Big guy float tube?

[REPETER]

I've got a friend who wants to go float tubing with me. From what I can tell, the 4 tubes that I own are not indicated for larger men (350+). I'm hoping to get some advice from you all about what is comfortable/uncomfortable and safe/unsafe. I have a Fishcat 4 Deluxe, Fishcat 4 and the Sportman's similar version that's a couple years older and an older Caddis tube. The only specs that I'm able to find indicate 225-250 lbs weight limit.

Looking at going to Palies State Park for a float. So it will be a smaller pond with no boater wake to decrease the possible risks.

So, the question would be, is he going to be in danger? It seems so and I certainly wouldn't want that to be the case. And almost as important, is he going to be quite uncomfortable? I'd hate for him to have a bad experience due to inadequate equipment and/or feel body shame for being a large man.

I'm just looking for advice and understand that no-one would want to over-step the recommendations on weight limit specs and possibly put someone else at risk. So I wouldn't go solely off the internet advice to over-ride a recommended weight limit. I'm wondering if someone has ventured to take the risk and want some feedback on how it went for them so that we can make an alternate plan or take extra precautions.

TIA!
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[catchinon]

I found a site that reviews three tubes for the really big guys. They have a couple with 300 lb max and one at 325.

https://troutfishingpro.com/best-float-t...-big-guys/
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[catchinon]

I think that if you do a little more searching on the internet you will find a few 350 lb max capacity tubes out there. Here's one that might be just the ticket for him.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PR3MCA?tag=ljadvisor-20
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[catchinon]

A couple of more thoughts.

1. In this litigious world we live in manufacturers usually under-rate capacities to give a safety margin. A tube rated for 350 lbs may work fine for 400. Just a thought.

2. I'm having a hard time getting up and down and keeping my balance on the bank where I regularly fish. The other day I realized that being 30 pounds lighter would probably make a big difference, and it would sure help in the fall when I'm trying to run up and down elk mountains []. You might gently encourage him to drop a few pounds to meet the capacity limit. No shaming, just a motivator?
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[AFK2Fish]

Not sure if you are in the market for something newer, but many of the Dave Scadden models have a weight range up to 800lbs. They are a bit pricey, but are amazing tubes.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Fish Cats are great tubes for someone under about 200#. But they will float quite a bit more weight, even if it is not comfy seating in the smaller craft. The larger Fat Cat models would be a better choice.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]I am over the 250# mark. I used Fat Cats for years and liked them. But the past couple of years I have been using the Scadden Escape...with a 600# rating. It works well. For someone over 300# you really do need to find a craft with sufficient floatation rating to safely handle that weight. Even though most craft will float more weight than their rating, comfort and safety are worth spending more if you have to in order to get more floatability.
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[MSM1970]

https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/56386582

its a bit bigger than a float tube but is would handle any one,
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[REPETER]

That is awesome! Is that yours that you made or one you came across on the classifieds?
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[REPETER]

Very helpful thank you!
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[fish_fanatic]

I have a Dave Scadden and love it, it is rated for 800 lbs. I think your friend would be fine using one of yours to see if he enjoys it. Just make sure he has the appropriate life preserver. If he seems to enjoy it and is willing to make an investment in my opinion a Dave Scadden is a great way to go but a pricey one. He can save money by calling Dave and buying direct that's what I did and I saved close to 30%. I also would have him let Dave help him choose the appropriate pontoon he is very knowledgeable and is always willing to help.
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[MSM1970]

there was a couple of us that conjured up the design adapted a couple things, cant sink it, I have stood on one corner couldnt tip it over I tried, the last few times i used it, i put the seat up high, there is a piece of ply wood (needs new) for a deck , feet are out of the water, Its all bolted together, can change position of everything to suit your needs wants or desires.
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[TubeDude]

[quote MSM1970][url "https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/56386582"]https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/56386582[/url]

its a bit bigger than a float tube but is would handle any one,[/quote]
[#0000FF]Oh yeah? Here are some other options:[/#0000FF]

[inline "BIG MAN TUBE.jpg"]

[inline "REDNECK BASS BOAT.JPG"]

[inline "LONG NECK FLOAT TUBE.jpg"]
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[MSM1970]

as long as your fishin, that what matters.
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