Favorite float tube?

[LBL]

OK, which is it and why? I’m in the market. Have a Clearwater for shorter carrys but I need one for longer jaunts.
Pros, cons, durability, weight, imho’s.
Have one you want to sell? Also let me know!

 

[Stonedfish]

Super Fat Cat
SF

 

[jaredoconnor]

This thread is timely. I'm planning to buy my first tube.

Hopefully this doesn't hijack the thread, but my main dilemma is deciding between one that is sturdy and one that is packable. The whole alpine lake thing is appealing, but I don't know if I'll ever do it.

 

[iveofione]

Start at the top. Buy once. Super Fat Cat.

 

[jaredoconnor]

Start at the top. Buy once. Super Fat Cat.

Here's a damning review of the new design.

live in Antigua in the Caribbean and guide in excess of 150 days per year from a fleet of Outcast Super Fat Cats. Myself and my clients (most of whom are entirely new to float tubing) without exception find them extremely stable and comfortable platforms from which to cast as we target fish like tarpon and other saltwater gamefish like snook, snapper, jacks and barracuda from them. My only real source of grief is the fact that in the more recent incarnations of the Super Fat Cat – Outcast has for some reason chosen a 2-tone colour scheme…. Not only does this make for extra unnecessary seams to stitch (and to possibly fail) but the fact that 2 colours are present means that each colour reacts at different rates to the UV light. I have purchased 8 Super Fat Cats now and despite a thorough washdown each and very time they are used – 4 of these 2 tone boats have failed in less than 1 year – all in the same place – along the waterline in the lighter coloured tan strip which bleaches out in a month or two to white and subsequently becomes weak and thereby prone to failure. When i initially raised this issue Outcast was quick to point out that they are not warrantied against UV degradation – however Outcast’s original ‘single tone’ green models of the Super Fat Cat both lasted almost 3 years with the exact same usage before the outer skin gave in to the sun’s rays The 2 tone scheme is not a step forward in style in my opinion (I have not managed to impress more fish with it to my knowledge) but rather it is a large step backwards for me financially as I have to replace them 3 times as often. It seems pointless to me at least to warranty a boat for 5 years yet deliberately build in a hidden weakness ensuring it will fail before it has to in a way which is not covered by the guarantee. If I were cynical i would say this is good for Outcast as it helps them to sell more boats…. But it’s bad for me as the consumer as I apparently have no comeback whatsoever in this regard….. And whilst I realise that mine are quite possibly “the world’s hardest working float tubes” – operating in strong sun and saltwater day after day – hopefully this info will heeded by the powers that be and that some future models will be amended taking this information into account – since the basic design and capabilities of the Super Fat Cat float tube are almost flawless in every other respect – and their largest and most serious defect is utterly avoidable.

 

[Merle]

"...comfortable platforms from which to cast as we target fish like tarpon and other saltwater gamefish..."

Wow - Tarpon from a float tube sounds like a wild ride!

 

[troutpocket]

Good discussion from last year

Bladderless Float Tube?

I want to replace a float tube with an internal PVC bladder that I've had problems with leaking at the valve. Cleaning the valve & bladder inner-outer surfaces has not helped. The mfg is not responding to questions about (in-warranty or even purchase) of a bladder and/or valve. I've had a...

pnwflyfishing.com

 

[Long_Rod_Silvers]

Here's a damning review of the new design.

The 2 tone scheme is not a step forward in style in my opinion (I have not managed to impress more fish with it to my knowledge)

 

[Stonedfish]

Here's a damning review of the new design.

When you find barracudas and saltwater in our local lakes, please let us know.
My original foam seat SFC has to be going close to 15 years old now with lots of use.
I had a new, backup inflatable seat version that I sold because the original wouldn’t wear out.
SF

 

[jaredoconnor]

When you find barracudas and saltwater in our local lakes, please let us know.

I'm more concerned about the reported UV damage.

 

[jasmillo]

I bought a Fish Cat Scout last year which is kind of a pontoon/tube hybrid. I actually bought the Sportsman’s warehouse version of this boat…which is the same exact boat, built by Outcast, with a different color skin…and half the price, especially when in sale. I love it. Lots of space. Fits inflated in the back of my short bed Tundra. Although I have not, I would be comfortable using it on “tame”rivers floats as well. Some pics. I am 6 feet and about 225.

 

[Long_Rod_Silvers]

I'm more concerned about the reported UV damage.

Unless you're moving to the Caribbean, I wouldn't worry about it.

UV levels are higher closer to the equator. And he's using it in the salt water. And he's on the water 150 days per year.

 

[LBL]

Thoughts??

Lost Creek 4 Float Tube - Gray/Orange​

https://www.sportsmans.com/fishing-.../lost-creek-4-float-tube-grayorange/p/1523865

 

[troutstalker]

I'm more concerned about the reported UV damage.

This review was from someone in Antigua in the Caribbean using them in saltwater where they would be subject to more and much stronger uv exposure. I don't think this would be as big of an issue in the Pacific Northwest in freshwater.

 

[Haggis57]

Thoughts??

Lost Creek 4 Float Tube - Gray/Orange​

This is a great deal and excellent price! It is the Sportsman's version of the Outcast Fishcat 4 and is made by Outcast.

 

[mickey rat]

For what it's worth a saw a Lost Creek LC9 which IS the Outcast 9-IR pontoon in my local Sportsmans Warehouse if anybody is looking for a hell of deal. $1210 vs $510. I had to pull myself away from that rebranded FC4 on the shelf below it. Love my Lost Creek Xstreamer/ Outcast Scout BTW.

 

[iveofione]

I have heard that on Mars a Super Fat Cat will freeze and shatter in the -80 degree temps on the first day! Be careful where you use your boat..

 

[_WW_]

Shit wears out. The more you use it, the quicker it wears out.

 

[mark wlker]

Used a Wood River "Gliderider" and a Trout Unlimited "Gallatin" for many years now. Quite happy with both.

 

[jaredoconnor]

Shit wears out. The more you use it, the quicker it wears out.

The guy does have a point though, about eliminating unnecessary seams.