Prowler Float Tube

[Tim L]

About the number of days. I thought the same until I started using Roper's Fat Cat every trip home, then returning to my Fishcat in Ohio each time. I was just telling Rick it's like getting out of a Cadillac and trying to drive a roller skate. Especially at my size, I'm tall and easily north of 2 bucks.

The Fishcat works fine, but the smaller diameter pontoons are really noticeable. With normal maneuvering, I'm constantly submerging the front end, and the ride is significantly slower with much more drag vs the Fat Cat.

So to me, the smaller price tag gets you out there on a very stable and reliable boat, plus I wouldn't sink nearly twice the $ into something that sits all but 2 or 3 weeks worth of days - and I believe that's a massive part of the market, easily the majority.

But yeah, the wording of that always sounded like an odd way to compare the two boats with respect to the pricing. I'd say both are good bang for the buck, especially given the longevity, and base a decision on how often you'll realistically use it...what they tried to say .

(Ken thanks for all that on the seats...greatly appreciated)

 

[Wetswinger]

You might want to also look at the Fishcat 5. Great tube for the larger (or just heavier) person. Has the foam seat though.

What I like about the foam seat, is that the foam acts as a type of rigid beam that keeps the tubes spread apart when sitting. I actually added another 1” pad under the existing one (yes there is room in the seat pocket) so I sat higher and reduced the taco effect. I think the Fishcat 5 is a value..

 

[Islander]

"Built to withstand the rigors of 25 days on the water per year."

Heck, during spring and fall, I’ll put in 25 days a month!
I noticed that same “selling point” when I was looking into the Cruzer line. They make a Cruzer Max that’s bigger, supports more weight and was touted “over 25 days a year” type boat. I ended up with the smaller version as it was the only one available without a long wait at the time, and it’s held up well. I’m wondering if the bladder material is different when they advertise the 25 day thing?

 

[Tim L]

Heck, during spring and fall, I’ll put in 25 days a month!
I noticed that same “selling point” when I was looking into the Cruzer line. They make a Cruzer Max that’s bigger, supports more weight and was touted “over 25 days a year” type boat. I ended up with the smaller version as it was the only one available without a long wait at the time, and it’s held up well. I’m wondering if the bladder material is different when they advertise the 25 day thing?

I think the main difference is 2 bladder boston vs single summit. The summit is more convenient, plus the larger boat/higher ride would also support the greater use idea.

5-6 hondo for 100 outings makes sense, just like holding it to $300 for 20 days. At least thats my version of the gospel

You need the bigger boat for those hogs you catch!

 

[Islander]

To answer the original question:
I don’t have any experience with the Prowler, but have a lot with various other Outcast boats. I believe you can’t go wrong with the bigger boat. It’s obviously a bit more robust (25+ days! ) and if you are a bigger guy you will be more comfortable. I wish I had waited for the larger Cruzer in hindsight, although in my defense it would have been several months, because of the bit more size and durability. The only drawback to a larger type boat that I can see, is if you are planning on hiking it into remote lakes a lot, then bigger isn’t always better! My two cents worth.

 

[Haggis57]

I’m wondering if the bladder material is different when they advertise the 25 day thing?

I think you're right. Outcast puts the '25 day plus' label on most if not all their boats with Urethane main bladders. The vinyl bladders are for us 'amateurs' who can't get their act together enough to get out on the water that much!

 

[Billy]

Surely we got one member that uses a Prowler?

I've used a fish cat 4 and sfc so I am aware of foam seats vs air etc. I appreciate everyone chiming in but really looking for specifics from Prowler users.

 

[troutpocket]

@Billy the Prowler users don’t want to be shamed for investing in good equipment!

But seriously, what are the options for a rugged and packable tube for a bigger-framed person who fishes a lot? Outcast, SuperCat, ??

 

[Billy]

@Billy the Prowler users don’t want to be shamed for investing in good equipment!

But seriously, what are the options for a rugged and packable tube for a bigger-framed person who fishes a lot? Outcast, SuperCat, ??

I need to try your Super Cat one day. That's another option....

 

[jeffj]

I picked one up the 1st year that they were made on the auction site for quite a bit less than the $480 price tag at the time. The fact that the area behind the seat is dry storage (unless the weather is foul) was a nice upgrade from my SFC. The removable gear bags were a nice addition too. The front of the apron is kind of saggy, so I punched holes in the fabric and screwed a wooden yardstick to it as a reinforcement. Makes a better measurement tool for fish and leader length. My departed fishing partner who was 6' 10" bought one a few years later and was happy with it. I had a main tube seam failure while it was hanging partially inflated in the garage. Outcast sent me a replacement free of charge even though I'd bought it used. The seat back inflation is a major factor in my comfort on the water. If it's too firm, it pushes me too far forward on the seat. Finding the right pressure is trial and error. my partner never used a pressure gauge filling his boat and blew out the bottom bladder while taking a shore break on a hot day. He'd pulled the boat clear of the water and sun was shining on the bottom. After repairs he used my pressure gauge without fail. 1.8 lbs in the main and floor bladders. My first tube was a donut from the Tucker Duck and Rubber Co. Cost me $20 if I remember correctly. Every tube I've had since has been an improvement. NRS is coming out with a nice one with oars this season, but it doesn't really look packable.

 

[Billy]

I picked one up the 1st year that they were made on the auction site for quite a bit less than the $480 price tag at the time. The fact that the area behind the seat is dry storage (unless the weather is foul) was a nice upgrade from my SFC. The removable gear bags were a nice addition too. The front of the apron is kind of saggy, so I punched holes in the fabric and screwed a wooden yardstick to it as a reinforcement. Makes a better measurement tool for fish and leader length. My departed fishing partner who was 6' 10" bought one a few years later and was happy with it. I had a main tube seam failure while it was hanging partially inflated in the garage. Outcast sent me a replacement free of charge even though I'd bought it used. The seat back inflation is a major factor in my comfort on the water. If it's too firm, it pushes me too far forward on the seat. Finding the right pressure is trial and error. my partner never used a pressure gauge filling his boat and blew out the bottom bladder while taking a shore break on a hot day. He'd pulled the boat clear of the water and sun was shining on the bottom. After repairs he used my pressure gauge without fail. 1.8 lbs in the main and floor bladders. My first tube was a donut from the Tucker Duck and Rubber Co. Cost me $20 if I remember correctly. Every tube I've had since has been an improvement. NRS is coming out with a nice one with oars this season, but it doesn't really look packable.

@jeffj do you find the Prowler more leaning forward then the SFC?

Really appreciate you taking the time to give me the details!

 

[jeffj]

That's what overinflating the seat back feels like to me. It puts me in a forward leaning position. With the seat valve right over your shoulder you can let air out while you fish until it feels right to you

 

[Wanative]

Any one use one? How do you like it and how does it compare to the SFC?

Just looking for an upgrade being a bigger guy.
Billy

I have one Billy and love it.
I was in it that time we crossed paths at a lake in you're area.
For folks the size of NFL tight ends like you and I are I highly recommend the prowler. When we met up that time I thought you looked kind of large for the tube you were in.
I moved the tackle compartments back few inches to create more room in front of them for my Garmin Stryker 4 and dual rod holders. The inflatable seats are very slippery to sit in with chest waders. So much so I added a seat belt. I've heard the horror stories about being trapped by the seat belt after you flip the tube. For me the risk reward is worth it to know I won't slide out of the tube if I lean forward into the drink.
I found some pictures with me in the tube to show how it floats with a big guy.
I know with myself,waders and all the crap I drag along wth me I'm pushing
270-280 lbs. @Buzzy will testify I do not travel light.

 

[Buzzy]

Fred's right, he doesn't travel light; on one 1.4 mile (one way) hike, Fred was a bit slower than me...... that might also be the difference in Prowler weight and SFC weight. It is significant for long hikes.

I seem to recall one incident where you and your Prowler decided to part company but it ended well, right? Since you included a little fish porn I thought perhaps a picture of you with a bigger fish might be in order:



The first couple of fish pics Fred posted were actually quite big trout, it's just that Fred's hands are BIG, I mean seriously catchers mitt big, so maybe a trout that would look HUGE in my hands here looks like just a nice fish.

Okay - back on task @Billy, no more drift.

 

[Brian in OR.]

That's what overinflating the seat back feels like to me. It puts me in a forward leaning position. With the seat valve right over your shoulder you can let air out while you fish until it feels right to you

Doesn't the seat back have adjustable straps to position it where you want it?

 

[JOD]

I have one Billy and love it.
I was in it that time we crossed paths at a lake in you're area.
For folks the size of NFL tight ends like you and I are I highly recommend the prowler. When we met up that time I thought you looked kind of large for the tube you were in.
I moved the tackle compartments back few inches to create more room in front of them for my Garmin Stryker 4 and dual rod holders. The inflatable seats are very slippery to sit in with chest waders. So much so I added a seat belt. I've heard the horror stories about being trapped by the seat belt after you flip the tube. For me the risk reward is worth it to know I won't slide out of the tube if I lean forward into the drink.
I found some pictures with me in the tube to show how it floats with a big guy.
I know with myself,waders and all the crap I drag along wth me I'm pushing
270-280 lbs. @Buzzy will testify I do not travel light.
View attachment 162561View attachment 162567View attachment 162568View attachment 162569View attachment 162562

Old Goat thats pretty clever the way you moved the side pocket back to make room for a sounder. I'm going to have to experiment with that.

 

[JOD]

I have a Prowler. Cant compare it to a SFC but overall I like it . Its big, heavy, and comfortable except like some of the posters above mentioned if feels like the seat is too short for me (I'm 6'3") and almost canted downward like you could slide out. Keeping the backrest soft helps move you back a bit as has been noted and helps. There's a fine line between the proper floor inflation and a very sore butt that I'm still searching for. Yesterday I fished with a 3/4" closed cell foam kneeling pad over seat and it helped.

 

[Wanative]

Fred's right, he doesn't travel light; on one 1.4 mile (one way) hike, Fred was a bit slower than me...... that might also be the difference in Prowler weight and SFC weight. It is significant for long hikes.

I seem to recall one incident where you and your Prowler decided to part company but it ended well, right? Since you included a little fish porn I thought perhaps a picture of you with a bigger fish might be in order:

View attachment 162583

The first couple of fish pics Fred posted were actually quite big trout, it's just that Fred's hands are BIG, I mean seriously catchers mitt big, so maybe a trout that would look HUGE in my hands here looks like just a nice fish.

Okay - back on task @Billy, no more drift.

In defense of the Prowler I had not inflated it full enough to account for the cold water and drop in air temperature that occurred later in the day. I didn't bring a pump out with me that day. Hence the sagging of the tube in this picture.
I learned a valuable lesson that day.