I've been reading quite a bit about float tubes and pontoons. It got me wondering - just how precise are the specs listed for the various craft? If the max capacity is listed as - say 350 pounds, what happens if I put 351 on it? Certainly it won't sink! (will it?) Or if the specs say trolling motor up to 30 pounds thrust, and if I use 40? Will the high rate of speed rip the bottom off the craft? If my son's pontoon - rated for 30# thrust motor - uses a 40# motor AND he is towing me in my tube, will I be able to hydrofoil across the water? ( I can ill afford whip-lash injuries to my neck . . . )
Seriously, though, I have noticed that some folks here and elsewhere have tubes rated for 350 pounds max, however some of them weigh in at around 320 lbs, and they carry 60 lb batteries, motors, coolers, and other gear. Does this simply mean that they will float lower in the water? Can the tube be bolstered by lashing buoyant material (such as swim noodles) to the craft?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Cheers!
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[cool][#0000ff]We live in a litigious society. Everybody is sue happy. Therefore the manufacturers often supply limits more as guidelines than absolutes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A tube rated as "350# capacity" is probably capable of floating at least another 100 pounds without blowing the air chambers or sinking under the weight. But, the manufacturer is not going to encourage routine overloading. Should there be a "misfortune" due to excess weight on the craft they need to cover their assets.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I weigh somewhat over 250# and after adding the weight of my rods, tackle boxes, sonar & battery, PVC addons...and now the motor and deep cycle battery...I am sure that the combined weight is over the 350# "capacity". But, I still float high and dry.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You may have missed a recent post where I put up pictures of the large boat bumpers I have installed on the bottom of my Fat Cat to help float the large series 27 battery I am using. Those bumpers definitely add lots of extra floatation in the place it is needed to offset the weight of both the battery and the motor. My tube floats almost level with both installed...before I get aboard. And I notice no additional drag or problems with propulsion or mobility when I use fin power alone.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=600267;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"]LINK TO BIG BATTERY POST[/url][/#0000ff]
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Thank you.. Looks great.
What is the white 'mesh' container (basket?) made of? Is that the tray that you mentioned?
I don't have any sort of platform on my Bighorn - consequently, I haven't thought much about using a trolling motor. Boy, if'n I can rig something like this - I'm heading out on the Chesapeake . . Only kidding. but I might try heading upstream in the Potomac.
Thanks again for the link.
cheers!
Bob H
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"What is the white 'mesh' container (basket?) made of? Is that the tray that you mentioned?"
[cool][#0000ff]There needs to be some kind of support between the two lengths of PVC. I first used the bottom of a plastic stack basket. I have since changed to a plastic utility box that is just the right fit. I cut it down to only a couple of inches above the bottom and drilled holes around the edge for drainage. No worries about the battery. It is in a battery box.[/#0000ff]
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In answer to your question about a bigger motor. It just means more power, not faster.
I went from a 30 to a 40 for the power. Like a Truck or a car, both can hit the same speeds and in the newer cases, in about the same time, but the Truck can do it pulling the car, not the other way around.
And as far as limits... I am sure they are low, but with them in place, the companies have covered their legal behinds.
If you go over that 350 mark and something happens, you would have no legal stand on it, and I would think you are upping the odds of something happening.
There is the right tool for any job out there[
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You won't be water skiing with a 40# thrust. I have one on mine and I like it but I have never had a smaller one so I don't know that the difference is. Ron
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Do you have a motor mounted to a float tube or to a pontoon? TubeDude's setup is really cool, but too complex for me, a rank beginner. Maybe later. I just looked closely at my brand spanking new Bighorn - and I can't for the life of me imagine how I'd ever get a motor mounted. Me thinks its too short. The backrest is sitting right on the hull. Maybe in time I'll figure something out. The motor is for Robby's pontoon anyway. He may have to tow me - I have too many years, too many pounds and too many old bullet holes in my hips and legs to guarantee that I'll be able to get back to the start point. But we're going to find out real soon now . . .
Cheers!
Bob H
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[cool][#0000ff]You got your thinker working well. The Bighorn is a fine fishing platform but does not quite have the extra space necessary to fit it out with motor and battery. However, there are the remote units...like the PowerFloat...that allow you to add power to your tube externally.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You are also thinking straight when you are planning to go together on your trips. Solitary trips are nice for those who have the physical capability of handling routine physical tasks...as well as the occasional emergency. But, if you have some limitations you need to be sure to have someone else along to back you up when you need assistance.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Can't overemphasize the importance of safety and proper planning to avoid problems that don't need to happen. You guys be sure to take your systems to the water in a quiet protected area first, to get used to the positives and negatives before you go charging out with full fishing regalia. Learn to move forward and backward and to turn as needed. It can be a challenge to learn basic navigation for the first trip or two. Then once it becomes more natural and you have more confidence you can focus more on having fun and less on just surviving the trip.[/#0000ff]
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I agree with TD's assessment. But the tube capacities are NOT standardized across the different manufacturers, so that 350# capacity on one brand is not the same as another. The hazard with overloading beyond 100# or so is instability, especially in rough conditions, not the tube popping.
As far as troll motors for your tube, the easiest install is something like the Torquedo on a crossbar across the front where your legs are. There are even smaller electric versions as listed in previous posts under my name in the archives. Sevylor also has small electrics if you are a tinkerer. I believe there are also tiny gas motors that can be set up on a cross bar. So it can be done easily, but prepare for STICKER SHOCK on the $!
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote MajBob]I've been reading quite a bit about float tubes and pontoons. It got me wondering - just how precise are the specs listed for the various craft? If the max capacity is listed as - say 350 pounds, what happens if I put 351 on it? Certainly it won't sink! (will it?) Or if the specs say trolling motor up to 30 pounds thrust, and if I use 40? Will the high rate of speed rip the bottom off the craft? If my son's pontoon - rated for 30# thrust motor - uses a 40# motor AND he is towing me in my tube, will I be able to hydrofoil across the water? ( I can ill afford whip-lash injuries to my neck . . . )
Seriously, though, I have noticed that some folks here and elsewhere have tubes rated for 350 pounds max, however some of them weigh in at around 320 lbs, and they carry 60 lb batteries, motors, coolers, and other gear. Does this simply mean that they will float lower in the water? Can the tube be bolstered by lashing buoyant material (such as swim noodles) to the craft?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Cheers![/quote]
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