When you’re towing or towing alongside an outboard motor, a sturdy, purpose-built tow bar helps keep lines clear and your crew safe. The following selections focus on pontoon and twin outboard setups, offering solid durability, corrosion resistance, and simple installation. Each option is chosen for reliability, ease of use, and compatibility with common outboard configurations.
| Product | Brand | Width | Tubing Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, 43″, 2.25″ Tubing | Krypt Towers | 43″ | 2.25″ | Polished aluminum; high durability; clear of outboard |
| Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, 38″, 1.5″ Tubing | Krypt Towers | 38″ | 1.5″ | Stainless 304; robust for skiing |
| Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, 38″, 1.5″ Tubing (38″ High) | Krypt Towers | 38″ | 1.5″ | Polished 304 stainless; 38″ width |
| Universal Tie Bar For Twin Outboard Engines | Winibo | 670-900mm | Not specified | All stainless steel; adjustable; twin engines |
| Nilight Tow Bar, 5500 Lb Capacity | Nilight | 41″ | 2″ | Quick connect; bumper-mounted; versatile |
Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, 43″ Wide
- Brand: Krypt Towers
- Overall Width: 43″
- Tubing Size: 2.25″
- Material: Aluminum tow bar; polished finish
- Features: Tower addon keeps rope up and out of the way of the outboard motor; includes all stainless hardware for installation
This tow bar is designed to mount at the rear deck, keeping the towing line elevated and clear of the propeller’s arc. The larger 2.25″ tubing adds to rigidity for high-demand towing scenarios, making it suitable for larger pontoon setups and longer tow lines. With stainless hardware, installation is straightforward and built to withstand marine conditions.
Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, 38″ Wide, 1.5″ Tubing
- Brand: Krypt Towers
- Width: 38″
- Tubing Size: 1.5″
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Height: 34″ High
- Features: Easy installation with all stainless hardware; robust construction for safe towing; keeps ski rope away from the engine
This model emphasizes easy, corrosion-resistant stainless construction and a compact footprint for smaller pontoon configurations. The 1.5″ tubing provides a balance of strength and weight, ideal for casual to moderate outboard towing applications.
Pontoon PRO Rear SKI Tow BAR Tower, 38″ Wide, 1.5″ Tubing (38″ High)
- Brand: Krypt Towers
- Width: 38″
- Tubing Size: 1.5″
- Material: Polished 304 Stainless Steel
- Height: 38″ High
- Features: Easy installation with included stainless hardware; keeps rope elevated and away from the outboard
Polished stainless steel construction adds corrosion resistance and a sleek look. The 38″ width supports a stable towing setup while providing ample room for rope clearance behind the motor, reducing the risk of snags during operation.
Universal Tie Bar For Twin Outboard Engines
- Brand: Winibo
- Width: 670-900mm
- Tubing: All Stainless Steel components
- Features: Easily adjustable before or after installation; suitable for twin outboard engines with mechanical steering
This universal tie bar is designed to connect twin outboard engines, providing a stable tow point when twin-motor configurations are used. Its stainless construction offers corrosion resistance, and its adjustable length supports multiple engine layouts. Installation flexibility makes it a practical option for boats with varying engine setups.
Nilight Tow Bar With Safety Chains
- Brand: Nilight
- Opening Width: 41″
- Tow Capacity: 5500 lbs
- Hitch: 2″ ball
- Features: Quick connect brackets for easy installation and removal; bumper-mounted universal towing bar
Nilight combines a broad 41″ opening with a substantial 5500 lbs capacity, making it a versatile choice for larger tows. Quick-connect brackets simplify setup, and bumper-mount compatibility broadens vehicle compatibility, including some marine-to-road towing scenarios where a bar is required for auxiliary towing behind a vehicle on land.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
- Intended use: For outboard motors on pontoon boats, prioritize ski tow bars with adequate width to keep lines clear of the engine and prop; for twin outboards, a universal tie bar can provide a stable, synchronized tow point.
- Material and finish: Stainless steel (304/316) and polished alloys resist saltwater corrosion; aluminum is lighter but may require more protective finishes depending on exposure.
- Tubing size and strength: Larger tubing (e.g., 2.25″) generally offers greater rigidity and load-bearing capacity, beneficial for heavier loads or longer tow lines.
- Ease of installation: Look for complete hardware with stainless fasteners and simple mounting procedures; quick-connect or adjustable designs save time and effort.
- Compatibility: Check width and mounting dimensions to ensure the bar fits your pontoon deck layout or twin outboard configuration; some models specify height and depth as well.
- Maintenance: Marine-grade coatings and stainless components reduce corrosion; rinse after use to extend life in saltwater environments.
- Safety features: Quick-release mechanisms, secure attachment points, and visible safety chains or ties minimize the risk of detachment during towing.
- Warranty and support: Consider models with manufacturer warranties and readily available replacement hardware in case of wear or impact damage.
When selecting a tow bar for an outboard setup, balance the need for strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. For pontoon boats, ski tow bars with wider widths and robust tubes help keep the line clear of the motor; for twin outboards, a secure tie bar with stainless construction reduces wobble and gear wear. Cross-reference product dimensions with your boat’s rear deck layout and engine arrangement to avoid clashes with mounting hardware or motor brackets.