Investing in a towable floating mat isn’t a bad idea when you want to make the most of your beach time. It will instantly attract people of every age to come and have fun. Because most don’t need to be inflated and won’t pop like water tubes, these mats are low maintenance and are ready once you roll them out – which is why they’re so popular nowadays.
A towable floating mat is a floating mat that allows you to walk on water but is towable by a boat. It’s like a water tube, but you can play games like seeing who will fall last.
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What Kind of Materials Do You Need to Tow a Towable Floating Mat?
There are some safety precautions that you need to take when towing a floating mat behind a boat.
When you use a towable floating mat, you shouldn’t go faster than 20 miles per hour, and you should use anywhere between 50 – 65 feet of 4,000-pound tensile strength-rated towing rope.
Most towable floating mats are made from closed-cell foam and are heavy-duty and large. You need to make sure that the floating mat you purchase is made to be towed behind a boat.
There are some floating pad options, such as the Rubber Dockie Floating Mat, that will void the warranty if you pull the mat behind a boat.
How to Choose a Towable Floating Mat
There are many options for towable floating mats on the market today; you just need to search for them. Here’s a quick list of things to look out for to help you decide which one is right for you.
Durability
A floating mat should be made from durable materials and last for several seasons. It shouldn’t be easy to tear, puncture or scratch. To determine the durability of a floating mat, take a look at the type of material used to make the mat.
Besides being puncture-proof, the mat should also have UV protection and be tear-proof. Having UV protection will ensure that the mat doesn’t disintegrate after hours in the sun.
The best towable floating mat is made from premium materials and several layers of materials to make it last longer. The thicker the floating mat is, the harder it will be to penetrate it.
Capacity
Consider how many people you want to have on the floating mat at any time. A large floating mat is a great option for a group of people you want to accommodate.
You also need to look at the weight capacity of the floating mat. For your and your family’s safety, never exceed the recommended weight by the manufacturer. If you do, the mat will sink and can become damaged. However, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue because most mats can hold over 1,000 pounds.
Size
Floating mats that you find on the market today come in various sizes. Look at the dimensions of the floating mat to figure out if it will match your needs. To pick the right size, consider again how many people you’re going to have on the mat at any given time.
Size isn’t the same as capacity. Some mats are larger than others, but they have a lower capacity because they are made from inferior materials. You also want to consider the size if you want easy storage for the off-season.
Material
Always opt for the floating mat made from the best materials. You will never regret spending the extra money to get a floating mat made from premium materials because they last longer and are stronger. If you go with a product made from inferior materials, you can expect it to last for just a few months before deteriorating.
It’s also nice to go with a material that doesn’t have an odor. You might find that some of the plastic floating mats have a chemical smell to them when you open the box, but this should go away after a while. The most commonly used materials to produce floating mats are vinyl and closed-cell foam.
Where Can You Use Your Towable Floating Mat?
As long as there’s plenty of open water, you can use your floating mat. This could be fresh lake water or salty ocean water – it doesn’t matter as long as you have adequate space. Remember that floating mats are best used on calm water, so always drive slowly when towing a floating mat.
How Do You Clean and Store a Floating Mat?
Most floating mats don’t require a lot of maintenance or care. However, you should always make sure that you’re cleaning and storing the mat properly to ensure longevity.
To clean your mat, spray it down with water and clean it off with a soapy sponge. You should only use mild soap to clean your floating mat, and don’t use anything rougher than a sponge. Pay close attention to the edges and corners of the mat. Then, allow the mat to air dry completely before rolling it up and storing it.
Most mats are made to be stain-resistant, but there are some instances where your mat can become stained. Spot treat the stain with a soft brush or cloth and mild soap.
If the mat isn’t going to be used right away – for instance, you’re storing it for the season – make sure the mat is completely dry. Properly fold the mat and store it in a place away from direct light or heat.
If you fold your mat when it’s still wet, you can have mildew and mold form, and a smell will develop.
Bottom Line
The best towable floating mat is one that’s durable, large and made to be towed behind a boat. With a floating mat, you should always double-check the durability, capacity, size and material to ensure that you’re purchasing a high-quality floating mat that you can tow.
Towing your floating mat can add extra fun to your water experience. However, you need to be careful because it can be dangerous to play on a floating mat that’s moving. Because of this, you should always make sure there’s a good distance between the boat and the floating mat and that the driver is going slow.
