02-27-2003, 10:21 PM
[cool]It may be too early for the kiddies to be lookin in Christmas catalogs, but fishermen lookin in Cabelas or Bass Pro is legal all year. Hallelujah. We'd all be more insane that we are if we didn't have something to drool over and dream about during non-productive time...like at work.
Hey, that PHAT TUBE sure looks a lot like the "Daytripper" put out by Water Skeeter. It didn't say in the catalog, but the online store for Bass Pro says that the Phat Tube is made by White River. And, it lists for $179 in the online store...not $199, like in the catalog.
I like the altitude...for visibility, line control and splash protection. I'm not sure how I would like to have to move it in breezy conditions. My Kennebec has been bad enough when the wind comes up, and it ain't nearly that high. Man, you could get a nosebleed at that altitude.
I have heard negative input from anglers who found the higher center of gravity a problem when leaning over or forward to control a fish. With the Water Skeeter Daytripper, the foam seats are hard and slippery when wet. That could lead to a "slip slidin' away" problem.
And, at first glance, you would think there would be a lot more flotation. But, the pontoons are the only part of the tube in the water. The air chambers on top are there for armrests and containment. Of course, they also contribute to splash protection.
Unless you do not have fins or a pump, the combo price can be shaved to the tube-only price of $199 (in the catalog). That's the same as the list price for the Daytripper, and is a fair price if the quality is good. It should definitely be a contender, for lots of different kinds of fishing. I will be eager to get some input from anyone who makes the leap of faith and acquires one.
Hey, Kiyo, how about a rundown on the Waterbug. I seem to recall a few of the Baytubers use them. Make any comparisons you can to the Phat Tube.
![[Image: ws2700.jpg]](http://www.thefloattubestore.com/images/ws2700.jpg)
HERE'S THE "DAYTRIPPER"
![[Image: 71975.jpg]](http://image.basspro-shops.com/images/images2/71500/71975.jpg)
HERE'S THE PHAT TUBE.
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Hey, that PHAT TUBE sure looks a lot like the "Daytripper" put out by Water Skeeter. It didn't say in the catalog, but the online store for Bass Pro says that the Phat Tube is made by White River. And, it lists for $179 in the online store...not $199, like in the catalog.
I like the altitude...for visibility, line control and splash protection. I'm not sure how I would like to have to move it in breezy conditions. My Kennebec has been bad enough when the wind comes up, and it ain't nearly that high. Man, you could get a nosebleed at that altitude.
I have heard negative input from anglers who found the higher center of gravity a problem when leaning over or forward to control a fish. With the Water Skeeter Daytripper, the foam seats are hard and slippery when wet. That could lead to a "slip slidin' away" problem.
And, at first glance, you would think there would be a lot more flotation. But, the pontoons are the only part of the tube in the water. The air chambers on top are there for armrests and containment. Of course, they also contribute to splash protection.
Unless you do not have fins or a pump, the combo price can be shaved to the tube-only price of $199 (in the catalog). That's the same as the list price for the Daytripper, and is a fair price if the quality is good. It should definitely be a contender, for lots of different kinds of fishing. I will be eager to get some input from anyone who makes the leap of faith and acquires one.
Hey, Kiyo, how about a rundown on the Waterbug. I seem to recall a few of the Baytubers use them. Make any comparisons you can to the Phat Tube.
HERE'S THE "DAYTRIPPER"
HERE'S THE PHAT TUBE.
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