HEAVY COVER GILLIN !!!

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Comment by Leo Nguyen on June 18, 2013 at 1:20pm

ODC is great tube for the price. Comfortable, yet, at times, during high wakes, I feel a bit unsteady. Many will argue between the ODC vs the Fish Cat, but both have their pros and cons. However, if you weigh between new tubes (not purchased during sales), ODC will win over the Fish Cat in the budget war, in comfort, and pricing. But, when it come to reliability, handling, and stability, I vote for the Fish Cat. Comfort can be upgraded for the Fish Cat.

Cumberland is hands down a truly budgeted deluxe watercraft. Compared to a Prowler, Cumberland exceed the Prowler in comfort. But, durability, I'm still a bit on edge. Open water, I have no problem taking the Cumberland out, with plenty of room for mods. When I'm hugging the banks, knowing there are plenty of things that can go wrong with underwater structures, I'll spend the money to get the Prowler, or even switch over to the Class IV rapid rated pontoon. I don't want to have that sinking feeling (which I experienced as well) like I did with my Caddis ever again.

I even contemplate in retrofitting a dense polyvinyl platting below the bladders to venture into dense structures, and not worry about punctures from below. Of course, that will add so much drags in the water, I'll be suffering when I get home. This is why I'm investing in 21' carbon fiber telescoping poles instead. Light enough to hold with one hand, and long enough to reach into those extremely hard to reach places.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on June 18, 2013 at 1:02pm

Woooow, you're a swapping fella!

What did you think of the Cumberland and ODC models when you had them?
Would you have a preference, today?

Comment by Leo Nguyen on June 18, 2013 at 12:45pm

David, I was using a few different ones, but my primary was (7 years ago), the Caddis Neveda, then shelved due to wear and tear since it can't be sold, switch up to the ODC 420, sold that, grabbed the Cumberland because I carried gears, then sold that, grabbed the Dave Scadden Sunrise inflatable pontoon, and upgraded to Fish Cat 4 LCS as a secondary quick transport on the water. I was at 210lbs, but knowing that my health was on the decline, I lost weight down to 175 to 180lbs, and maintain at that point. So, Fish Cat 4 will be more than sufficient to take on the jobs for short range excursion, while the pontoon will be moderate range. Long range (over 7 miles), I will invest in a kayak later down the road.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on June 18, 2013 at 5:50am

Thanks Michael.

I have dropped the Fish Cat from my list of options for a couple of newly-learned reasons:

- It has a 250 lbs. capacity, which is near limit for my big @ss.

- Two others are somewhat larger, and possess greater capacity.

These are:

Creek Company ODC 420

Classic Accessories "Cumberland"

 

The Fish Cat is a fine tube and is the benchmark all others measure up to. It is also said that larger anglers like me (6'1", 230 lbs.) feel cramped in them... and there is that capacity issue.

 

But what you are saying about taking care of your gear and making simple repairs resonates with me. It is that way with anything one owns...

Take care of it and fix it if it breaks.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

Comment by Michael J. Searl on June 18, 2013 at 4:22am

Sorry to hear that a Fish Cat #4 had a seam rip out. Having used these tubes for many years, I tend to think there were reasons this happened . The only time I had this problem was after 7 years of very hard use in the hot sun. I had also pulled it to many walk in lakes sliding on the grass and across gravel to gain access. The wear finally caused issues .

It is no problem at all to resew a Fish Cat .Just pop the bladder out and sew the seam on the inside with strong thread .Use a simple whip stitch and it will go fast.  This throw away--buy new  practice is just insane. Bladders used to be available on the Outcast Boat site but any puncture I get fishing flooded locust trees is easily fixed . My first 2 Outcast 4s are still in service with the grandaughter's boyfriend, and now that I stopped repeatedly abusing the tubes there has never been any seam problems . My grandson's were raised in these fine tubes. lol  I even bought a pair from Bass Pro when Outcast came out with the current model. They were $100 ea. lol That was a painless experiance.  Mike

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on June 18, 2013 at 3:08am

thanks, Leo.
I figured the tubes were replaceable. they're called bladders I believe. the fabric portion, the lining, that may be a different story.
it might be cheaper to just get a whole new unit.
I do notice a rather wide range of warranty coverage, between manufacturers.
what float tube do you use?

Comment by Leo Nguyen on June 17, 2013 at 9:58pm

With old tubes, it's better just to replace the full tube in full. It's much more effective. Unless the tube is only a year or two old, it's understandable. However, when the tube reaches more than 5 years in age, with heavy usages, a full new tube is the best way to go.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on June 17, 2013 at 6:44am

How about the lining as a replacement component?
Its with looking into, maybe....
You know more than me about these things. I'm just going on the
idea that anything can be fixed.
How's that line from the country song go, "... If its broke 'round here, we fix it."
something like that.

Comment by David Dillman on June 17, 2013 at 6:36am

David

No on replacing the bladder.  The bladders are fine the lining  ripped out, so the bladder will not stay in.  I hope the son remembers, he seems forgetful.

Dilly

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on June 17, 2013 at 2:46am

Hey Dilly
Can't you replace just the tube portion?
Put in a new bladder, and your golden.
I do hope you get back in the pond, it sounds excellent.
If you do think about paying the lady a visit, introducing yourself
and taking her a box of chocolates! At least get her take on the business

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