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Yesterday, I test drove a Togiak which sat a little higher in the water which was nice but after about 2hrs. my back was aching because it had a weird tilt backward which I constantly had to fight. For whatever reason, it just didn't seem to sit well in the water. For the next round I used a Creek Company Original U-Boat and it was very comfortable for the entire time. It did sit somewhat lower in the water than the Togiak but was like fishing out of a Lazyboy - very comfortable.
Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on either of these tubes. I'm also somewhat interested in the Bighorn XL but didn't have the opportunity for any hands on time with that particular model.
I'd really appreciate some opinions from some experienced float tube enthusiasts!
Thanks in advance,
Boz
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Not too familiar with either of these models but the way to fix the togiak is to add a plastic lawn chair without the legs.
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U are lucky that you could try some tubes. I have a super
fat cat and im very happy with it. (Also Madison is coming).
Get what ever feels comfortable to you.You will spend
some time in it so comfort is very important.
If you get a chance to try super fat cat or fat cat4 or
one of those then go for it. Those are very good boats.
Peter
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[cool][#0000ff]Welcome aboard. Now the fun begins.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I cannot heartily endorse either the Togiak or the Uboat. While they are entirely okay for a newbie tuber they are both at the low end of the scale for quality and performance.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you get a chance, see if you can try a Creek Company ODC 420, and Outcast Fish Cat 4 or either a Fat Cat or Super Fat Cat. However, if budget is a consideration you can fish from almost anything.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are lots of other considerations in choosing a tube also. I am attaching a list of things to think about before making your final decision.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck. Let us know what you get and don't be afraid to ask questions.[/#0000ff]
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[quote TubeDude]
[#0000ff]If you get a chance, see if you can try a Creek Company ODC 420, and Outcast Fish Cat 4 or either a Fat Cat or Super Fat Cat. However, if budget is a consideration you can fish from almost anything.[/#0000ff]
[/quote]
If you are serious about enjoying this way of fishing, I would echo Pat's recommendations. These are the only tubes you should consider for longtime enjoyment. I have two Outcast Fat Cats one of which is still going strong after 11 years of hard use.
Pat,
What's your current experience with the inflatable seat lately? My friend was put out of commission with a seam leak in the seat of his Fish Cat in the middle of our wilderness trip. He borrowed a W. Grigg tube from the lodge and ended up getting chilled from sitting much lower in the water. I personally prefer the foam block seats.
God Bless,
Don
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If you are serious about enjoying this way of fishing, I would echo Pat's recommendations. These are the only tubes you should consider for longtime enjoyment. I have two Outcast Fat Cats one of which is still going strong after 11 years of hard use.
I will second that.
It is a much better idea to save a little more money
and get a better boat ( float tube).
Just think about it, your life is much more important
then couple of dollars.....................[  ]
Peter
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"Pat, What's your current experience with the inflatable seat lately?"
[cool][#0000ff]I have not used an inflated seat for over a year. Yes, they are adjustable for comfort and create less "sag" in the tube. But, they ARE inflatable and must be fully inflated or they are worthless. Once the air pressure drops a bit you will start sliding out of the seat and the sides collapse inward on you. A pinhole leak or valve problem can leave you with your arms wrapped over the air chambers and kicking your way back to shore. Inflated seats are the primary reason I began using hard chair inserts. Got tired of having to quit fishing early.[/#0000ff]
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What's your current experience with the inflatable seat lately? My friend was put out of commission with a seam leak in the seat of his Fish Cat in the middle of our wilderness trip. He borrowed a W. Grigg tube from the lodge and ended up getting chilled from sitting much lower in the water. I personally prefer the foam block seats.
God Bless,
Don[/quote]
One way is to get a spare seat for that kinda situation.
You just never know......................[]
Peter
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Pat is your seat over foam block or inflatable?
God Bless,
Don
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[quote smallmouth89]Pat is your seat over foam block or inflatable?
God Bless,
Don[/quote]
[cool][#0000ff]Foam. Just got the regular Fat Cat on my last purchase...to replace the SFC that was destroyed when it was ripped off the top of my vehicle last year. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The foam works just as well as inflatable...especially if you are going to be using a high backed seat anyway for back support. The main difference is that the foam never develops any leaks. However, it does compress and fatigue over time...especially when it is used by a big fat guy like me.[/#0000ff]
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My friend is Fat Cat size and has been using a Fish Cat with inflatable seats. I'm only 185 pounds but prefer the size and convenience of the regular Fat Cat. Bob is quite interested in the Fat Cat but is leaning toward the Super model with the inflatable seat. I knew you had had issues with this seat and now Bob's tube has that seam leak in the seat. I'm trying to make him see the sense of getting the foam block seat. Can you send me a link to how you have your seat set up. I'd like him to see the error in his ways in still wanting the inflatable seat. Don't send a link with your motorized version. I don't want him to get any ideas. He is an insulin dependent diabetic and benefits a great deal from kicking around in his Fish Cat.
God Bless,
Don
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[cool][#0000ff]Here is a labeled pic. Note that I no longer use the bungee to secure the seat. It fits and holds just fine without any form of attachment. I just drop it in and head out. The main consideration is to properly adjust the back seat cushion to support the chair in the right position. Too far back and you can tip backwards. Too far forward and it will push the chair toward the front. Should be flush against the back in the desired position.[/#0000ff]
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I have the SFC, is there a difference in the seats, other than one inflates and the other is foam (seat & back) ? Also did you do anything to the bottom of the chair, other than remove the legs?
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[cool][#0000ff]The only difference between the two Fat Cat models is the seat...foam or inflated.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The only modification I made, after removing the screws and the metal frame on the chair, was to use a grinder/sander to smooth out any points or rough edges. Very little to do before it is ready to get wet.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have also posted pictures in the past of PVC lawn chairs from which I have removed the legs. They also require some careful sanding to smooth them out and make sure the bottom surface is as level as possible. Here are some pics.[/#0000ff]
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I too have added a chair to the FC4. Here is a pic.
[inline mamatroutstrickedoutFC4.JPG]
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Im investing in a fish cat for my next tube. I've heard nothing but great things as far as durability and functionality and I'm really impressed in modification potentials.
I was wondering if anyone has incorporated the chair idea on the fabric "butt hammock" style seats. I've noticed on the longer trips my legs become uncomfortable.I'm currently using a Caddis Navigator IV. And does anyone know if caddis is still around because I wad told the company was goin out of business and bladders were a real pain to order.
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[cool][#0000ff]I did not start using chair inserts until after I had "graduated" from "butt sling" seats...such as I had on my Kennebec, just before buying my first SFC. I suspect they might help. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Although I did not use a chair, I did use a piece of 4" thick high density foam both as a cushion and to give me a small amount of extra altitude. Of course it soaked up water and had to be drained, wrung out and properly dried after each trip. But, it definitely made for a more comfy ride. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Caddis has not had a website or USA presence for several years. But, Caddis tubes are still being made "offshore" and sold to mass marketers for the price minded newbie tubers. They no longer have the standards of quality that used to make them a good buy. And, they do not sell replacement items...like bladders. However there are websites that DO sell replacement bladders for several tubes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Try [url "http://www.thefloattubestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_21"]THE FLOAT TUBE STORE[/url][/#0000ff]
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I have a Caddis Nav II that I still occasionally use. I use it when I want to hike a ways into a lake. It is so very light! But when I do that I don't add anything to the seat -- my backside just gets cold!
I never tried a plastic chair. I did consider taking it apart and moving the seat sling up higher and sewing it in. I also considered making an aluminum frame to hold a seat since the Nav is basically two pontoons. Something like this one on the Echo by Venture Outdoors. There is a picture in this post by Flygoddess, but it is kind of hard to see the small frame that holds the seat. http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Idaho...20;#319754
But before I did some of those adjustments, I got impatient and lazy while on a trip and bought the Fish Cat 4 that I use now. I love it. It moves easily through the water, there is plenty of pocket room, and you sit up "mostly out" of the water. It is heavier to carry than the Nav, and it doesn't pack down as small because mine has the foam seats.
Before I bought the Fish Cat I experimented with sitting on a boat cushion and it did help. I was going to try two, but never got around to it before I bought the Fish Cat. The cushion I used was like this one:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...23&Go.x=22
They are about 2 or3 inches thick and raise you up a bit. I would have liked it to be a bit thicker. I also tied it into the d rings so that I didn't have to mess with adjusting it. If you tie it in you can't count it as your pdf flotation device.
I liked the Caddis except for sitting down so low in the water.
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Caddis is still around [url "http://www.caddissports.com/"]www.caddissports.com[/url] and I did buy a replacement bladder from them last year after a seam failure accurred on a tube I bought around 2000. I also had emails from them about a month ago.
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two quick notes here....
I think FG has more pics of that red ride that show the frame better and how everything is attached...
that boat pad you show from cabelas is also available at walmart for about the same price... in case you dont have cabelas near you or dont want to wait for the shipping..
MacFly [cool]
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