I like the pair. I don't do much towing, but the wife in the ear on the ski is worse than in the car.

But you can have just as much fun with just one, just have to take turns, but depending on where your riding having someone else on another is safer. Ridding with 2 or 3 people on one ski really changes the style of the way you ride. May be being an only child has made me selfish and not like to share, but that's my 2 cents. Best of luck on your hunt and hopefully you'll be riding soon.
Oh and unless family members are wife and kids (that are still in school) they can buy there own.