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I love my Fish Cat IV DX. That said, I have a Super Fat Cat on the way as I wanted a bit more storage and a bit less weight.
Can anyone comment on if the extra pontoon on the SFC make a noticeable difference in how high out of the water you sit?
Also, if there's any noticeable difference in ease of kicking and performance in wind?
I know, I'll know soon enough, but thought I'd put it out there anyway...
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[cool][#0000ff]I'll chip in here on this one. I have fished out of both and have fished with other guys who used both. I have some observations.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]First, anybody who is under 200 pounds can fish out of a an FC4 okay, but will appreciate the extra pocket space and extra floatation of the Fat Cat. If you are much over 200, don't even waste your time and money on the FC4. You will be sorry if you ever have the chance to compare.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are two areas in the basic construction that make a difference. First is the distance between the end of the seat and the end of the air chambers in front. You have several inches more with the Fat Cats. That adds a bit to overall floatation but adds A LOT to front end stability. Not nearly as liable to tip forward while netting a fish or leaning too far forward for any other reason.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The diameter of the air chambers on the Fat Cat is a bit bigger too. Obviously that creates more water displacement and greater floatation. I am only about a wet quarter away from 300 pounds and I ride high and level in my Fat Cat.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Propulsion efficiency is a matter of how much drag do you have vs how much power you apply. When you float higher, with the same weight, you will go further with every kick. Conversely, with less drag you will also notice a light breeze more in a higher riding craft. But, as long as you keep the nose pointed into the wind the added propulsion efficiency seems to more than offset any additional push from the wind. Of course there are a lot of variables in types of fins, strength and stamina of the angler and the quality of the bean burritos you had the night before.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you need "stuff" while afloat, you will definitely appreciate the greater amount of pocket space on the Fat Cat. Seems about double the Fish Cat, but probably isn't.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good Luck. Hope that helped.[/#0000ff]
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Well, I'm 170 fully wet so the load rating wasn't an issue. The biggest draw for me was the extra storage and possible smoother ride.
I do like the extra snout length as well for mounting the electronics and possibly a camera boom like on my 'toon. Who knows, maybe oarlocks?
My FC4 does have the LCS system, and the Fat Cat is the older version so we'll see how they compare. I do have a spare LCS apron though so I may hack it up to make it work if I don't like the old school one.
I should be getting the new boat this week, and hopefully I can get it wet this weekend so I'll post up impressions as I get them.
The hard part will be if I can be strong and sell the extra one after I'm done or if I end up with yet another craft to fill the already full garage! I'm such a hoarder...
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[quote SHigSpeed]Who knows, maybe oarlocks?[/quote]
Oarlocks aren't going to do you much good unless you have footrests to push against, like on a 'toon.
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[quote michaelnel][quote SHigSpeed]Who knows, maybe oarlocks?[/quote]
Oarlocks aren't going to do you much good unless you have footrests to push against, like on a 'toon.[/quote]
Noted... That or the row stroke could be coupled with a kick to supply the counter force.
A simple rope loop would suffice, though the drag of legs in the water may render the rowing inefficient.
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Nothing that a nylon strap across the front won't do. Basically that is the set-up that was on my Alpine. And a regular 1" OD pipe that clipped from side to side on my NFO Navigator II.
I have been thinking it for my H3.
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