Float tubes

bitesize · Post by **bitesize** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 12:21 pm

Owning a real boat is not possible for me, so I would like to hear alternatives to big boats. I am looking at inflatables such
as float tubes.

1) Are float tubes safe? I hear from some people yes, it's completely safe, while other say that you sit low and sometimes speeding boats can't see you. But I would normally be using it in 5mph zones and hopefully won't have that problem.

2) What's a good design? I read the reviews about two float tubes and the V or triangular shapes seem to be the most popular. What do you prefer?

3) Will be it hard to cast? Fight and land fish?

4) How durable is it? Will it last more than one season? Say I fish every weekend or every other weekend?

TIA!

Bitesize

Brookie · Post by **Brookie** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 11:33 am

See inline replies

bitesize wrote:
1) Are float tubes safe? I hear from some people yes, it's completely safe, while other say that you sit low and sometimes speeding boats can't see you. But I would normally be using it in 5mph zones and hopefully won't have that problem.

YES, it's absolutely safe as long as you follow a few precautions. When buying a float tube, make sure it has at least two air chambers. If one pops or leaks, then you at least have one more to float on. Most float tubes come with a bright decoy somewhere and that helps. But if you're really fishing in the open water where boats are zooming by you left and right, you can considering getting a flashing LED light that will catch some attention. People use these on boats and kayaks and can be attached easily. LED lights take very little battery power, so it will last for a while.
Like you said, you're going to be fishing in the 5mph, should be no prob.

2) What's a good design? I read the reviews about two float tubes and the V or triangular shapes seem to be the most popular. What do you prefer?

I recommend open front and triangular shaped. DO NOT get the donut shaped ones. They are horrible!

3) Will be it hard to cast? Fight and land fish?

Nah, it's not. Either fly fishing or casting with both spinning or baitcasting gear, it's not hard. I do it and you see many others do it as well. There are some tubes that sit higher off the water if that helps you.

4) How durable is it? Will it last more than one season? Say I fish every weekend or every other weekend?

I have had one for a few years now and it's still good. Just make sure it's cleaned afterwards, dried, and then properly stored. It's a good investment and will get you on the water.

TIA!

Bitesize

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 8:24 am

Just bought a New Zealand made RIB Inflatable , the hull is 2.5mm thick powder-coated aluminium sheet . Weighs only 40 kg ( less than 100 lbs ) and attain 20 miles an hour using 10 hp outboard with 4 guys on top .

Due to the rigidness of the aluminium hull , one can stand while fighting the fish but not everybody can should stand ! For 3 in a group , 2 should sit while 1 stand , just to be on the safe side .

Check : http://www.lancer.co.nz . The craft I amtalking about is RT280 HA .

Jon .

Nitro · Post by **Nitro** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 9:11 pm

Jon,

That is a sweet boat. Does it take a long time to set up? I mean can it fold up? How does the ALuminum hull work, is it in sections?

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:46 am

Nitro ,

The aluminium hull is not foldable but once the tubes are deflated , you can carry it on car top , mine ride on a Jeep Cherokee . Except inflating
the tubes and mounting the engine , nothing else to be done , very convenient .

The hull is one piece , plane very easily with a 10 hp outboard with 3 guys on although even with 4 guys , the RT280HA will go pretty fast . Don't carry gaff though , use net instead when boating the fish !

Jon .

bruce1179 · Post by **bruce1179** » Sat Jul 19, 2003 12:30 am

anybody have any experience with trout unlimited float tubes. cabelas carries them and you can now get them at wal-mart, well at least at mine you can. i am interested in the kennebec model. it has two large bladders connected by a small one in back. it looks alot like a pontoon boat but in a float tube style. i am loking at cost and value mainly. any suggestions would be great.

bitesize · Post by **bitesize** » Sat Jul 19, 2003 10:25 am

You must be talking about this one right?

http://www.fogdog.com/product/index.jsp ... Id=1186442

I don't own one, but I have seen people use them. They
said they like the design. and this one guy I talked to
was able to mount a rod holder in the back that held like 5 rods!
I believe it's a good design and it has, what, 3 bladders?
How much do they sell it for at walmart?

bruce1179 · Post by **bruce1179** » Sat Jul 19, 2003 8:02 pm

well the kennebec style is 132 while the smaller ones for 110, and below. they even have a regular pontoon boat with a maetl frame for 240, but i don't know what the weight capacity on that one is. it would be worth the 240

bitesize · Post by **bitesize** » Sun Jul 20, 2003 12:19 am

The ones with a metal frame is probably too heavy and bulky
if you travel to further locations. But they would probably give
you better support/stability. But hey, those other
float tubes are fun. Just don't get one that's donut shaped.
Those are too hard to get in and out of. I have seen
many people trip and fall while trying to get out.

If you can, go look at them. You can't really go wrong
with a float tube. Just be sure it has at least 2 bladers,
the external material is decent, and has pockets for you to
hold your gear. I have bought a $99 and I still use it
and no leaks for 2 years yet.
I bought this one, great deal, but probably sits lower
than the Kennebec

http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/ca ... get=search

Bassportugal · Post by **Bassportugal** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:31 pm

Hi there,

I got a float tube for bass fishing, i can tell you that iÃ‚Â´ts a great fun to go on the water and fish whit it...

here it goes a foto of mine in a creeck company tube...

Catch and release....

Nuno B.

bitesize · Post by **bitesize** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 5:30 pm

Nice fish! Your float tube doesn't have a stabilizer bar in the front?
Looks like you are slipping off your seat.

have you ever had any problems with that particular tube?
Enough storage space?

Bassportugal · Post by **Bassportugal** » Wed Jan 14, 2004 2:19 pm

Hi bitesize......

Yes I got some problems with my float tube, the valves are terrible, now IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m replacing the floats for new ones just because the valves.
And doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have the stabilizer bar in the front but the storage space is very good, its a cheap float tube, here in Portugal costs 200Ã¢â€šÂ¬=200$ in USA costs 100$.
One problem here is that all the fishing equipment is imported from USA and when it goes to the stores is the 2 times the price you pay there in the united estates

Sorry for my English

Nuno from Portugal

bitesize · Post by **bitesize** » Wed Jan 14, 2004 3:42 pm

Next time get a tube with a bar in the front. I see that those
are much better. And if you slip foward, you can have something
solid to grab hold of. Can you order from Bass Pro or Cabelas
and MAYBE it will be cheaper than buying it in your country?

Bassportugal · Post by **Bassportugal** » Wed Jan 14, 2004 4:42 pm

Yes I can order from Bassproshops and cabelas,
ThatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s what I always do with rods and reels. But still the have to pay the taxes when the gear arrives at my country.

The best way is to have someone on the USA that can send me the equipement by mail ....

Nuno from Portugal.

ChuyDawg · Post by **ChuyDawg** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 11:23 pm

Hey I have a float tube I am wanting to get rid of...
Let it go for $90...
It will include Stearns waders and some fins...
The float tube is a Caddi's U-Boat...

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