After looking at my options a getting info from the resident experts on this blog. It looks like the Fat Cat will be my next pruchase. Really don't need the inflatable seat of the SFC becuase storage is not a problem when traveling so.......... Now I just have to decide when to buy.
I don't think I've ever seen them on sale so I guess I'll get one ordered in time for next spring so I can get it accessorized with rod holders etc.
Next season I'll be ridin' in style!
Thanks everyone for all of your input.
Boz
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[cool][#0000ff]You are not likely to see them on sale either from Outcast or any of the major retailers. However, if you watch on eBay you will see a few at good prices. There is a small company in Colorado that sometimes buys up a bunch of end-of-year models and sells them at a pretty good discount.[/#0000ff]
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[quote Bozwell]After looking at my options a getting info from the resident experts on this blog. It looks like the Fat Cat will be my next pruchase. Really don't need the inflatable seat of the SFC becuase storage is not a problem when traveling so.......... Now I just have to decide when to buy.
I don't think I've ever seen them on sale so I guess I'll get one ordered in time for next spring so I can get it accessorized with rod holders etc.
Next season I'll be ridin' in style!
Thanks everyone for all of your input.
Boz[/quote]
Hey Boz.
Spend the extra and get the Super.
You wont be sorry.
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I guess my question is......
Are there any problems with the inflatable seat and........
What is the biggest advantage to going with the SFC?
Inquiring minds need to know -
Thanks,
Boz
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I have been using inflatable seats for many, many years. I so prefer them to foam. The foam will compress and bend.
Plus, you can put foam in the inflatable pocket.
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Thanks FG..........
That's certainly innovative being able to use the inflatable option or foam if one so desires. Certainly something to consider. Definitely do not have a problem spending the extra $'s if it makes sense, and right now it's making more sense. LOL
SInce I've got some time before our first trip in the Spring, that gives me time to weigh my options and that's what I enjoy about this site. There is just a wealth of knowledge being shared by folks with some really long term experience in the float tube arena.
Thanks again for the useful info,
Boz
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[quote Bozwell]I guess my question is......
Are there any problems with the inflatable seat and........
What is the biggest advantage to going with the SFC?
Inquiring minds need to know -
Thanks,
Boz[/quote]
[cool][#0000ff]My first Outcast craft was a SFC made in about 2002. I loved the inflated seat...for adjustable comfort and for compact folding and storage. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That is, I loved it for a couple of years. Then it started developing pinhole leaks at the corners of the glued or welded seams...on both sides of the bottom part of the seat cushion (see pic below). I would air up the tube and the seat and go fishing...and then within a short time my tube was folding in on me and I was sliding forward out of my seat...as the seat lost air.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It seemed (seamed) that every trip a leak would develop at some other point on the seat. I would remove the seat, find the hole, fix it with Aquaseal, check it for other leaks and then go fishing again. And it would begin leaking again...somewhere else...on the next trip. I probably used a couple of tubes of Aquaseal on it and still had problems, either with new leaks or the old ones coming back under the Aquaseal.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I got fed up and did get a replacement from Outcast. Should have done it sooner. The newer designs did not have that problem. Have not had any such problems with newer models...but did have one blow a seam after the tube was left in the sun on the shoreline for a only a few minutes after a trip. Got a replacement on that too...with an apology and "They are tested at super-inflation and should not EVER blow a seam." But it did. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Long and short of it? Good investment for comfort and compactness of storage. But, as an inflatable device there is always the potential for leaks or seam failure. Not as likely these days and Outcast does back up their warranty.[/#0000ff]
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That is also coming from someone who uses the thing way more than the average human being...[
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With that being said, you really don't hear of seat problems. I have never experienced them and I used mine often.
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[cool][#0000ff]That was a point I meant to make. Not many folks put a tube through as much in a year as I do. If something is going to go wrong it will happen to me.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And, as I did state, seat problems are pretty much non-problems these days.[/#0000ff]
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Well, the Super Fat Cat has landed. Santa's little helper the Fed-X elf was here today and dropped off the SFC ( Merry X-mas to me).
I unpacked it and what to my wondering eyes did appear?
A float tube that far exceeded my expectaions.....that's what.
These things are built like tanks. I'll move it downstairs to the shop tomorrow and load it with some air and check it out.
Can't wait to start the modifications.
Boz
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