Away from the dock, boaters sometimes need to shed the properness and professionalism and just let loose (safely, of course). There’s no better way to clear the head and the whites of the eyes than with a big water toy filled with air. We’ve tested nearly 200 tubes over the years. These six rank at the top of our list for momentary childishness.
Coleman Hydrofusion 3
$199; 800-835-3278
Crash Course: It’s a convertible — you can either ride with glutes ensconced, as if in a big beanbag chair, or insert the fillers and ride it on your belly. We preferred the seated position, though it did get sketchy in turns because you can’t fight the G-forces. Tip: Call dibs on the middle seat.
Moment of Truth: All-pro NFL tackle Chris Samuels got lulled into thinking this was a leisure cruise. Then the Hydrofusion hit a wake and, as the slow-mo video at boatingmag.com shows, his XXXXL feet went straight over his XXXXL chest.
