02-26-2003, 01:42 PM
[cool]Since you are not over 200#, you can probably float comfortably in almost any craft made. My XXL proportions require that I look for the larger models with higher floatation ratings.
The question will be whether you want a round tube, a Uboat or mini-pontoon. For a combination of light weight and portability, a round tube with a vinyl or urethane bladder...rather than an inner tube...will fill the bill. This is the choice of backpackers. It can be carried in a pack...deflated...and quickly aired up with the "Boston" valves and a bit of lung power. Many models either come with pack straps, or they can be easily fashioned with some webbing. These will allow you to carry your craft inflated and to get launched more quickly when you hit the water.
I have fished many locations that required a substantial trek between my parked vehicle and my launch site. With a round tube, I find it easy to carry them, "hands free", by balancing them on my head. They are not heavy, but you need to make sure the tackle, etc. is distributed evenly to insure a good balance on your head.
A "traditional" float tube relies on a truck tire inner tube for an air chamber. I prefer them. They are a pound or so heavier than the vinyl bladder models, but they have slightly more puncture resistance. I also prefer the traditional air valves, rather than the boston valves. The latter seem to wear a bit and are prone to losing air or popping open. Not good when you are not in close proximity to the safety of a friendly shoreline.
Uboats are easier to get in and out of than round tubes. However, they usually rely on a "stabilizer" bar to keep the two ends from pulling together with the angler sits down on the seat. But, for the ability to launch more easily, especially in spots with difficult bottom (sticky mud, rocks, etc.), they are better for some folks. Most are light enough to transport long distances without too much strain.
After that you have the "mini-pontoons" and kick boats. These have the dual air chambers of larger pontoons, but are of a size and weight closer to tubes and Uboats. I have just finished about two years in a Kennebec, including many medium to long hikes to my launch sites, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't like the aforementioned Boston valves, on the air chambers, and I found the tackle pockets too narrow to accomodate some of the wider plastic tackle boxes I like. I also had my grievances with the stabilizer bars. But, all in all, a good all around tube for $149. What I probably liked best about the Kennebec...after years in standard tubes and Uboats, was the elevated seating. The seat keeps you right about on the waterline, instead of being submerged to the waist as in most float tubes.
If you look around, there are some really great new small pontoon rigs available these days. The true pontoon craft usually features some kind of rigid frame and may come with optional oars, to help navigate moving water, to get to and from distant fishing spots easier, and to enable you to troll better than with fin power alone. The main thing I dislike about the oars is that they can get in the way...especially when you are waving the fairy wand...with loose loops of lly line just waiting to catch on anything that protrudes into its path.
A van or truck should handle any craft you decide upon...fully inflated and ready to go. I usually take my GMC Jimmy and it holds two Kennebecs in their full upright and locked positions...plus rods, tackle, ice chests...and of course a fishing buddy (usually Mrs. Dude...Tube Babe).
Whatever you choose, let me know and I can suggest how to rig up a rod rack and the other accessories to enable you to go afloat with a good selection of gear. And, while noodle rods are vital for shore fishing or wading...for casting and line control...you can drop down to a good medium light 7 foot spin stick, with a fast tip. And, one thing you will discover quickly, you don't want a long butt section on rods you use in a float tube. They tend to keep banging on your body and getting caught in your vest or other gear. I make all my own rods and I usually shorten my handles by a couple of inches.
Don't know if that covers everything (Ha Ha...it's just the beginning). If you like, I can put up some links for online tube purveyors that you can use for some companative shopping and get some ideas as to the options available...and the prices. I'll be happy to render an opinion on any specific model that captures your attention.
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The question will be whether you want a round tube, a Uboat or mini-pontoon. For a combination of light weight and portability, a round tube with a vinyl or urethane bladder...rather than an inner tube...will fill the bill. This is the choice of backpackers. It can be carried in a pack...deflated...and quickly aired up with the "Boston" valves and a bit of lung power. Many models either come with pack straps, or they can be easily fashioned with some webbing. These will allow you to carry your craft inflated and to get launched more quickly when you hit the water.
I have fished many locations that required a substantial trek between my parked vehicle and my launch site. With a round tube, I find it easy to carry them, "hands free", by balancing them on my head. They are not heavy, but you need to make sure the tackle, etc. is distributed evenly to insure a good balance on your head.
A "traditional" float tube relies on a truck tire inner tube for an air chamber. I prefer them. They are a pound or so heavier than the vinyl bladder models, but they have slightly more puncture resistance. I also prefer the traditional air valves, rather than the boston valves. The latter seem to wear a bit and are prone to losing air or popping open. Not good when you are not in close proximity to the safety of a friendly shoreline.
Uboats are easier to get in and out of than round tubes. However, they usually rely on a "stabilizer" bar to keep the two ends from pulling together with the angler sits down on the seat. But, for the ability to launch more easily, especially in spots with difficult bottom (sticky mud, rocks, etc.), they are better for some folks. Most are light enough to transport long distances without too much strain.
After that you have the "mini-pontoons" and kick boats. These have the dual air chambers of larger pontoons, but are of a size and weight closer to tubes and Uboats. I have just finished about two years in a Kennebec, including many medium to long hikes to my launch sites, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't like the aforementioned Boston valves, on the air chambers, and I found the tackle pockets too narrow to accomodate some of the wider plastic tackle boxes I like. I also had my grievances with the stabilizer bars. But, all in all, a good all around tube for $149. What I probably liked best about the Kennebec...after years in standard tubes and Uboats, was the elevated seating. The seat keeps you right about on the waterline, instead of being submerged to the waist as in most float tubes.
If you look around, there are some really great new small pontoon rigs available these days. The true pontoon craft usually features some kind of rigid frame and may come with optional oars, to help navigate moving water, to get to and from distant fishing spots easier, and to enable you to troll better than with fin power alone. The main thing I dislike about the oars is that they can get in the way...especially when you are waving the fairy wand...with loose loops of lly line just waiting to catch on anything that protrudes into its path.
A van or truck should handle any craft you decide upon...fully inflated and ready to go. I usually take my GMC Jimmy and it holds two Kennebecs in their full upright and locked positions...plus rods, tackle, ice chests...and of course a fishing buddy (usually Mrs. Dude...Tube Babe).
Whatever you choose, let me know and I can suggest how to rig up a rod rack and the other accessories to enable you to go afloat with a good selection of gear. And, while noodle rods are vital for shore fishing or wading...for casting and line control...you can drop down to a good medium light 7 foot spin stick, with a fast tip. And, one thing you will discover quickly, you don't want a long butt section on rods you use in a float tube. They tend to keep banging on your body and getting caught in your vest or other gear. I make all my own rods and I usually shorten my handles by a couple of inches.
Don't know if that covers everything (Ha Ha...it's just the beginning). If you like, I can put up some links for online tube purveyors that you can use for some companative shopping and get some ideas as to the options available...and the prices. I'll be happy to render an opinion on any specific model that captures your attention.
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