Float tube purchase guidance please

This thread started, as shown, in 2006 and was recently revived by 'Melk' to ask for further info, having read what is here already. Please go to page 2 to provide more help for Melk.

I am now in the market for a float tube. I have a 16-ft canoe and a 10-ft kayak, and given appropriate time and space would use one of them most of the time. But there are occasions when they are not appropriate for the water, are too much trouble portaging or because of the transportation method (public transit). I seek suggestions on float-tube type products (bum in or near the water and wearing waders). I am interested in ease of set-up, balance and comfort. Thanks in advance for your opinions and suggestions.

Don't know if it applies but, some tubes are for "light-weights" and not suitable for some of us.... http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/wink.gif
Check that out if it does apply.

My preference is for a Outcast Fish Cat float tube. It is a V shaped tube, which sits your butt right at the water surface. I have used a few other tubes, and this has been by far my favorite. Its a great tube, light enough to pack if you need to (although others are smaller and lighter if you need a tube strictly for packing only).

Greg H:

In addition to the other suggestions offered here's my $.02 novel:

Buy the best tube you can afford and make sure it is "U" or "V" shaped. The ease of getting in and out will be appreciated especially if nature calls; AND IT WILL! Unfortunately IMHO the best float tube ever made; (the one I have), is no longer available: the Wood River Gliderider Special Edition. It is a 1000 denier Codura ?V? shaped boat that doesn't require any bar or straps to hold open the arms of the boat. I am sure others out there can recommend some of the other boats out there since I don?t have any experience with what is currently available.

If money is no object; Steve Parton of [url=http://www.spartonfly.dial.pipex.com/catalogue/floattubes.htm:7ef60]Sparton Fishing Tackle[/url:7ef60] in the UK makes a boat that is essentially the same or better than the Wood River Float tubes. Unfortunately his website doesn?t have any pictures but he did/does have the license in the UK to make float tubes utilizing Peter Ross? Wood River designs. I have seen pictures and it is in effect an improved Wood River boat.

The advantages to this design and things to look for are:

• *a ?V? shaped hull that cuts through the water better than a square, round or ?U? shape
  
  * an adjustable seat
  
  * no bars, straps or other gadgets to keep the arms of the boat open
  
  * stretchable air bladders that don?t shrink and get soft when the air inside cools off
  
  * quality valves that are easy to access AND are not a pain in the butt to deflate
  
  * multiple air bladders for safety and 1000 denier Codura for durability.

As far as sitting position: the higher you sit in the water; the more the wind will effect you. I have an anchor on my boat for those windy days and if you get one; check out the products sold by Nick Batastic [url=http://www.floatntote.com/Content/Home.asp:7ef60]here[/url:7ef60]. He makes a gizmo called an Anchor Cleat that makes deploying an anchor a breeze; (he also makes a great rod holder). I am also of the opinion that finning is more effective the lower you sit in the water because of the greater amount of fin travel. I will race ANYBODY using fins in a Fish Cat or similar high sitting boat. I also like the lower profile afforded by a bum in the water boat. If you are using paddles to move it; it ain?t a float tube; it?s a pontoon boat. While I have no issue with pontoon boats; a float tube just does some things better; especially if it?s windy.

Try and find a float tube that has or can accommodate back pack straps for carrying the boat. It makes it an easy task to carry the boat from the car to the water. Also if you have the backpack straps with you and you fin yourself to the far side of a lake; you can easily walk back to your car rather than fin all the way back. I learned this lesson the hard way after I had to use my flippers for more than an hour straight to get back to the car. Speaking of fins; if the $100+ price tag doesn't scare you; buy the adjustable Force Fins for float tubing. They will last forever and are well worth the extra $$$.

I also prefer to wear waders. Although they are a pain at times; when I fish murky waters which I often do; I like knowing I won't be covered with slime or worse when I get out of the water.

Try and find an air pump with a low pressure air gauge that will work on your float tube valve. You will need a gauge that has a range of 0-10 lbs. The only problem here is that most float tubes don't tell you what pressure to inflate to. Any store or website that sells inflatable boats will have a good supply of pumps, many with gauges. I prefer a hand pump but foot and electric pumps are available.

Look into a rod holder; either Nick Batastic?s Float and Tote or the Scotty products. The Velcro holders built into most float tubes just don't do as good a job; especially if you want to carry a few rods.

Check your local regulations for float tube use. Where I live the requirements are simple: PFD required, no registration, no motors, two or more separate air bladders, use on still water only, (really good advice!). But despite these rules I have found that some lakes in my area do not permit their use so you may want to check into it in advance.

Any finally; when you do get your float tube; take the time to really organize your stuff in what ever way works best for you. Despite all of the pockets on a float tube; gaining access to some of them can be awkward or even dangerous while in the water. Obviously put the things you need the most in the most easily accessible pockets. I also have special boxes set up just for my float tube so my set-up time can be reduced. It does take awhile to get an inflatable set up and ready for the water so anything you can do to reduce this set-up time will equal more fishing time.

Have fun!


[This message has been edited by Bamboozle (edited 16 January 2006).]

Greg H;
I have a Wood River Stealthrider. Bambozzle hit the nail on the head!!

totally agree with boombazzle, I have a gliderider special edition, it's awesome, I've seen the sparton's red devil, and it looks very simular to the woodrivers... If I would have to buy a tube now I would go for the sparton boat

Indeed the Gliderider looks very fine, however may be difficult to find. As an alternative, look at the Trout Unlimited (made by Classic) Togiak. I own a few of these tubes and find them to be very good. They are very light (around 10 pounds), adjustable seat back with "cargo" area behind the seat. The independent tubes are a bit larger than the Wood River's and maybe more prone to wind effect, however the "v" form is wonderful for moving about on the water.

**edit for spelling**

[This message has been edited by alaskanfishguides (edited 16 January 2006).]

Greg,
I see you may not be anywhere near a Sportsmans Warehouse. You can find out their locations by going to their website I think. The savings might be great enough for someone to purchase and then mail to you. It seems to me all new ventures for me I end up not with what I started out with....no matter how much I try to figure it out beforehand. I develop my own ideas and methods and then what works for someone else doesn't work for me. Sooooo...I believe in starting out as cheap as possible and then as you learn about pumps, different valves, etc....you later can make a choice more suitable to your wants and needs. Therefore I suggest the W.W. Griggs pontoon float tube. It is lightweight, shaped just like the Fish Cat 4 which has been recommended. But it also has 3 rod velcro tie downs. One set on the side of each pontoon and across the front....which the Fish Cat does not have. I use the one across the front often when I am messing with the leader or fly or whatever. It keeps it securely anchored while I change reels or what ever. It also has the back pack straps. It does have the two pvc pipes for structure.....one behind seat and one in front to hold the v open and support the line net catcher. Supports 300 lbs. Someone else sorta implied the pvc pipes not good...heck I don't notice them...so I am actually glad they are there. You can see this boat by going to [url=http://www.fishinggear.com:58d51]www.fishinggear.com[/url:58d51] and then click on "shop for fishing gear" and then click on "Float Tubes" You will see two boats. I am referring to the higher priced one. But....if you click on the other one you will see a pic insert of how the side straps hold a spare rod. I think the pontoon one is listed for around $159....can't remember. BUT...that exact same boat, which is extremely similar to the Fish Cat 4.......at Sportsmans Warehouse is $89! Now for the Force Fins. Get them. Don't even mess around.....and THEY are $89 at Sportsmans Warehouse also! My wife has the more expensive adjustable ones and if I had to I would go with them. But I found the XL size (non adjustable) perfect for me. Sportsmans Warehouse actually sent our club $10 coupons and I got my fins for $79. Anywhooooooo.....just FYI. Good Luck

Gem

[This message has been edited by Plain Old Jim (edited 16 January 2006).]

Thanks guys, great information here, thanks for taking the time and also for being comprehensive.

Okay, done my research and am now ready to try a float tube for taking on RV trips and at home. I'm thinking about the Fish Cat 4. Any other thoughts out there? I tried to look for some of the others that were suggested but the models are not there.
Thanks,
Mike

Was I ever surprised to see a thread I started 'way back when' up on the BB again! Since then I have purchased 3 inflatables, and have had several guests with inflatables at my cottage, so will tell you what I know.
The owners of the Fishcats and Fatcats are very happy and comfortable. They seem to be strong and comfortable products. They also dry quickly because of the vinyl coating. I use a U shaped tube by Creek Co. The only issue with these (for me) is that your bum is in the water and you need waders if the water is cool, or if you are going to be in it for more than an hour. I am going to sell mine.

Please look at the Water Skeeter website for reference to my next comments. I also have a pontoon boat similar to the Vision, and the Daytripper II float tube. The pontoon boat is great for slow rivers (think mini-driftboat), or getting across a bay or pond to fish because of the oars. You can manouver it with fins (good), or keep your feet out and use the oars (good for the feet - awkward for positioning AND fishing). One advantage is your bum is out of the water, plus there is a little shelf behind the seat for a small cooler, so you can go out for a day trip. However the system ways about 50# and takes about 1/2 to set up, so it IS better on a day trip. A friend and I each have one.
I also have the Daytripper, as does another friend, and for a float tube I would recommend it. It is the inflatable I use most. Essentially it is the same as the Fish/Fatcat, but your bum is out of the water! With only your ankles getting wet you can stay without waders for longer if (warm water) bass fishing. Plus you are that little bit higher for casting. And, because of the pontoon design, they are a little faster in the water when changing location. I find it no harder to inflate than the float tube. One suggestion is; once you have it assembled and balanced to your satisfaction - don't dissassemble, just deflate and fold it up.
Good luck, Greg

I have had my Fish Cat 4 deluxe for almost ten years now. It's the best fly fishing gear investment I've ever made. I put in between 30-50 days on the thing each year. It's still going strong. I LOVE IT! It's built to last. The bladders are bomb proof. The valves are Boston valves...the easiest to inflate and deflate. I have not had a lick of trouble with it...except that I will need to replace one of the Boston valves soon. (a gasket is wearing). That's going to cost a whopping $3 whole dollars.
If this thing ever wears out, I'm definitely going to replace it with another Fish Cat 4 Deluxe. (the deluxe has an inflatable seat. It's worth it)

It moves easily in the water. I had it proved to me that the V shape works better than the U shape when I was on Lake St. Clair a couple of weeks ago with Alan Cayn. His was the U...and I could move circles around him without trying.

It's so easy to transport. I fill it up at the car. It has 4 D rings on the bottom where I fashion two straps and just throw it on my back for the walk in. Lunch in one pocket (if I'm not in bear country) with my camera and sunscreen. Fly boxes, lines, rain jacket, gear in the other pocket. The flippers slip in under the seat (clip to the boat)



One word about the WW Gibbs tube...I have has some experience there. The bladders are poorly constructed compared to the Outcast Fish Cat 4. They don't hold up, but as they say, you get what you pay for.

Fins... Sorry I don't really agree with spending enough to buy a fly rod on fins. I have used these fins for the entire duration ...and they work just fine. You do want to make sure you get flipper that will fit over you wading boots. Many do not. Be sure to read the reviews.


With regards to the the pros and cons of going with a float tube vs Pontoon boat. That's apples and oranges. It all depends on what you want it for. Pontoons have their place but ease of transport certainly isn't one of them. They also get bucked around in the wind and you won't be able to control it with flippers. A canoe is easier and if I was on a 30 ache lake where I want fish the far side...I'd bring the canoe. I can fish on an inland lake in a near gale in my float tube. My flippers keep me where I want to be. Not so with the pontoon. The right pontoon wins hands down on a river for floating / drifting especially if there is swift current.

If you want the best of both worlds...go whole hog and get a Water Strider Kick boat. I'd love one of those puppies, but I'd have to win a lottery first. (but you'll still get a wet butt)

One more thing. I was on an outing recently where someone brought a Kennebec Float Tube. It really looks impressive but after observing this individual with it, I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole. It's designed for big people...and only big people. The person was slight build. It's huge, a brute to carry and too big for smaller folks handle or to fish comfortably from.

....and had I read the last entry (Gregs) I wouldn't have bothered to give such a lengthy reply , because I didn't check the original posting date. DUH! Oh Well...Melk has my two cents now. lol

I had the Outcast Fishcat 4 for about 3 years and enjoyed using it. I recently upgraded to a North Fork Outdoors Escape. For me it has many advantages. It includes oars with locking oarlocks and more storage in two large bags. I have easily mounted an anchor on the bow of the boat. In the future I may add a motor mount to use an electric Minn Kota type motor. The boat is definitely faster to move with just fins than my Outcast. Finally, it is rated for class 3 rivers. It is designed and built by Dave Scadden, www.northforkoutdoors.com

Outcast for me

I second the NFO Escape. It's bladderless, welded seams, inflatable seat area that uses a stadium style seat to sit on, keeps you out of the water enough that you can wear hip waders, and the above mentioned points by cmcculloch. And don't go by NFO's price list.

OutCast Fishcat Deluxe. The inflatable seat will make a smaller bundle tp transport. Well made and float great.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bluegill

OutCast Fishcat Deluxe. The inflatable seat will make a smaller bundle tp transport. Well made and float great.

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Ditto..............
Fits in a hockey bag with DC Pump, fins, rod tubes and Fishin Buddy Fishfinder.