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I don't know why I've waited this long to get one, but, this month, I'm finally going to buy a float tube. (my birthday present to myself) I'm 5'7" tall, weigh 150 lbs. and fish for many different species, mostly with spinning rod/reel in the lakes of Northern Utah. I wanted to purchase a U-boat style tube, but it's been mentioned to me that they are more difficult to kick and cause you to fatigue more quickly than a traditional round tube, which continues around and gives you knee support to help you kick. Is this significant enough that I should change my mind and go with the round or stick with finding a horseshoe that suits me?
Justin
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[cool]Welcome to our little forum, Mr. Ram. Hope we can shed some light on your quest. Like many things tackle and fishing oriented, if you ask 10 different people you are likely to get ten different opinions. Your ultimate choice should be based upon what features and benefits you perceive as being of the greatest value to you and the kind of fishing you like to do.
Those who still fish from "donuts" do so for only a couple of reasons. They are either reluctant to try something new, or they can't afford anything else. I do not know anyone who has tried and compared, against a Uboat or mini pontoon who elected to stay with a round model.
Over the past 40 plus years, I have tried almost every style...if not every make and model. I graduated from a round tube only a few years ago and I would never go back. If for no other reason, I prefer open ended craft for the improved ease of launching and beaching. That is no small consideration when you have a lot of gear, you are bundled up against the cold, you are tired from being out in the water for a long time or any one of several other factors.
I have witnessed more pratfalls and real disasters sustained from trying to get in or out of a "donut" than ever from an "open-ender". In fact, having the open end allows you to launch and beach in many situations that would be nearly impossible with a round craft.
Once you open your mind to "open seating", there are a lot of other options to consider. Some have stabilizer bars, to keep the ends from pulling together when you sit back in the seat. Some are stabilized by rigid foam or inflated seats, and inflated back rests. Some seats have you sitting down in the water, as with a round tube. Others allow you to sit above the water, which can be a big warmth retainer in the cold waters of fall and early spring.
Then there are the issues of pocket size and placement, the number of D rings, for attaching all the extras, the size and weight of the craft, etc. Not the least of considerations is the budget. While it is possible to pay more than $300 for an Outcast Super Fat Cat (as I did), you can get several great systems for less than half that amount. You can find very serviceable "starter kits" for well under a hundred dollars.
Send me an email or a Private Message and I will attach and send back a several page writeup I recently completed on just this subject. It comes up often as new readers find us and pose the same question. The good news is that we will do what we can to help you make an educated decision. If you find something you like, let us know the make and model and we can probably crank out a review or two.
Here are a couple of websites with some comparables for you to review.
[url "http://www.outdrs.com/xcart/catalog/category_250_Float_Tubes_page_1.html"][font "Times New Roman"][#0000ff][size 3]http://www.outdrs.com/xcart/catalog/category_250_Float_Tubes_page_1.html[/size][/#0000ff][/font][/url] [font "Times New Roman"][size 3]EAGLE…DISCOUNT TUBES[/size][/font]
[url "http://www.thefloattubestore.com/"][font "Times New Roman"][#800080][size 3]http://www.thefloattubestore.com/[/size][/#800080][/font][/url][size 3][font "Times New Roman"] FLOAT TUBE STORE[/font][/size]
[url "http://www.creekcompany.com/craft.html"][font "Times New Roman"][#800080][size 3]http://www.creekcompany.com/craft.html[/size][/#800080][/font][/url][size 3][font "Times New Roman"] CREEK COMPANY[/font][/size]
[url "http://www.riverwire.com/watercraft_ggl.html"][font "Times New Roman"][#800080][size 3]http://www.riverwire.com/watercraft_ggl.html[/size][/#800080][/font][/url][size 3][font "Times New Roman"] RIVERWIRE[/font][/size]
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Thanks TD, And I shot you an e-mail. Whatever craft I do decide to buy I will give a review so that I may be able to lend a hand in helping other people choose their "floatie".
Justin
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[cool]It's on the way. You may regret the request for info. Don't operate heavy equipment while you read it.
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[cool]Hey, Mary. Good to have a supportive vote for my newest ride...the SFC. I just got one for TubeBabe too, and we both love them.
Your personal profile says you registered in August last year, but that you have never logged on. Next time you bring up the forum, click on the HOME button, on the top left, and complete your log in. Hope you remember your password. By logging on when you are reading our posts, and when you post a new message or reply, we can start counting your activity and get you one of those cool icons below your name...first a worm, then a little fishy and then who knows? Maybe someday a great white shark. By logging in and posting you also become eligible for different contests and prizes.
We don't have too many lady tubaholics on the site yet, so put up a post introducing yourself a bit more. Where do you hail from? Where do you fish? And what kind of tackle to you prefer? And, of course, feel free to both post tips and suggestions and to ask questions for the rest of us to respond to.
If you have pictures to post, you might want to set up your own free website on BFT. You can upload your scanned or digital photos and then insert them into your posts. I'll be happy to help where I can. The instructions and Help functions are pretty good about getting you started.
Happy Friday and have a good weekend all.
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I'm toying with the idea of getting the fat cat or the super fat cat, but they just don't give those away, so I might not get it this month. That's ok, because at least I'll be getting my moneys worth, and have a tube that I can put a bunch of extras on when I get to be as good, if not better than, Tube Dude! HA HA HA Thanks again, everyone, for the help.
JUSTIN
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Hey there ram4x,
I have a WoodStream Stealthrider deluxe u-boat tube and there is nothing wrong with it BUT when I have another chance to buy a tube I will choose the Super Fat Cat. There are a few tubes out there that compare price-wise with the SFC so don't think it's that over-and-above expensive.
Also, for the few dollars more, get the super fat cat instead of the regular kitty.
JapanRon
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I'm also looking to buy a float tube pretty soon. The Fat Cat seems like it has some great features and might be what I'm looking for, but I'm still doing research.
I sold my drift boat last summer to help pay for my quad and now I'm regretting the decision. Oh well, gives me the chance to buy a bigger, better boat later.
TubeDude, would you mind sending me that document you referred to?
Thanks,
Jeremy Henricks
The Outdoor Lodge
http://www.theoutdoorlodge.com/
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[cool]Welcome aboard, Mr. Henricks. I assume the writeup you are referring to is the one on how to choose a craft...based on a variety of factors. I will send that by BFT Private Message when I reach my home computer. Or, if you will send me an email at [url "mailto:pscouten@qwest.net"]pscouten@qwest.net[/url], I will send it back by return email.
I also just completed a writeup on "tricking out" your craft...with all of the addons and accessories. That is available on an attachment on that post. Or, if you would like it sent also, I will be happy to oblige.
Are you an accomplished tuber/'tooner, or could you use some more inside info. I'll be happy to send excerpts from my book on such things as launching and beaching, fishing different kinds of waters and all that stuff.
I'll bet you wish you had that drift boat back.
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