Float Tube

NCL · 11-17-2005, 05:20 AM

I sold my float tube and I am now thinking it was a mistake. If you were in the market for a new float tube, what manufacture would you consider, and why?

Mitch

float2ber · 11-17-2005, 06:16 AM

Outcast. Gets you up and out of the water.

NCL · 11-17-2005, 06:29 AM

Thanks. I will take a look at Outcast. I like the idea of being up and out of the water, that was one of the things I didn't like about my last tube I was down to low in the water. Great for not being blown around by the wind but not that comfortable. Any particular model?

Mitch

float2ber · 11-17-2005, 02:49 PM

I have a Fat Cat, but they're all good.

GreenDrake · 11-17-2005, 05:26 PM

Dito on the Outcast. I have the Super Fat Cat and I love it

GreenDrake / Slim

NCL · 11-18-2005, 04:59 AM

Thanks. I appreciate the input. I bought my last float tube without sufficient research and was somewhat disappointed with it. It is good to hear what others think of the products they have bought.

Mitch

GWH · 11-18-2005, 10:28 AM

XStream also makes a great float tube (donut style)

blazerman · 11-18-2005, 11:15 AM

I've got a Creek Company ODC420 that I'm happy with in the 12 or so times I've used it so far. It's pretty much a copy of the Outcast cat series. I'm a big guy and wanted more capacity than the fat cat, and didn't want to spend $300 on the Super Fat Cat. It keeps my 260lbs up and out of the water wonderfully.

NCL · 11-18-2005, 02:00 PM

Thanks to both for the input. GWH- Who makes the XStream? I don't think I have ever heard that name before. What the advantage/disadvantage of a donut over a U shaped tube? I would guess the obvious of easy of entry/exit on the U shaped, any others.

Blazerman. I too am on the large side so that is really great information.

Mitch

GWH · 11-20-2005, 05:07 AM

XStream is made in a small shop in seattle at the south end of boeing field on E Marginal way. As far as traditional float tubes he prolly makes the best on the market as far as durability and quality. Alot of people like the U-boat style for being easier to get in and out of as well as kicking in the water. More people are going to the kickboats and pontoons for keeping the butt outta the water. He also makes a nice packable kickboat weighs 20 or so lbs and fits in a nice pack although it is not suitable for rivers. If you have any other ??? feel free to call me
at 509 962 5039 or email at gwh5@elltel.net
Are links to allowed on this board ? I am new here so I aint sure?

PittsburghD · 11-20-2005, 04:28 PM

I'm a Fishcat guy too. Only because I couldn't afford anything fancier. But my 8' Outcast Fishcat has handled all that I wanted, Coho on the Clack, Brookies on Gold Lake, Class 3 rapids on the Big D, the falls on the Northfork (I know, we were crazy) and hauled into into the woods a half mile to a couple remote spots on Hood. Whatever you do get a toon with the best pontoon thickness around the bladders. It will last longer. Also, something that has an anchor option. I prefer 9' pontoons if I could upgrade. But your average use and no major rapids should go for lightest weight but heaviest durability. Also, I think the Creek Co. is the Kmart of toons. Compare the prices, they cut back somewhere. Outcast has a number of price options as well as many other companies out there. Surf the web a little and do some research. You should be able to get into a good one between $350-$450. Up or down in price with be dependent on quality of pontoons used and options available.

<font color="yellow"> --D </font>

melonhead · 11-20-2005, 08:04 PM

Check out the Day Tripper from Waterskeeter. I think when it comes time to buy another, that is the one I want. I am a bigger guy about 250#s and the normal float tubes work, but would like something a tad bit more bouyant. I have both the caddis uboat and caddis donut style, but prefer to use the uboat.

GWH · 11-21-2005, 03:18 AM

Alot has to do with where and what type of fishing you are gonna be doing. You will not pack any pontoon boat 5 miles into a mountain lake. And you shouldnt be floating class 5s in a flote tube. Another good option is the watermasters, They are kinda a cross between a quality rubber raft and a kickboat, Very light and easy and quick to set up.

NCL · 11-21-2005, 04:43 AM

GWH,
You have a good point about the type of fishing I expect to do with the tube. I primarily want the tube for out of the way places. I had a lightweight back pack type tube that worked great but I never felt real comfortable in it due to my considerable bulk. So I guess I am looking for a relatively lightweight tube that can be packed for a short distance that is rated for over 350 pounds.

Mitch

GWH · 11-21-2005, 05:25 AM

I also am 6'+ and over 300lbs so all options I have told you are for us + size guys :blush: