Fishing Forum

[cool][#0000ff][/#0000ff][#0000ff]I have fished from a Super Fat Cat for over 4 years. That is several times longer than I have used any other craft over the past 5 decades. I have maintained an eternal quest to find the absolute best float tube…for my size, weight and the type of fishing I do. The SFC has met more of my requirements than any other craft on the market.[/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][b]With the recent introduction of the Freestyle H3 into the tube and pontube market, I began collecting information and reports on them. After getting several good reports and seeing them first hand…both on the water and at sports shows…I decided to get a pair…one each for myself and TubeBabe. Here are some of my early basic observations to date, along with some side by side comparisons of the Super Fat Cat. I plan to continue my R & D as often as possible.[/#0000ff]
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[b][blue][#ff0000]BULK AND WEIGHT:[/#ff0000] The H3’s are shipped in boxes that are roughly 2’ X 2’ X 1’. They will fold up into about the same size for transport, if you do not add too much PVC. The weight of the basic craft…without add-ons…was right at 13.5#...about 10% heavier than the SFC. Most of that additional weight is attributable to the H3 being larger and to using heavier grade cover material and more PVC coatings on more surface area. Since few H3 buyers buy them for backpacking purposes, that should not be an issue. And, after adding tackle, sonar, rod holders, tool racks and other goodies, that extra pound or so is not so great.[/blue][/b][/b]
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[blue][#ff0000]DIMENSIONS:[/#ff0000] Specs for the H3 list it as 48” wide and 72” long. The SFC, by comparison, is 45” wide and 65” long. The H3 feels a LOT bigger in both dimensions. A few inches can make a big difference, in the right places. Much of the difference in the width is in larger seats (See SEATS). The difference in length is not only attributable to the elongated front portion of the air chambers, but in the cargo area behind the seat too. On the H3, that cargo area is about 3” wider and over 5” longer. The outside diameter of the fully inflated air chambers is about 12” for both the H3 and the SFC. The H3 is longer and more streamlined, so the SFC looks fatter.[/blue][/b][/b]
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Front view and side view
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[blue][#ff0000]MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION:[/#ff0000] One of the major selling points for H3s is that they are made in the USA, using the highest quality materials and workmanship. All of the cover materials and hardware are top quality, and all seams are solid and well sewn. Plus, there are plenty of D rings. You can never have too many of those. [/blue]
[blue]By comparison, most of the other “quality” craft on the market are made “offshore”, to save money…but the savings are seldom passed on to the buyer. Some of the highest priced tubes and toons on the market are really made very cheaply, and with materials and workmanship that are prone to failures. Reliability is better than a good warranty.[/blue]

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Lots of quality PVC coatings, and plenty of D rings. Big pockets with rigid walls of insulation.
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[blue][#ff0000]POCKETS & STORAGE:[/#ff0000] The overall length of the pocket areas at the top of the tubes is about the same on both the H3 and SFC. However, the pockets on the H3 are of much better quality materials, and have rigid sides, due to the layer of built in insulation. Also, the rear 8” of the pockets on the H3 are partitioned off, into separate small pockets, with separate zippers, etc. These are great for holding sonar batteries and extra wires…or for small items you do not wish to carry in the main pockets with your tackle, etc. The forward sections of these pockets are 4” high, 8.5” wide and 20” long. Plenty of space for plenty of tackle and carryon stuff.[/blue]
[blue]There is also a pocket on the back of the seat back. It can be used for dry storage for small items of clothing or miscellaneous gear. And, as mentioned, the cargo area on the H3’s is about 50% larger, by volume. As with the Fat Cats, however, there are drain holes in the cargo area so it is not “dry storage”. If you want to keep things dry back there, you will need to keep them in a waterproof “dry bag” such as those used by rafters.[/blue]
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[blue][#ff0000]SEATS:[/#ff0000] The seats on the SFC were an ongoing problem with me from day one. They were the one big negative I fought with all through the years I fished from them. The bottom cushion continuously developed pinhole leaks at the seam connections and the seat back was too short and provided poor back support, especially for big guys like me. [/blue]
[blue]The inflatable seats on the H3 seem to be better made. They are also two separate bladders rather than being connected in one package, as with the SFC inflatable seat design. The only negative is that the H3 valves are of the twist close type, rather than pressure activated. This makes it more difficult to get full inflation, since there is air bleed between completing the inflation and closing the valve.[/blue]
[blue]The bottom seat on both the H3 and SFC are about 18” in length. However, the 21”width of the H3 seat is about 2 inches wider than that of the SFC. That small extra width can feel huge to a tuber with a “wide load”.[/blue]
[blue]The back rest portion of inflatable seats requires proper inflation and adjustment. If you don’t get them set up properly they can be very uncomfortable and create back pain. Large tubers who require additional back support may wish to add PVC height extensions or add rigid plastic inside the pockets for the inflated back rest. But, once you get everything properly set up and adjusted to your personal preferences, it is a good ride.[/blue]


Separate valves for each air chamber of the inflatable seats. Bladders are secured inside on the H3, with good quality materials and stitching...and good zippers.


H3s have wider seats than the SFC. And, while the backrest is slightly higher, some taller tubers may want to add a PVC height extension.

[blue][#ff0000]AIR CHAMBERS AND VALVES:[/#ff0000] One of the major differences between H3s and Fat Cats is that H3’s feature two main air bladders instead of the one large single bladder common to Fat Cats. Having dual air chambers is a great safety factor, and greatly reduces the potential for disaster in the event of an accidental puncture or other leak in an air chamber. [/blue]
[blue]Both H3 and SFC tubes have bladders made of urethane. This is the quality standard which is more durable and less susceptible to simple punctures. Urethane holds up longer and is less likely to degrade over time than the cheaper PVC and vinyl bladders. [/blue]
[blue]H3s and Fat Cats both use the Halkey-Roberts valves, which provide secure inflation and are quick to inflate and deflate. A difference is that the H3s do not come with the plastic valve adaptor for your pumps. They are shipped with a special short length of high strength plastic tubing, that fits snugly into the valve for inflation, but will pop loose under pressure that might damage the air chambers. You can air the bladders up good and tight, without fearing an explosion if you leave a power pump running too long.[/blue]


Dual main air bladders on the H3 mean there are two fill valves. These are the high volume Halkey-Roberts valves.


The main valves may be filled using a special adaptor-connector (not included) or the short piece of specially fitted plastic insert...using a two way pump. These prevent overfilling since they will pop out once inflation exceeds about 4 PSI...plenty.
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[blue][#ff0000]CONTROL AND HANDLING:[/#ff0000] One of the appeals of the SFC has always been the water taming ability of the raised and pointed front bow. It helps SFCers maintain position or to power back in against stout breezes. H3s feature the same type of bow, plus an extended and pointed rear portion of the air bladders. The net result of H3 design is higher floatation, less drag in the water and greater stability overall. Propulsion with fins is more efficient than with SFCs and It is almost impossible to rock forward or backward hard enough to turn over or fall out. They are about the only float tube rated suitable for whitewater.[/blue]
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[blue][#ff0000]PRICE AND VALUE:[/#ff0000] The SFC has been both the quality standard and among the highest priced craft on the float tube market for several years. The H3 has taken over both spots. It tickets out at about $50 more than the Super Fat Cat…and about $150 more than a regular Fat Cat. But, side by side comparisons of features, materials and construction make it easy to justify investing a few dollars more.[/blue]

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Nice write up Pat. Looks like a really nice ride to me. [cool]
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[cool][#0000ff]Wanna make a test ride? TubeBabe is heading down to Arizona for a couple of weeks next Wednesday. What she don't know won't hurt ME. SH-H-H-H-H-H.[/#0000ff]
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Pat- great write up. My 2¢. Even though the dimensions seem to be not that different, it does make a big difference on the water. I agree 100% with you there.
One thing I'm not sure of is you say the H3 is 50% more expensive than the SFC? Cabelas has the H3 @ $399.00 and right now the SFC is $350.00 reg $375. Now the Outcast Prowler is $450, so going on that, the SFC is $49.00 less than the H3 and the Prowler is $51.00 more.
Maybe you made a typo and meant it's $50 more.

See ya on the water soon.
Alan
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Thanks for the write up and photos Pat. If I can find a Cabela's store on route to Rhode island in August, I will likely be bringing one back to Canada. My fat Cat 66 is holding up well entering its 8th season. I have had to repair a couple of things but it still works great. Interestingly enough my Fat Cat 66 has dual air bladders. I didn't realize the SFC only had one bladder for both pontoons. My tube also has the foam block seats like the Creek Company ODC. I know you were plagued with leakage from the inflateable seat on your SFC. I also read on one of your threads that you were experiencing similar problems with ROJO. That kind of backed me off a little bit.

Do you think I could actually float a river in an H3 with my buddies who own pontoons? Would it be possible to direct and slow your progress with a kayak paddle? I know that they had considered adding a rowing kit as an option but since they have come up with the Navigator, the rowing kitfor the H3 is likely not going to happen.
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Sounds great to me.

Shall we put together a floatilla? Willard? [cool]
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[cool][#0000ff]Thanks. I altered my quotes on the pricing. Makes the dollar considerations even less.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]From what I have seen and heard of the Prowler, I do not consider it to be a worthy competitor for the H3, so I did not include it in my comparison. It is a niche market craft, with extra (expensive) goodies that are not necessary for all tubers.[/#0000ff]
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[cool][#0000ff]The H3 has performed well on some pretty rough white water. Just be sure that there are no special requirements necessary that you could not meet before you launch, and risk getting a citation. Even though the H3 is rated for white water, that does not mean that all states/provinces would approve them without stringent testing and individual rating.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Since you are an experienced kayaker, knowledgeable of how to use a yak paddle, I would suspect that you would get good use from one while taking an H3 down moving water. Could help in picking the right slots and avoiding hard objects...like rocks. You definitely sit high enough to provide extra visiblity and paddle maneuvering room. Of course my rod rack would mess me up...but I'm messed up anyway.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As far as the seats are concerned, I have already made mention in a couple of more recent posts that I am doing better with the adjustments. I would not suggest that anyone NOT get an H3 because of the seats. It is a matter of getting them properly inflated and adjusted. Gettin' there in a hurry.[/#0000ff]
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[cool][#0000ff]Thursday or Friday next week...or any day the week after.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Shoot me a PM.[/#0000ff]
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Pat,

With the extra length of the H3 could you comfortably prop your feet up out of the way on top of the pontoons while negotiating your way through rocky riffles?

Up here in Ontario, they hardly know what a float tube or a pontoon boat is and the only regs they have are on required safety equipment and operators licences for motorized craft. As long as I don't put a motor on it and carry my safety equipment i should be fine with legality.

Of course with my new kayak I can float rivers handily, even by myself, as I can paddle upstream a few kilometres and fish my way back down. The fact that the H3 can be used in rivers still intrigues me and if you'll recall I posted some concerns after seeing video of Mr. Scadden flying down a river backwards while casting with a flyrod. I certainly would never use an H3 like that. Facing forward is the only way to go downstream even in our less than roaring Southern Ontario rivers.
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Thanks for the great write-up. That was very informative. It sounds like, with only a $50 difference in cost, the decision between an H3 and a SFC is a "no brainer".

I guess the main thing I will be interested in watching over time will be how the seat performs with extended use. I could foresee that, between punctures and valve failures, keeping it properly inflated and suitably supportive could be a significant nuisance to the owner. (similar to the SFC) It also looked like after your maiden voyage on Tuesday, the seat straps were slipping at the clip and causing the back support to collapse backward. (My Fat Cat does this too) A customer who wanted to avoid the inflated seat situation altogether, yet still buy a premium tube, may still be better served in going with the regular Fat Cat (with the $100-125 savings). Otherwise, it looks like the H3 wins out all around.

With only 2 1/2 years of highly satisfactory use on my Fat Cat, I hopefully won't need to be buying a new one for a while. It is great though that "the float tube" is constantly being improved. I can't wait to see what the "H4" looks like.
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[]I've been sporting the Fat Cat (with foam seats) while TD has been in the Super Fat Cat. I have only been out in Rojita twice, but I was unhappy with the feel of the seats. I would investigate finding a foam seat to insert instead of the air bladder without hesitation. I'll give it a few more trips and adjustments before resorting to that, though.
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[]Just be sure that you don't teach it any bad habits! I've been working on turning it into a "catching machine"!
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[cool][#0000ff]If you are able to get a good look at the front of the H3, in any of the pictures, you will note that there are D rings on the pointed tips. I would suppose that you could easily rig a bar (PVC, of course) with clips on each end, upon which you could rest your flippered footsies when necessary. Otherwise, the size, shape and length of the projected air chambers is probably too small for all but the most diminuitive tuber to comfortably rest their legs during a white water (knuckle) run.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As you may have guessed by now, Mr. Scadden's videos are designed to sell product...not to promote safe fishing. I strongly suspect that his shots are scripted for effect, not for safety demos.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My personal recommendatiion...ALWAYS...is to experiment on safe waters, under ideal conditions, before you charge off into the unknown. I am betting that you have the same philosophy.[/#0000ff]
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[cool][#0000ff]I have tried to present all of my observations and evaluations from the standpoint of a recent buyer of the H3. On most points, I am well pleased with the quality and performance. But, even though I am close to getting the seats the way I want them, I also will be monitoring the bladders and other components over time...to get a real feel for how they perform and how well they hold up.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I believe in sharing and I ain't bashful. I will make my ongoing feelings known in subsequent reports.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The only thing that kept me from getting into the H3 sooner (besides slow delivery) was the issue of inflated seats. After all the grief I experienced with the inflated seats on the SFC, I swore I would never have another tube with those. I guess that is what I get for swearing.[/#0000ff]
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So TB do you offer to teah obediance classes to this breed of tube a I think mine could use a few of those catching classes.
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I'm glad! I need all the help I can get! []
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[black][size 3]Don't give up on the seat TD.[/size][/black]
[size 3]Having seen many of your seating arrangements (from recent photos) I have faith in your ability to develop something comfortable.[/size]
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[size 3]In my own toon, after sitting in it the first time, I realized that being very tall, I was a little short on seat. I set up a cross bar in front of the seat, padded it, and covered it with a Naugahyde type material. It extended the seat about 4 inches. With this arrangement and the padded arm rests on the craft, I have been able to spend sun up till sun down in the craft in total comfort. Just like sitting in a rocking chair. It has a basis fold up plastic seat sold on most pontoons.[/size]
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[size 3]When you get the seating setup completed, I suspect that you will spend so much time on the water, your fishing reports will be made from the water with a wireless notebook.[/size]
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Here is a picture of Dave in some pretty rough waters. Larry Tullis post about this tubes ability for CLASS II water, but stress the fact that it is the persons ability not the boat.
Yes you can use4 a paddle, Larry does often. You can prop your feet up on the points of the tube they are long enough, or as TD said a bar across the fron or even a rope, just something to support your feet.
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While I am new to this board, I have known TD for many many years. I notice that he does not put a disclaimer on any of his posts, which makes me wonder, he is a fisherman after all. Being almost as big as he is, and he may be bigger than he used to be, his product report is most likely very accurate. Keep up the good work TD !!!!
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