Float tube info wanted
I'm thinking of buying a float tube, having enjoyed the opportunity to try one out recently. I'm interested in knowing what people like and don't like about the models they've used, and what features to look for and avoid.
I would expect that torso and arm length might affect the ease with which one can cast, retrieve and/or release from a float tube, so I'm particularly interested in hearing from shorter anglers (I'm only 5'1"). I don't know if level of experience also affects the features one should have or avoid, but I'm a novice angler, and particularly new at flyfishing. I mostly fish the smaller lakes in the Coquihalla-Merritt-Okanagon region.

Well, for what it's worth, here are my list of "things to think about for a float tube", based on 6 years of use, and many fishing friends' comments:

For a smaller person you'll probably be OK in the standard 20" tube. The rubber inner tube based products are better for durability compared to the vinyl bladder type tubes ("U"tubes, and lightweight backpacker specials), heavier, yes, but virtually bullet-proof. Look for how many storage compartments are built into the tube. Look for a smaller auxiliary bladder or tube that doubles as a backrest (and, (insert favorite deity here)-forbid as an emergency floatation device). Look for double stitched seams and the type and number of "D" ring attachment points. Avoid the metallic "D" rings as they will rust and bend, personally I like the larger plastic D-rings. Most tubes come with nylon straps for carrying the inflated tube as a "backpack"- you'll want to replace them with padded backpack straps if you are considering longer hikes with the tube. Most tubes come with some kind of velcro straps across the front areas to act as rod holder/clamp devices. These work fine for me, but you'll likely want to glue or stitch some more velcro patches on the tube so you can install replaceable fly drying patches (ripple foam with the "other" side of the velcro glued to the back of it). Lastly, the apron should have the measuring tape imprinted so you can lay those beauties out and see how long they really are (surprising how those former 18" trout get to be 15" once you measure them...). Fishing from a float tube is something you'll get used to- since you will be lower on the water compared to a boat or shore, a longer rod will help. I generally use a 9'-9" six wt. for tubing with a second rod rigged and set to troll as need be (one rod loaded with floating line and one rod with full sink, and maybe an intermediate sink on a spare spool). A couple of my friends use custom made 10 foot 6wt. and 7 wt. rods for tubing to keep the back-cast out of the water. Hope this helps.

I have one hanging up in our garage that I have never tried but have often thought of hauling out and trying in Latimer pond. I hear there is a trick to getting in the belly boat and then getting in the water. Is this true? What is the trick? I know the one who owns it had a hell of a time getting in the water. He ended up going in head first and then got swimers itch were his wet clothes were against his skin. I don't want to do that. I just want to go fishing. I am 5'8" I would think that a shorter person would be less likely to tip over then a taller person. Do you need to wear any kind of life jacket or vest with these things?

<8401>
Well, the only trick I ever saw was to get in the tube on dry land, secure your rod(s), lift up the tube by the two handles on the sides so it's around your waist, then carefully walk backwards into the water so your flippers don't hang up on anything. Of course, this works best on a firm bottom that gradually slopes out into deeper water. It can be really fun and entertaining when you get to the usual swampy 10,000 years of loon excrement lakes where you just have to "do the best you can...."

<8402>
I like U boats over belly boats. I own both and the u-boat is much easier to get in and out of because it's open at the front. It's much easier to paddle. Also when it's cold out I like being able to keep my feet out or near the top of the water+ it's good for that well needed stretch and it's great for paddling across shallow water,or lakes with muddy entrances, because you can keep your feet up. Also I'm a taller and it's nice to be able to have my legs out instead of having them bent @ 90o angles. The top dog of course is the pontoon boat, but that's only if you have them money. I've tried them twice and they're fast, reasonably light, easy to paddle/kick, and I'd have no qualms floating one down a semi big river, where I would never think of taking my u-boat. And for hiking in, I just take a set of thick suspenders and hook em on. Cheap and effective.

<8403>
I've used both the "u" shaped boats and the usual donuts. There are strong pro's and con's to both. The u shaped is defiantely easier to get in and out of and the water is always right there for landing a fish. The "o" shaped jobbers I find much easier to get a paddling rythim in, the bottom of the tube in the front is a fantastic place to anchor the top of your knnees and produce alot more torque with each kick while expending less energy. My pal with his u-boat has a tough time keeping up when we're done for the day heading for shore and I have an easier time trolling because i'm using less effort. But on the other side he has an easier time landing fish.
Somehow I don't think I've been much help.....
Better plan....find some friends with both types of boat and try them first !

<8408>
Daisy Mae, I didn't have any difficulty getting in or out the one time I tried float tubing - and I'm not the most agile or coordinated person :). The one I tried had kind of a mesh apron, so I was able to look down through the tube at my feet. As Geoff mentioned, you go in backwards. The slope was very gentle, but a bit uneven and rocky where I tried. I expect drop-offs and slippery slopes would definitely be a challenge in a float tube.
Geoff, thanks for the tip about the rod length. I'm hoping to find a new fly rod under the tree Christmas morning, so I'll pass this tip along to my other half (Hint, hint, Harry).

Never thought of using thick suspenders for backpacking - that's a great idea. I had "backpack straps" on the "must have" list (even though I don't plan to hike in too far - never know when I'll have to beach it and bushwack my way back!). With my short frame, tubes are difficult to carry on land and still see where I'm going! Now I don't have to limit my choices to those models with straps (or learn how to sew!).

What about inflating the darn things? Is this a problem? I understand that some tubes are a real chore to inflate because of the placement or type of valve. Has anyone had a problem with this?

Also recommendations on flippers would be useful. I found the discussion from Feburary regarding neoprene waders really useful - do all kinds of flippers fit equally well on the boot vs. stocking waders? Does the length of the flipper make very much difference to mobility?

<8411>
Because I use a truck tube type unit, it fills with a tire valve stem that sticks up inside one of the side pockets. I usually "quick-fill" at the gas station on the way up the highway. I usually keep the tube inflated all summer and keep the pressure a little low (so there are wrinkles in the cloth at the corners) so I can touch up the pressure depending on the altitude I'm at. Bought one of those inexpensive little electric air compressors from Canadian Tire and plug it into my truck power connector (cigar lighter). I have a back-up foot pump as well. I always use neoprenes when tubing- warmer and they "float" a bit better. Always used stocking foot in my flippers, started out with the Caddis flippers that came with the tube "outfit", and bought some "universal type" Force Fins last year. I like the Force Fins better. The straps on all fins tend to loosen a bit when wet and after paddling a while, so I usually end up re-tightening them during the requisite bladder break. I don't know that the size or length of the fins make a difference- depends on your leg strength and stamina. I would think that the larger fins would be more tiring due to drag in the water and trying to kick the bigger surface area of the fins. Speed is not something that is an issue in a tube! I use the padded backpack type straps as the thinner non-padded straps tended to make my shoulders sore after about an hour of uphill walking. (Don't forget that tube will be packed with waders, water, food, and fishing gear - total weight of the rubber tubed versions usually tops out around 22-25 lbs for a full day in the backwoods). Cheers

<8417>
Gosh, I'm out of my league. Whatever happened to the days where we'd use an inner tube with a one of those dual beer holder hats for our tasty Alcoholic beverage to keep us cool throughout the day.

Attached to that was a piece of rope with a two 6 packs which we hung in the lake for back ups.
Kept em nice and cold and the fishing was only
part of the action.

<8433>
With a float tube you are able to lean forward with your elbows on the front of the tube. This comes in handy while chironomid fishing. With a U-Boat I imagine you cant do that. What do you think.

Thanks
Greg

<8437>
Yeah that's another advantage to the u-boat. I flew into a lake to the east of nakusp this year and I was the only that was able to use my boat. Everybody else had belly boats with vehicle tubes. I simply blew mine up with my breath, took about 5 min. This is a huge advantage for hike in lakes because I can throw everything in my pack when going into lakes for a day or two, instead of having to run into trees etc., all the time. Also what Geoff said about not filling them up all the way because of altitude is wise advice. I've blown two zippers out on my belly boat, just from going from one lake to another= another advantage to the u-boat. Also u-boats are easier to put a patch on I think, because they aren't so high pressure. In that same breath however it isn't easy to find new bladders if you rip the seam or what have you. Fins? Force fins without a question. They're so easy to paddle, and so comfortable it's unreal.

<9453>
I have a bit of a quandry. I've recently gotten into some christmas money and have been instructed by a friend to spend it. I want to buy a uboat.

I have looked at three so far. First I'll tell you my problem then some that I've looked at. Please let me know what you think of these.

I need a tube that is rated at least 300 pounds but probably more. I am a little leary about getting into a tube that is rated at or about my weight. I'm concerned about overall durability as well as daily durability. I would also like one that is fairly light and can be carried comfortably over distance. Obviously the more comfortable the better.

I've taken a look at the Outcast Super Fat Cat, the Bucks Bags Bullet and Berry's Bait's Emerger tube. As it stands I think I prefer the Super Fat Cat but it is naturally the most expensive. Is there another or what do you think of these?

Many thanks in advance.

<9458>
Tyler - I would STRONGLY suggest you try out both a u-boat and a donut shape float tube before investing. I've read the previous posts on this board and see what some think but it is my experience that most people who have owned both, prefer the donut. U-boats tend to be less maneuverable in the wind and you exert yourself much more as you don't have anywhere to brace you knees to pump you legs more effectively. Also, if you are on a fishing trip, good luck replacing the tube if needed. Most shops do not sell them because they are expensive to stock and seldom sold. It will be VERY expensive to replace. DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT buy anything with a vinyl tube. If they go, you're dead in the water whereas a rubber tube you have more that enough time to get to shore(heavier to carry but safer).The one advantage to the u-boat is accessibility -they are easier to get in and out of. You might want to check out a "Bagmaker" (donut). We've had ours for over 10 years, spend more time on the water that the average fishermen and other than fading they are still in excellent condition. Make sure you buy 5ml waders or you will be limited in the time you spend on the water early and late in the season. Definitely buy "Force Fins" (don't buy the knock-offs) you'll be AMAZED at the difference.

<9460>
Tyler, if you're a big guy which your 300lb limit suggests be careful with a U-boat. One of my buddies(240lb) has one and is always having to push himself back into it.No bouyancy up front means that you're always tipped slightly forward in a u-boat.With the donut you can kind of slump over the front which is esp. useful when fishing chronies. Not so easy to get in and out of however but the bladder is much more durable.Like Georgi says "Try before you buy". My buddy wishes he had bought the conventional donut.

<9463>
Tyler - Just wanted to add, if you try to cut corners and buy a cheap float tube, you will live to regret it. Look for good double stitching and sturdy zippers (first to go and you won't be able to keep anything dry). When you look at tubers on the water and see some of them bobbing from side to side while paddling - those are the guys who went cheap. Also, it was said earlier to look for a headrest with an extra tube - more comfortable and safer. Adjustable seat straps are also very important or without them you will constantly be sliding into a reclined postition. You should be able to find a Fly Shop that will rent you a float tube and take the rental price off the price of the tube you buy. Happy hunting.

<9478>


Georgi's suggestion of rent-before-you-buy is a good one. I know that M&Y in Surrey does that; chances are others do as well.

<9493>
Getting in and out of a float-tube or U-boat shouldn't even be an issue. If for some reason, you do have "trouble" getting in a donut boat, just step into the boat in the shallows and THEN put on your flippers.....no big deal. Besides most of your time is spent in the water. I used a U-boat once, and own a float tube. I can go much faster in my "donut" than I could in the U-boat. In the U-boat your legs end up floating on the surface.

But I just purchased a Pontoon boat......I don't think my float-tube is going to get as much action as it used to :-). But it still does have its time and place.

<9495>
Pontoon boats are definitly something to think about but consider this when you go shopping. Pontoons are more expensive than float tubes. They are not as "apartment friendly" - a float tube can be tucked away much easier inflated or not. Float tubes can fit easier in a car if you are limited in room. Pontoons are faster at getting around on water but on the other hand they drift easier in the wind - You would need a couple of good anchors. You will still need neo's and fins and you are going to be a lot warmer in neo's in warm weather as you sit out of the water. Depending on whether you like to troll or anchor - float tubes anchor better and if you are trolling you do all the maneuvering with your legs so you always have you rod in your hand for more effective fishing. Pontoons are difficult to maneuver with your legs, especially in the wind so you will need to use the oars and prop your rod and you will miss a lot of fish on the hit. Pontoons were originally designed for drifting the river and that's where they're at their best. There are some advantages but for me i'd just as soon use a little flat bottomed boat if i'm not in a tube. It's all a matter of personal preference.

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