Float tube advice?

[Evan]

Wondering if anyone can give me info for the best float tube (for the price) to buy. I am currently looking at the outcast fish cat series but any recommendations are appreciated. They seem to be in my price range of about $150-250. Has anyone used outcast? I've also heard of waterskeeter as well. anyone familiar?

Thanks

Evan

[Fishboy]

I have had a Waterskeeter Daytripper for about 8 years and I love it. It's slightly above your stated price range, but worth the extra $50 or so. Fish Cat makes very good tubes as well.

Whatever you purchase, I'd recommend any tube in which you sit above the water. It makes life much warmer in early and late season outings.

[Todd B.]

Evan,

I don't know which outcast models you were looking. The ones a few of the OFS members are using are the higher end models (>$400). In any case, Outcast and Water Skeeter seem to be the most popular.

[worm31]

Evan,

Have you considered a pontoon or kickboat?... there are a few good quality pontoons that fit your price range

[Evan]

yeah, I've considered a pontoon boat, though I've been told for getting into remote lakes that its better to have a float tube, easier to carry i guess. Though I do like the look of the fish cat cougar by outcast- looks really nice, but more than i can afford. I seriously thinking of an outcast float tube, though unsure which model.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Evan

[Salar]

I'd go with the Outcast Fish Cat 4 Deluxe or Outcast Super Fat Cat. The inflatable seat is more comfortable and keeps you higher out of the water. The standard Fish Cat 4 has a solid foam seat.

[joco]

i saw yesterday that le baron as the fish cat at there store now.

they carry 3 model..only one tube the fish cat regular.

and 2 poontoon...they do look nice.



little chat we had here on tubes..


http://www.fish-hawk.net/hawktalk/viewt ... float+tube


http://fish-hawk.net/hawktalk/viewtopic ... float+tube


http://fish-hawk.net/hawktalk/viewtopic ... float+tube




there is alwasy a little kayak..a little 10 footer can get you anywhere a lot faster then a tube.

but a tube is nice to.dont take mutch space unflated and dont cost that mutch.

I was gething a used h3 and the guys seliing it backt off.to mutch troble sending it to me frome the US....
thats the one i was looking for....because you sit higher and dont have your butt in the water.

i will still get me one but mabe the day tripper low profile or the fish cat at 160$..good price i think



joco



joco

[LostFisherman]

Well with spring just around the corner I'm thinking about getting a Water Skeeter inflatable potoon boat to add to my arsenal. I'm looking at the 9foot model because it has a load capacity of 400lbs. I weight about 235lbs and by the time you add my gear it push's the limits of the 7 footer at 300lbs. With this I can throw it on the ATV and off thru the woods I can go to those remote lakes easier than pulling my 14' boat and trailer and if I want to camp out it is big enough to carry my camping gear.Does anyone have any pro's or cons about this rigg they would like to share. This will be my first float set-up and have no experience with one on the water. Thanks

Lostfisherman

[Salar]

Waterskeeter makes good boats. I'd also consider the Outcast boats. Check out the Outcast Fish-Cat 9-IR or the Outcast Discovery 9-IR.

Cheers,

Salar.

[LostFisherman]

Thanks Salar, I looked at the boats you recommended again and my reason for the Water Skeeter guide was a bigger load capacity and the thing is made completely fromm 1200 denier and is rated for harsher waters.

[Salar]

If you're looking for a heavy duty boat check out the Outcast PAC 900FS. It uses the same material as commercial whitewater rafts. 10 year warranty as well.

[Fishboy]

Hey Bernie...long time no see.

Regarding tube vs pontoons, perhaps the best thing to do is to figure out exactly what you want it for.

If you want to hit backwoods lakes that require hiking or ATV-ing, you might be best served with a tube. They are lighter and more portable, a consideration when back country visits call for packing lightly.

If you want something that will handle both stillwater and rivers, a larger pontoon is probably best. They handle moving water well and the oars are a must for navigation. In most cases you can drive up to the water, so portability is less of an issue.

There are lots of choices out there, which is where the fun begins.

[joco]

so EVAN.any purchase lately..??




joco

[Evan]

No, not yet, hoping within the next month, though i am pretty sure it will be an outcast.