Fishing Forum

Since my other plans got snowed out today, I had some time and worked on rigging my Fat Cat seat so I won't incur chiropractor bills to a magnitude to break my fishing budget. I used the basic design that Tube Dude posted (thank you as always!) with a couple of modifications that I'm not sure will work, but wanted to try. I cut the upright PVC Tube to a height that the crossbar comes to the base of my head. I then attached a foam pad, which serves as a backrest. (Pic. 1) On the floor, it seems quite comfortable. The seat is attached by a pair of forward placed 17 in. PVC tucked next to the outside of the horizontal seat. (Pic 2) It seems quite secure and doesn't seem to slide back. My concern/question is, do I need to attach it to the vertical seat, (will my lower back push the factory seat through the PVC set-up) and do I need to apply some fabric to the frame for more back support? Any critiques gladly welcome. I don't want to lose use of the pocket in the back of the seat if possible. I know, I can only tell for sure by taking it out on the water. That will come soon enough, I'm kind of enjoying the ice fishing right now.
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[cool][#0000ff]I can't see any reason why it won't work, but from past experience I may suggest that you lower the top bar. You will find that it whacks you in the back of the neck whenever you do a hookset or just want to lean back more.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I tried several different models, including the ones attached below. The one with the crossweave of yellow rope was basically comfortable, but I could feel the PVC under my legs and backside while seated. Distracting.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I also tried a model with a cloth bag pulled down over the top, for support. Okay, but not the ultimate. The PFD over the frame also seemed like a good idea, but not comfortable.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The simplest and easiest (and most comfortable) is the PVC inserted down into the seat back. You need to cut a round hole on either side of the backrest, to run the PVC down inside the cover. If you have a rigid foam seat, you also need to remove the back rest part and cut a groove on the outside edges to accomodate the PVC. That's what TubeBabe has and it works great. With the inflatable seat, all you need to do is partially deflate it and run the tubes down inside before airing it up again.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The only way you will know for sure how your new design works is to take it on the water. Be prepared to make modifications. I learned a long time ago that theory and reality can be different...especially when tubing.[/#0000ff]
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As I have been working on my own FC4 design, I have contemplated various designs. Of course since I have not floated it yet and only tried the design in computer simulation, who knows if the goodies will work in the real thing or how well they will work. But if you're interested, this is a seat design I have played with in the event I find myself uncomfortable. Welcome to buld iut if you want.
I figure an advantage is also a tarp can be draped over the support strut to keep things items back there out of the weather.

-ABT-


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[cool][#0000ff]Interesting idea. However, my first impression is that it will not solve the back rest problem some of us experience. We need support along the same surface plane as the front of the seat...not the back.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, I doubt that you will get much of a stabilizing influence from the point of the bow. Even at full inflation, that point is not very rigid. Leaning back on the seat would likely just push the pointed bow out of shape. The main stability is and will be the adjustment of the side straps already on the craft seat.[/#0000ff]
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Aaah! See now that's the problem with my theories. I have no clue as to the material's behaviour under real circumstances. thanks for telling me that TD. You saved me some time right there.

-ABT-
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I agree, adjust the side straps. Like I said earlier, my ol' man put a piece of thick plexi-glass in the back portion and it helped alot.
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