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+--- Thread: float tube failure (/showthread.php?tid=527497)
float tube failure - solomonthered - 09-01-2009
So, I just got a float tube and am brand new to float tube fishing. I took my tube out for the second time last weekend, and after about three hours of fishing my tube failed catastrophically, I lost all my air in about 3 minutes, and the genius I am, I had no life jacket or other means of saving my butt. Luckily a good samaritan in a boat rescued me. Lesson learned. Anyway, I examined my tube and found that the seam on the side of the bladder has split about 1/2". Is this repairable? How did it happen, did I over inflate?
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - flygoddess - 09-01-2009
I think it is repairable, but as you asked...how did it happen and is it done.
That is scary!
Plus, I don't know about your waters, but here in Utah, you broke the law not having a PFD with you.
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - TubeDude - 09-02-2009
[cool][#0000ff]Glad you survived to tell about your ordeal.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hard to guess what the problem might be without knowing a few things. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]1. Make, model and age of the tube.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]2. How did you inflate it and how much?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]3. Was it a hot sunny day that could have overexpanded the air bladder?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If it was a new tube, there should be a warranty. However, I suspect you may have gotten it "used". In the latter case it is wise to do a "pressure test" before going on the water. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Is it repairable? Would have to see it to make an accurate guess. Seam splits can be tough.[/#0000ff]
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Re: [TubeDude] float tube failure - solomonthered - 09-02-2009
yeah, I'm glad I survived as well, I can't really explain why I didn't have a pfd, just didn't think about it, though I now realize that it is required for both legality and safety. I felt about as smart as a bag of hammers when it happened. My brother bought the tube new about a month ago and gave it to me as a birthday gift, it is a White River Fly Shop, Lost Lake, open front. I imagine it was inexpensive. It was actually a cool, rainy day when it happened, I inflated the tube with a hand pump, I don't have any sort of gauge to tell you an exact pressure, I just inflated it until it felt firm, but still gave under slight pressure. Should I find a pump with a gauge?
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - albinotrout - 09-02-2009
That model is a Bass Pro Shops tube. Contact them seeing how it was new there should be a nice warranty on it.
Seems as the year of tube failure or destruction I should say:
I lost to round tubes this year and am replacing the bladders in them[crazy] (one replaced by Caddis now to go to tire shop for the other)
MaDfisher55 lost a toon bladder and needs repair[crazy]
TD had tube run over on I-15 twice[crazy]
Anyone else with the catastrophic news????
Again contact Bass Pro and see what they say.[cool]
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - flygoddess - 09-02-2009
Just me, but I have never trusted GAUGES on my inflatables.
Sometimes the seams just split. Hard to do quality check on those things.
I am betting there is a warranty also.
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - peter805 - 09-02-2009
SCARY SCARY SCARY stuff. Next time PFD please.
If it was not for the boater guy, who knows what could
happend. But Im sure very happy that you are ok.
Peter
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - pontoonman - 09-02-2009
Sorry to hear about your experience. Good that you survived without injury.
Your indication of how you inflated and the conditions would seem to indicate the correct pressure range. This tube appears to have boston valves from the description on the website, so the pressure has to be checked during inflation with a feedback guage found on an electric compressor. That's the only kind of guage I've seen that might work with boston, but maybe someone else can correct me on that...
A complete inspection of all seams might be in order if you decide on a repair. Maybe you had a defect, because the tube has some good durability reviews.
Pon
[quote solomonthered]yeah, I'm glad I survived as well, I can't really explain why I didn't have a pfd, just didn't think about it, though I now realize that it is require
d for both legality and safety. I felt about as smart as a bag of hammers when it happened. My brother bought the tube new about a month ago and gave it to me as a birthday gift, it is a White River Fly Shop, Lost Lake, open front. I imagine it was inexpensive. It was actually a cool, rainy day when it happened, I inflated the tube with a hand pump, I don't have any sort of gauge to tell you an exact pressure, I just inflated it until it felt firm, but still gave under slight pressure. Should I find a pump with a gauge?[/quote]
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - TubeDude - 09-02-2009
[quote solomonthered]yeah, I'm glad I survived as well, I can't really explain why I didn't have a pfd, just didn't think about it, though I now realize that it is required for both legality and safety. I felt about as smart as a bag of hammers when it happened. My brother bought the tube new about a month ago and gave it to me as a birthday gift, it is a White River Fly Shop, Lost Lake, open front. I imagine it was inexpensive. It was actually a cool, rainy day when it happened, I inflated the tube with a hand pump, I don't have any sort of gauge to tell you an exact pressure, I just inflated it until it felt firm, but still gave under slight pressure. Should I find a pump with a gauge?[/quote]
[cool][#0000ff]My guess is manufacturing defect. Doesn't sound like you abused the tube in any way. You did nothing wrong on your end. It just failed during use. Bad deal. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Go for the warranty replacement and suggest LAWSUIT if they do not go for it. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For what it's worth, spontaneous seam failure is very rare, even on lower end tube models with vinyl bladders. Don't let that mishap scare you away from tubing. Lightning is not liable to strike again like that. But, I'll bet you never go afloat again without a PFD.[/#0000ff]
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Re: [pontoonman] float tube failure - pontoonman - 09-02-2009
Curious if you had any type of floatation whatsoever to keep your head above water when the tube blew out? Usually the backrest, waders, or other side of the tube where the seams were intact retain enough trapped air pockets so you won't sink. Unless you had a lot of heavy stuff strapped to the tube, which would cause a fast sinking. Floating for a while helps even though I understand hypothermia is the main enemy- 30 minutes maximum in cool water?
Pon
[quote pontoonman]Sorry to hear about your experience. Good that you survived without injury.
Your indication of how you inflated and the conditions would seem to indicate the correct pressure range. This tube appears to have boston valves from the description on the website, so the pressure has to be checked during inflation with a feedback guage found on an electric compressor. That's the only kind of guage I've seen that might work with boston, but maybe someone else can correct me on that...
A complete inspection of all seams might be in order if you decide on a repair. Maybe you had a defect, because the tube has some good durability reviews.
Pon
[quote solomonthered]yeah, I'm glad I survived as well, I can't really explain why I didn't have a pfd, just didn't think about it, though I now realize that it is require
d for both legality and safety. I felt about as smart as a bag of hammers when it happened. My brother bought the tube new about a month ago and gave it to me as a birthday gift, it is a White River Fly Shop, Lost Lake, open front. I imagine it was inexpensive. It was actually a cool, rainy day when it happened, I inflated the tube with a hand pump, I don't have any sort of gauge to tell you an exact pressure, I just inflated it until it felt firm, but still gave under slight pressure. Should I find a pump with a gauge?[/quote][/quote]
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Re: [pontoonman] float tube failure - flygoddess - 09-02-2009
Good question. When my Brothers blew, he of course wiggled causing more air to escape.
Very fast deflation. The back rest was enough to keep the tube visible, but that was it. And he fly fishes, so no heavy gear.
He did have the Caddis U tube though. It too had good reviews.
It can just happen, but as TD pointed out, not that often when you figure how many are out there.
Of course there is still those that don't report mishaps for some reason or another.
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Re: [flygoddess] float tube failure - Illinoisgiller - 09-02-2009
I don't think I could ever get back on the water in that model tube again.In fact, I know I couldn't.
I would take the return cost and put it towards a Fish Cat#4 . One just can't argue with the overall reputation of this fine little tube.
They will float you without air in the bladders. (I know, I tried it so I would know out on the water. ) Illinoisgiller
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Re: [Illinoisgiller] float tube failure - TubeDude - 09-02-2009
[cool][#0000ff]That is a good point, and one we have mentioned before on this forum. Float tubes that feature closed cell foam seats and backrests have built-in floatation that will float even a pretty stout angler in the event of a sudden "deflation" of the air chamber.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Besides the Fish Cats, there are the regular Fat Cats and the popular ODC 420. Probably some others on the market that I am not familiar with.[/#0000ff]
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Re: [Illinoisgiller] float tube failure - flygoddess - 09-02-2009
I am with you Giller, it would be hard for me to get back in the tube. [crazy]
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Re: [Illinoisgiller] float tube failure - peter805 - 09-02-2009
[quote Illinoisgiller]I don't think I could ever get back on the water in that model tube again.In fact, I know I couldn't.
I would take the return cost and put it towards a Fish Cat#4 . One just can't argue with the overall reputation of this fine little tube.
They will float you without air in the bladders. (I know, I tried it so I would know out on the water. ) Illinoisgiller[/quote]
[#ff0080]EDITED[/#ff0080]
Peter
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Re: [Illinoisgiller] float tube failure - albinotrout - 09-02-2009
That is a good point. Take the money and get what you want and feel safe in. Very important.
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Re: [peter805] float tube failure - peter805 - 09-03-2009
[quote peter805][quote Illinoisgiller]I don't think I could ever get back on the water in that model tube again.In fact, I know I couldn't.
I would take the return cost and put it towards a Fish Cat#4 . One just can't argue with the overall reputation of this fine little tube.
They will float you without air in the bladders. (I know, I tried it so I would know out on the water. ) Illinoisgiller[/quote]
[#ff0080]EDITED[/#ff0080]
Peter[/quote]
Ohhhhhhhhhh, come on , I was just putting
my 2c in [
]Peter
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Re: [peter805] float tube failure - flygoddess - 09-03-2009
Now that is funny.....you POTTY MOUTH [laugh][laugh][laugh]
The PINK edit does the trick however.
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Re: [pontoonman] float tube failure - solomonthered - 09-04-2009
Well, I sent an email to Bass Pro Shops and they responded within 24 hours and are sending me a replacement bladder. I may still try to repair the damaged one, just for the practice.
the back rest has two inflatable chambers that probably could have kept my head above water, all I had was a chest pack, my fly rod, and a floating fish basket. Is it possible to do any mods to the float tube, such as making my own closed cell foam backrest that goes in place of the inflatable bladders? Or maybe replacing the main bladder with one of higher quality?
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Re: [solomonthered] float tube failure - albinotrout - 09-04-2009
You could add to the backrest by keeping the current bladders in place then strapping the closed cell foam to it to add support. Try a throwable PFD (similar to a square seat cushion).
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