Fishing Forum

So why am I putting this much effort into a doughnut tube? Well, upgrading just isn't in the budget right now. I hoping to get a few more years out of this one, let my son have it and then get something else. Besides, I got it years ago and really haven't used it as much as I've wanted and definitely haven't caught as many fish in it as I've wanted.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves and ask for comments, suggestions, concerns, ext. Obviously I'm not done yet and have a ways to go.

I'm trying to track down some thin walled 1" PVC pipe for the rod holders, but haven't found any yet. No luck at The Home Depot, Lowes or the plumbing store near where I work. I'll head to Sprinkler World tomorrow.

I'm also planning on mounting a sonar and with the long length of pipe in the back of the tube, making a battery tray.
The length of pipe in the front I want to use to attach a sushi tray. I'm thinking of reaming out two tees, sliding them over the pipe and using them as hinges so the tray can swing forward. The other idea I had for the tray was to use the existing apron and attaching something like plexiglass to the underside of it to make it more rigid, but I'm kind of leaning towards the fist idea.
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[cool][#0000ff]I spent a lot of happy hours in a round Caddis float tube...and a few less happy ones. Your tube should keep you afloat and fishing until you are ready to upgrade.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Interesting concept with the wraparound modular PVC framework. Hopefully the velcro fastening system is strong enough. It would be a bummer to have your whole setup come loose when wet.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Lowes is about the only place I have been able to find the thin walled PVC tube for over a year. Home Depot quit handling it. But almost all Lowes do carry it. You have to ask for "Type 200".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good luck and post pics of your completed system.[/#0000ff]
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Looks great. The round tubes work! They are also usually lighter than the newer tubes, so a lot of people also use them to pack into places with.
Your round rack looks like it will be very stable and self supportive.

I just am not that graceful to get my feet into one anymore and back my way into the water. I have provided plenty of entertainment for the bank anglers in times past. Heck, I still do!
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[quote TubeDude]
[#0000ff]Hopefully the velcro fastening system is strong enough. It would be a bummer to have your whole setup come loose when wet.[/#0000ff]
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I thought about that. The package on the velcro says indoor/outdoor, but I think I'll use some rope or zip ties as a back up so I can see how the velcro holds up.
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[quote cpierce]
I just am not that graceful to get my feet into one anymore and back my way into the water. I have provided plenty of entertainment for the bank anglers in times past. Heck, I still do![/quote]

That was YOU?!?! HaHaHaHaHaHa!

Just kidding. [] I've stumbled a few times and it's been mostly my wife laughing at me.

Actually, one of my favorite forms of entertainment is watching the boaters launch and trailer their boats. I wonder how many husband/wife teams have had to go into marriage counseling after some of the stuff I've seen.
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Your tube looks just fine and Im sure that it will work
great for now.
It sure will be very nice to see it fully done and ready
to go.

BTW- I have seen a dad and his daughter getting
waverunner back on the trailer in the water and let
me tell you that it was a show for sure []

Anyways, keep up the good work and feel free
to ask any questions if you like.

Peter
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I like what you have done. My kids use round tubes and I still have one myself even though I don't use it. They are fun and can get you out to where the fish are. Your set up is great.
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I've spent a couple more evenings working late into the night in the garage. My wife comes out and peeks in on what I'm doing, but usually she just goes right back in the house shaking her head. Anyway I thought I'd share a few pictures of what I've done.

For a sushi board, I took two tees and reamed out the inside just enough so that I could easily slide them onto the PVC pipe that I have across the front of the tube. I used about a 3/4 inch sandpaper drum in an air powered rotary tool. It didn't take long at all.




The other opening of the tees I attached a length of 1/2 pipe to and screwed a plastic tub lid onto them



So I've got a tray that is secured to the frame but can be "hinged" out of the way.



I still need to adjust the lengths of the 1/2 pipe, but I will need to get it in the water first.
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I wanted my fish finder to be able to swivel but was worried about not glueing or screwing the pipe fittings and loosing my sonar so this is what I came up with.

(I'm not sure if this is an original idea or if it's been posted here. If it is, sorry for the repeat.)

I first assembled the mount and put in screws at the points I didn't want it to swivel. I then drilled a really small hole (the screw will need to bite into the hole) in the female fitting I wanted the swivel at. I put the mount in and put a pencil through the hole while moving the mount in the range I wanted.





I pulled the mount back out and was left with a pencil mark where I needed to cut. My Dremel tool with a small cutting disc worked perfect for cutting the slot for the screw to move around in.





I then sanded really good and used some grease so that it turns easily in the female fitting. With the mount put back into the fitting and running a screw so that it bites into the hole and extends into the slot I just cut, I have a sonar mount that will swivel with no danger of coming out and sinking to the bottom of the lake.




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I love your solution for a swiveling mount!!
Thanks for sharing I can see that technique being very helpful for other applications.

You are engineering a masterpiece of tubedom.
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Thanks. You know, a month and a half ago I would have never have even thought to use PVC pipe on my float tube. Thanks to this forum and everyone posting their ideas and projects with PVC, I've gotten really excited about it.

I also used that swivel method for the transducer and I'm going to use it for my active rod holders.
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Thats some great stuff !!! Thank you for sharing.

Peter
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It's done!!! I'm a bit nervous about taking it out for the first time; it would be really embarrassing to get skunked.

In the midst of putting it together, my Dad decided to give me his U shaped tube (he wants to get something different) so that my son and I can go out together. [] One tube down, one more to go.





Just in case the fish need a little kick.



Or in case the fisherman needs a little kick. []



Next project:


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[cool][#0000ff]Lookin' good. Just in time for the sloppy weather. But, if you wait 'til all the lights are on green you ain't never gonna leave the house.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Really fine job of engineering. Once you get a chance to fish it you will likely make a few modifications. Never fails.[/#0000ff]
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Very well done! I love the swivel for the transducer and lap table. I was wondering about the tube with the cap behind your scent/beverage holder what is it for?
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It's an experimental battery pack for the fish finder and I got the idea from [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=278031#p278031"]this thread[/url]. There are eight AA rechargable batteries in series but I'm not sure how long it will last. If it works I'll post some detailed pictures on how I did it.
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That is some very good looking set up. Just like TD said
try it out on the water and there is always room for
some more improvement. That is a part of the fun anyways.
I love that Gulp/soda holder, what a great idea.Keep
up the good work.

Peter
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That's what I thought it might be, it will be interesting to see how long it doess last for you.[fishin]
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thanks for sharing .
I'm going to work on my doughnut this winter. Put some of them cold evenings to good use.
hope you don't mine If I use some of your ideas.
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WOW. Looks like you thought of everything "including" the kitchen sink....sort of (Can holder[])
Allot of thought in that baby!

Reminds me of the rides at Lagoon...keep your hands inside ride at all times....[laugh] Using your hands to paddle is not an option....LOL
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