Bladderless Float Tube?

[Fomoco1649]

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 Watermaster for 10+years and never had a problem with the valves or leaks so I believe a bladderless design is simple, durable, and more reliable.
Am I wrong? Why?
Weight overall size and portability matter; an unloaded weight of 15 lbs or less is preferred. I don't think I need oars.
Two bladderless designs that I can find are the Super Cat and the Caddis Platinum Elite.
Are there others?
Has anyone seen, tried, or have either, or better yet all of those? (I know there are Super Cat owners on the board)
Pros & Cons? (interested in knowing the following)
I am just short of 5'10", <190lbs
Do you sit above, awash, or in the water?
The Caddis horizontal bar (and apparently Customer Support ) seems to be an issue for some of its owners with not stabilizing the bow width... thoughts?
Neither the Super Cat nor the Caddis appear to have any real usable storage behind the seat. Do you wish you had some-more?
Is there a recommended bag for carrying and storing it? (Super Cat no longer offers one).

Other thoughts?

Hello, flyfisherman….I currently have a Sea Eagle 10 ft Explorer Kayak, which is very good quality, and am considering a quality affordable float tube with oars….The Outcast Fat Cat Cruzer or Max…VS Caddis Platinum Elite Hybrid…which is only $399.00….has anybody tried one of these?

 

[Brian]

considering a quality affordable float tube with oars….

I have not tried using a float tube rigged with oars. But I would think rowing a float tube without footrests to brace against would probably be inefficient, awkward, difficult to control, and legs - feet with fins in the water are going to create a lot of drag. Plus oars would interfere with a rod (in a) holder, fish finder...

I found a real good deal on a new Super Fat Cat just after COVID. It's a luxury ride on smaller lakes I don't need to walk far into. For high lakes I have a 3.5 lb Wilderness Lite Backpacker Pro.
For larger drive to lakes the Watermaster is real nice for keeping me up and completely out of the water on cold (winter) days. I might pick up a bottom for it this year.

 

[Fomoco1649]

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 Watermaster for 10+years and never had a problem with the valves or leaks so I believe a bladderless design is simple, durable, and more reliable.
Am I wrong? Why?
Weight overall size and portability matter; an unloaded weight of 15 lbs or less is preferred. I don't think I need oars.
Two bladderless designs that I can find are the Super Cat and the Caddis Platinum Elite.
Are there others?
Has anyone seen, tried, or have either, or better yet all of those? (I know there are Super Cat owners on the board)
Pros & Cons? (interested in knowing the following)
I am just short of 5'10", <190lbs
Do you sit above, awash, or in the water?
The Caddis horizontal bar (and apparently Customer Support ) seems to be an issue for some of its owners with not stabilizing the bow width... thoughts?
Neither the Super Cat nor the Caddis appear to have any real usable storage behind the seat. Do you wish you had some-more?
Is there a recommended bag for carrying and storing it? (Super Cat no longer offers one).

Other thoughts?

I decided to go with the Caddis Platinum Elite Hybrid , on Sale for $399.00…heavy duty , only 18#, with lots of room & extras….

 

[Porter2]

I'm not Ive or Sue so forgive me; I have the Outcast Fat Cat, great boat! I splurged and bought Outcasts carrying bag for that specific boat (OEM). Off season, I store my Fat Cat in the bag and if I'm on a long road trip with my pram and float tube, I transport it in the bag. This time of year the boat's inflated and transported inflated.

 

[GAT]

I tried a SuperCat prototype before they started selling them to the public. I've been a fan ever since that day... however many years ago that was. Considering the boat is made out of something similar to rubber raft material and has no bladder, it is one tough critter (and I'm hard on my equipment). The one I have now will outlast me.

Four of my fishing buddies also used SuperCats ... other anglers thought we must work for the company when they'd see us on the water together.

 

[Stonedfish]

I decided to go with the Caddis Platinum Elite Hybrid , on Sale for $399.00…heavy duty , only 18#, with lots of room & extras….

Nice looking craft. A couple questions.
Is the bar up front to put your feet up on while rowing or for rigidity?
What type of stripping apron did it come with?
SF

 

[speyflyfisher]

Nice looking craft. A couple questions.
Is the bar up front to put your feet up on while rowing or for rigidity?
What type of stripping apron did it come with?
SF

SF, it looks to me that the “black” material on the front cross bar is the stripping apron rolled up. Th e tube should be ridged enough without it so I assume it’s just for the stripping apron. Not seeing it in person, that’s just my spin on it

 

[Stonedfish]

SF, it looks to me that the “black” material on the front cross bar is the stripping apron rolled up. Th e tube should be ridged enough without it so I assume it’s just for the stripping apron. Not seeing it in person, that’s just my spin on it

It looks like pipe foam insulation to me, but hard to tell.
SF

 

[Matt B]

Is the bar up front to put your feet up on while rowing or for rigidity?

It can't be for feet. My knees would be on my chest if I put my feet on that thing.

 

[speyflyfisher]

My only thought is that the apron should be a bit wider more into the users lap