11-08-2009, 09:19 PM
[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]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good Luck. Hope that helped.[/#0000ff]
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