85,000 loaded, reflecting Sea Ray's premium positioning and strong resale. The helm and seating feel a class above, and dealer support is among the deepest in the industry.
- Price: ~$85,000
- Pros: Smooth deep-V ride, premium fit, excellent resale and support
- Cons: Expensive, heavier on fuel
Verdict: Buy it if brand value and ride quality top your list.
5. 2027 Mastercraft NXT22
For families who want a real tow boat, the Mastercraft NXT22 is purpose-built for watersports. Its inboard V-drive and ballast system can throw a small wake for surfing or stay flat for tubing, and the centered tow pylon plus tower give the highest, cleanest tow point here.
The 22-foot hull tracks straight under load, which matters when three riders whip side to side.
A loaded NXT22 runs about $120,000, the priciest pick on this list, but it is also the most capable for serious watersports families. The Mastercraft resale is famously strong, softening the sting.
- Price: ~$120,000
- Pros: Best tow point, adjustable wake, elite resale, watersports pedigree
- Cons: High price, inboard draft limits shallow loading
Verdict: Overkill for casual tubers, perfect for hardcore watersports families.
6. 2027 Tahoe 2150
The Tahoe 2150 from the Tracker Marine family is a budget-friendly deck boat that punches above its price. With a 200-horsepower sterndrive and a 21-foot 6-inch hull, it tows two riders easily and seats a big family. Tahoe builds these for value, so interiors are simple, but the layout is smart and the lifetime limited warranty on the deck and hull adds peace of mind.
Pricing sits near $45,000, making it one of the cheapest capable tubing boats new. A bimini-mounted tow point option keeps the rope clear of the outdrive.
- Price: ~$45,000
- Pros: Low price, strong warranty, roomy deck-boat layout
- Cons: Basic interior, modest horsepower for three riders
Verdict: A bargain family hauler that tows without complaint.
7. 2027 Crownline E235
The Crownline E235 is an eye-catching deck boat with a wide swim platform that makes loading riders simple. The 23-foot 6-inch hull and 300-horsepower sterndrive provide easy power for multiple riders, and Crownline's FACT hull design keeps the ride dry and predictable.
Storage is generous, with dedicated lockers for ropes and tubes.
Expect a price around $74,000 with the bigger engine. The expansive aft seating gives spotters and riders a place to rest between runs, and build quality is solidly mid-premium.
- Price: ~$74,000
- Pros: Big swim platform, dry ride, smart storage
- Cons: Mid-tier resale, heavier than smaller rivals
Verdict: A comfortable, well-built deck boat for all-day tubing.
8. 2027 Starcraft SVX 211
Starcraft's SVX 211 is a versatile deck boat that handles tubing duty for value-focused buyers. The 21-foot hull rides on a wide beam for stability, and a 250-horsepower sterndrive pulls two riders with ease. Starcraft's aluminum-and-fiberglass heritage shows in a durable, no-nonsense build that shrugs off hard use.
Pricing runs near $52,000, slotting between bargain and mid-premium. The reconfigurable seating and flip-up rear lounge make it easy to face riders, and the rotomolded coolers keep drinks cold across a long day.
- Price: ~$52,000
- Pros: Durable build, flexible seating, fair price
- Cons: Less brand cachet, average resale
Verdict: A tough, practical deck boat for families who use the boat hard.
9. 2027 Regal LS4
The Regal LS4 brings near-luxury refinement to a bowrider that tows beautifully. A 350-horsepower sterndrive moves the 24-foot hull and its riders without strain, and Regal's FasTrac stepped hull improves efficiency, so you burn less fuel pulling a tube all afternoon. The wraparound seating and high-end finishes feel a class up.
At roughly $95,000 equipped, the LS4 is a premium choice, but the strong resale and family-friendly layout justify it for buyers who want comfort with capability. The optional tower adds a high tow point and board storage.
- Price: ~$95,000
- Pros: Efficient stepped hull, luxury finish, strong resale
- Cons: Premium price, deeper draft than deck boats
Verdict: A luxury bowrider that never feels overmatched by a packed tube.
10. 2027 Glastron GT225
The Glastron GT225 rounds out the list as an affordable, sporty bowrider with real tubing chops. The 22-foot SSV hull is known for a soft, dry ride, and a 250-horsepower sterndrive pulls two riders confidently. Glastron keeps pricing reasonable near $50,000, and the deep cockpit and wide bow give the whole crew space.
Storage is adequate for ropes and tubes, and the optional wakeboard tower raises the tow point off the transom. Resale is average, but the low buy-in and proven hull make it a sensible entry into capable tubing.
- Price: ~$50,000
- Pros: Soft dry ride, sporty looks, affordable
- Cons: Average resale, base interior trim
Verdict: A wallet-friendly bowrider that tows better than its price suggests.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Tow point height — A pylon or tower-mounted rope sits high and central, lifting the tube cleanly and reducing the chance of spray washing over riders. Avoid relying on a single low transom eye.
- Horsepower versus rider load — Two riders need at least 200 horsepower; three riders or heavier adults want 250 to 300 horsepower to hold plane without bogging.
- Used-boat checks — On a pre-owned hull, verify engine hours (under 500 is healthy for a gas sterndrive), inspect the outdrive bellows for cracks, pull a compression test, and confirm the trailer brakes and bearings are sound before you tow it home.
- Survey and water test — Pay for a marine survey on any used boat over a few thousand dollars, and insist on an on-water test so you can feel how it holds plane with weight aboard.
FAQ
How much horsepower do I need to pull a tube? For one or two riders, 200 horsepower is plenty on most 20-to-23-foot boats. Three riders, heavier adults, or rougher water call for 250 to 300 horsepower so the boat holds plane instead of plowing. Jet boats like the Yamaha 252SD use twin engines that deliver a strong hole-shot regardless.
Are jet boats safe for tubing? Yes, and arguably safer than propeller boats. A jet drive has no exposed spinning prop, which lowers the risk of injury when a rider falls off near the boat. That is the main reason the Yamaha 252SD earns our best-overall pick for families with young riders.
What is the best budget boat for tubing? The Bayliner DX2250 at about $48,000 and the Tahoe 2150 near $45,000 both tow two riders well while seating a full family. They give up resale value and interior polish to premium brands, but they cover the core tubing mission at a fraction of the price.
Do I need a wakeboard tower to tow a tube? You do not strictly need one, but a tower or tow pylon raises the rope to a high, central point that keeps the tube tracking cleanly and out of the prop wash. Many boats here offer towers as a factory option, and it is a worthwhile upgrade for serious tubing.
Bottom Line
For 2027, the Yamaha 252SD is the best overall tubing boat thanks to its propless safety, wide deck, and strong pull, while the Bayliner DX2250 is the smartest value for families who want capability without the premium price. Match horsepower and beam to how many riders you tow, run a high central tow point, and any boat on this list will turn a weekend on the water into a long line of laughing riders.
Sources
- Discover Boating — boat types and family-watersports buying guides
- Boat Trader — new and used listings, pricing data, and model specifications
- Boating Magazine — performance tests and tow-boat comparisons
- NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) — industry sales and segment data
- Yamaha Boats — official 252SD specifications and Connext feature details
- Mercury Marine — MerCruiser sterndrive horsepower and engine data
- BoatUS — boating safety guidance and used-boat survey recommendations
- NADA Guides — used-boat valuation and resale data
*Keywords: Best Boats for Tubing in 2027 (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*