What do you have or recommend and why?
Perhaps you should visit our Float Tube forum:
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/gforum.cgi?category=66"]Link to forum:[/url]
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I have a Bucks Bags and a Water Skeeter. I've traveled with the Buck and I like it better, it's just more comfortable. The Skeeter sits higher off the water but is less comfortable if you ask me. My Buck pontoon is at my buddy's house in OK and I sure do miss her [:/].
I've fished out of pontoons and float tubes. There is less drag in a pontoon and you can succumb to the mercy of the wind but usually if it gets that bad you break out the oars or motor and get your paddlin' butt to the shore. Float tubes are ok in my opinion but why drive a Festiva when you can drive a Cadillac?
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[quote kentofnsl]Perhaps you should visit our Float Tube forum:
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/gforum.cgi?category=66"]Link to forum:[/url][/quote]
Thanks Kent, didn't realize it was there, been surfing these Utah boards quite a bit.
[quote kickingback]What do you have or recommend and why?[/quote]
[cool][#0000ff]Your choice will be based upon several factors:[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]1. Budget...toons cost more...usually.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]2. Your size...toons are bigger and heavier.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]3. Your fishing...tubes go more places easier. But toons go farther and faster...with oars or motors.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]4. Your vehicle...tubes ride in any vehicle. Aired up toons need a truck or trailer.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Attaching a page from the "CHOOSING A CRAFT" chapter of my book.[/#0000ff]
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I have both but prefer my kayak over all. everything from my sonar, fishing styles ( trolling jigging etc. ) and storage, it just works out better for me. Although my toon is the most comfortable of the three. My tube is only for when I backpack in, but it can be warmer on the tube also. Sitting in neoprene's mostly out of the wind when it's cold has it's benefits.
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T.D.'s words should be heeded. I have a 'Toon and love it because I'd rather be up out of the water than in a Tube. But the biggest problem for me is that I don't have a truck or trailer and it takes time for inflation and putting it all together.
Tubes are nice in that you can take them anywhere. Just hope for no wind.
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There is the old FRAMELESS Pontoons.
The NAVIGATOR II by North Fork Outdoor. 9' long, frameless pontoon with ALL the features of a potoon, but, FRAMELESS. Folds up small and has a back pack. Weighs about 36 lbs. Plus Urethane.
Now this toon has been discontinued and is now offered in a little bigger model called the OUTLAW.
These boats will last longer than you though.
Kicking back...I do have several boats from a 6' float tube ( the Freestyle H3), a 4' framed pontoon boat, and a 10'6" Outlaw X5.
I have had several other crafts and feel I have paid my dues, and mistakes.
My suggestion is this:
WHAT IS THE CRAFT MADE OF. Material is very important to me. DO NOT SKIMP...it is your life.
I am not saying to go out and buy the most expensive boat on the market, but not the cheapest either.
It will in the long run come down to how much you plan on using it, The more it costs, the better the features.
Urethane being the best choice in bladders (next to bladderless). It will last longer and is not effected by temps and altitude.
Then outer cover. I prefer the smooth PVC coated covers as invasisive species can't adhear to them and they are stronger and last longer.
Both Float Tubes and Pontoons have their place. What isn't in TD's book is that Pontoons have come a long way. They are lighter and can break down quite small. Aluminum frames!
MYSELF>>>>A pontoon all the way. I can get into remote spots just fine and once there I have the choice of KICKING, ROWING or putting a motor on.
I drive a Grand Vitara and I have no problems. I do however prefer the trailer, but I don't have to use it.
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"What isn't in TD's book is that Pontoons have come a long way. They are lighter and can break down quite small. Aluminum frames!"
[cool][#0000ff]How would YOU know what is or is not in my book?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That subject is covered in at least three chapters.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My statement concerns "aired up" toons needing a larger vehicle to move them.[/#0000ff]
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My bad TD.[angelic] Wasn't aware you have experience with the new FRAMELESS pontoons, or the aluminum multi piece.
For me to get out on my toon requires a THREE PIECE frame. Two sides about 30" long by 20" wide, plus seat bracket and a seat....very small. I do prefer the optional Standing platform, lean bar and cargo shelf, but not needed.
Again, it weighs 67 lbs, with full frame so less without the optional parts. Even I can lift this to a roof rack, I just don't have the rack on my roof so I don't, but I most definitely can.
As you, I have been doing this a very long time and do look for the most CONVENIENT way to transport.
At my age I welcome exercise and love it. Broken back and all[
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[indent]Tubedude-
Where can I get a copy of your book?
Thanks
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I have 2 tubes, 1 pontoon and had a kayak (I sold it, now I wish I would've kept it). The kayak was the fastest and easiest to troll with. I was fishing at the Jordanelle and it had a crack in it and I started to sink. I ended up paddling half-submerged to shore, draining the water out, paddled back and sold it.
The pontoon is faster than the tube but is so slow and drags. I have a motor mount for it and will try to see how my new setup will work. Setup takes me a good 15 minutes.
The tube is so much faster and less of a hassle.
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[quote Utahbill]
[indent]Tubedude-
Where can I get a copy of your book?
Thanks
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[cool]I appreciate your interest. I posted the info on the Utah 4 Sale board. Here is a link:
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=500772;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"][#212126]My Float Tubing Book...finished[/#212126][/url]
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As everyone has said there are many factors that should be looked at to effectively make an intelligent decision one way or the other.
Personally I would have a hard time with out both ot them.
Tube for the high mountain lakes and a toon for everything else. Though I wouldn't give up my aluminum boat either unless it was for a better one.
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I have both tube and toon. I like the tube on small waters because it is easier to carry but I like the toon for the stuff I can take with me. I try to use the toon when and where I can but sometimes due to time the tube comes out. I am looking for new toon right now and may have found one, gotta get around the wife and her "no" button.
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[quote TubeDude][quote kickingback]What do you have or recommend and why?[/quote]
[#0000ff]4. Your vehicle...tubes ride in any vehicle. Aired up toons need a truck or trailer.[/#0000ff]
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[] [#808000]I put a ski rack on top of the car and take my aired up too all over God's green earth![/#808000]
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[#808000]For the record I have used both a toon and a tube, and I love my pontoon. I like the speed and distance. plus there is a lot more room to haul "crap" out onto the water with me. [/#808000]
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I used the Fish Cat 9 and plan to buy another next year. [/#808000]
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