Float Tube

1611 Views 18 Replies 10 Participants Last post by wanative, Feb 26, 2017

7919

Discussion Starter · Feb 25, 2017

Hello, are you afraid of the deep dark water? Is float tubing to cold for you or does it limit the amount of coolers you can bring? Do you have an old, questionably seaworthy (if its to trusty it takes some of the fun out of it) floatube that has sat in the garage for a few years with no love? Maybe you have upgraded to the elite form of watercraft, the still-water pram.

If so, this is the ad for you. I am looking for a reasonably priced float tube. My two current float tubes have reached a state of alarming concern in terms of durability both in the bladders, shells, and valves.

Im not super picky on brands, though I would be willing to pony up more for something that was on the nicer spectrum like a bucks bag or a fishcat.

If you would like to leave a description including make/model if known, and the likelihood of me recreating the titanic voyage this march in said craft you may do so here. If you are a bit ashamed that you own 6 float tubes and use none of them feel free to PM me as well.

If I get even the slightest nibble I will set the hook with a reasonably low offer and a promise to send you pictures of your old boat living a new life with shiny trout as its friends.

I can pay via paypal and will cover shipping if needed.

Reactions: 1

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1 - 19 of 19 Posts

LCnSac

· #2 · Feb 25, 2017

Having almost lost a friend in a turtle incident, I cannot fathom why anyone would even consider being in a float tube of questionable condition. I lost a bladder once on a lake and I barely made it back to shore. Cheap or old float tubes are death traps. After that no more PVC bladders for me, but lots of people use them.

The Outcast PVC line would be the lowest end I'd look at, and they are pretty bad in comparison to the Fat Cat line with proper urethan bladders. My opinion only--but from one who spends 85% of his fishing from a tube or pontoon, and always with an inflatable PFD. Conservative, risk averse, but possibly life saving.

7919

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 25, 2017

Whats the plan if the PFD doesn't inflate? I prefer having a real PFD on board. Sure, we all take risks all the time. Go watch any easy class 3 rapid on a popular fly fishing river and let me know how many people you see using good risk management.

So, do you have any old boats in the garage you deem unusable for yourself? I would love to buy one for a low price, since it would be a safety hazard to use. I promise I wont use it, I am just gonna add it to my collection of alrdy old and questionable tubes that I currently will be using. Just trying to stay safe

Gard Nale

· #4 · Feb 25, 2017

Swimming is a lost art.

Oh wait, your waders will pull you down....

7919

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 25, 2017

Yard Sale said:
Swimming is a lost art.

Oh wait, your waders will pull you down....

i think its more the combo of all the wet layers of clothing (one time i wore 6 pairs of pants if u count the waders), tangled flyline, tube, anchor, seaweed, and the big trout who is fowl hooked to your right flipper as you try to swim 300yards in whitecaps. I have nightmares about this. Worst case scenario you always want to wet your waders instead of try to stand on the seat.

Gard Nale

· #6 · Feb 25, 2017

Ha! Well,I use one of those square throw life preservers as a booster seat plus I wear a PFD.

hbmcc

· #7 · Feb 25, 2017

The way this discussion is going it sounds like a tree or limb will be better. They are safe--don't deflate. And, free.

Reactions: 1

quadradomus

· #8 · Feb 25, 2017

I think the real question is you are looking for a used float tube to purchase. Maybe it doesn't have to be the oldest and worst condition tube out there.

I have been fishing from an Outcast Superfat Cat tube for many years. I feel like this is the best tube on the market, in terms of its construction/design, the shape for movement through water, the quality of the valves, the rating for weight limits. All the above..
(Until I recently discovered the Dave Scadden products) --- my oh my, thems is some nice floatation devices.
I am ready to purchase a Scadden product, and was about to list my Outcast. Other than a lot of stains, it is in pretty good condition, couple of 'D-rings' that could be replaced. Retails for $450.00. http://www.outcastboats.com/float-tubes/super-fat-cat-float-tube.asp
If you are interested, PM me with an offer.

LCnSac

· #9 · Feb 25, 2017

I have both, Scadden pontoon and Outcast SFC. My seat cushion was replaced last year, and I yelled at Outcast for it only lasting nearly 25 years when I ordered it. After a brief pause, he started laughing as did I. It's nice to know the bladders are still available. I like both, and switch between them, plus it's good to have a guest tube or a spare on trips. Having multiple bladders/cushions gives you some peace of mind too.

Lots of us older guys started out in a true float tube, using a truck inner tube as floatation. Trout Traps was the big brand back then. They're super comfortable, but you're pretty screwed if the tube blows because you can't easily get out of it. If you're not too risk averse, finding one of those and replacing the tube is a cheap option. Those tubes are pretty tough. I'd trust one of those over a cheap PVC bladder.

7919

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 25, 2017

LCnSac said:
I have both, Scadden pontoon and Outcast SFC. My seat cushion was replaced last year, and I yelled at Outcast for it only lasting nearly 25 years when I ordered it. After a brief pause, he started laughing as did I. It's nice to know the bladders are still available. I like both, and switch between them, plus it's good to have a guest tube or a spare on trips. Having multiple bladders/cushions gives you some peace of mind too.

Lots of us older guys started out in a true float tube, using a truck inner tube as floatation. Trout Traps was the big brand back then. They're super comfortable, but you're pretty screwed if the tube blows because you can't easily get out of it. If you're not too risk averse, finding one of those and replacing the tube is a cheap option. Those tubes are pretty tough. I'd trust one of those over a cheap PVC bladder.

im glad u are such an expert with so many tubes. do u have one to offer for sale or not?

7919

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 25, 2017

quadradomus said:
I think the real question is you are looking for a used float tube to purchase. Maybe it doesn't have to be the oldest and worst condition tube out there.

I have been fishing from an Outcast Superfat Cat tube for many years. I feel like this is the best tube on the market, in terms of its construction/design, the shape for movement through water, the quality of the valves, the rating for weight limits. All the above..
(Until I recently discovered the Dave Scadden products) --- my oh my, thems is some nice floatation devices.
I am ready to purchase a Scadden product, and was about to list my Outcast. Other than a lot of stains, it is in pretty good condition, couple of 'D-rings' that could be replaced. Retails for $450.00. http://www.outcastboats.com/float-tubes/super-fat-cat-float-tube.asp
If you are interested, PM me with an offer.

pm sent

7919

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 25, 2017

Yard Sale said:
Ha! Well,I use one of those square throw life preservers as a booster seat plus I wear a PFD.

booster seats are critical. i make mine out of a big thick chunk of form and lash it down with nrs straps

RPL/LL

· #13 · Feb 25, 2017

Pm sent

chromedrifter

· #14 · Feb 25, 2017

I have an older Bucks Bags I'd be willing to sell. Feel free to message if interested.
Can send pics and details by phone or email.

IveofIone

· #15 · Feb 25, 2017

I have a Caddis Donut of Death that I haven't used for years, it would require a new truck inner tube. You can have it for the price of shipping. Or if you are in Spokane I am down there nearly every week. It is still in good shape, I never got in it again after Super Fat Cats became available.

Reactions: 1

wanative

· #16 · Feb 25, 2017 (Edited)

Do float tubes attain "classic tube" status like antique cars and Hardy reels? If so have I got a deal for you.
I have a classic two tone brown and tan Caddis float tube from the late 70's. It's inner tube is from a whitewall tire so it's really fancy. Comes with original green hard plastic duck fins that close on the forward stroke open as you stroke back. I souped mine up by adding to the surface area of the fin.

They go like hell still as they did 40
years ago.

Batwings dude!

Bat Gesture Art Font Automotive exterior

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7919

Discussion Starter · #17 · Feb 25, 2017

Hey guys I appreciate all the offers so far via PM. In regards to the donut style tubes, im trying to pass on those. looking for a U shaped tube, sry I wasnt more specific in that regard. The donuts just kinda suck. I'll let ya know by the end of the weekend in regards to all who have PMed me and I am still seeing whats around there but its looking like I found a SFC to go with.

@wanative are those fins legit or a joke? where is the dlipper part? im so confused how those even work. lol

Salmo_g

· #18 · Feb 26, 2017

Darn! Thought this might be the opportunity to off load my old Caddis donut tube that's sat unused for 20 years.

wanative

· #19 · Feb 26, 2017

Dustin Bise said:
Hey guys I appreciate all the offers so far via PM. In regards to the donut style tubes, im trying to pass on those. looking for a U shaped tube, sry I wasnt more specific in that regard. The donuts just kinda suck. I'll let ya know by the end of the weekend in regards to all who have PMed me and I am still seeing whats around there but its looking like I found a SFC to go with.

@wanative are those fins legit or a joke? where is the dlipper part? im so confused how those even work. lol

They are legit. I have a pair.
The wing flap is actually hinged to the heel stirrup. You use a walking motion while seated and as your leg strides forward the wing flap on the forward moving leg folds back/rearward so there's no resistance on the forward movement of the leg.
As the leg starts rearward motion the flap catches water and swings out and stops 90 degrees from the leg and catches water as leg moves rearward propelling you forward.
You actually move forward as opposed to rearward like with flippers.
It's easier to do than to explain in writing lol.
They worked great for stalking a shoreline moving forward casting to targets. Not so good for trolling though.
I haven't seen any for decades!

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

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