Thanks Greg and Leo

[dick tabbert]

OK Greg and Leo you got me started with the float tubes. I need any info on fishing float tubes cause I have never used one before I think you gathered that though. I'm a fairly large person no large person with one back surgery under my belt so I would like something comfortable with great back support. Any help would be appreciated back support being the main emphasis.  

[dick tabbert]

Thanks Leo I know you do your homework on stuff before you purchase them. The outcast Prowler is a nice looking tube but very pricey and I don't know about a second hand one I'll have to look around. Thank you for your input. I like the fact it hold 325 lbs so I think I'll be setting higher on the water.

[Greg McWilliams]

Dick, I did a little modification on the seat. Now I can NAP in it if the Fishing is SLOE!!!!!!

[Greg McWilliams]

Dich, I have had the round ones, dangerous!!!! I have a 6' pontoon with a seat in it, was nice but I was battleing wind!!!! I have had trout unlimited Kennabec was ok  but this one is my favorite!!!!!! Also it is my second one!!!! There are a lot of them on the market almost as much fun as rod shopping!!!!!!!

[Leo Nguyen]

Make sure not to pay the full price for the float tube. Buy it on eBay, Craigslist, or search a few place on the net for resale. Once the tube is used for a few time, the cost of the tube should not exceed 3/4 of its original price. If the tube is used or owned more than a year, the price goes down 1/2. So, don't get suckered into buy a new at full price..used is more than sufficient.

[Leo Nguyen]

Welcome to the dark side! Muaahahaaha..just kidding! Jonathan is smack on the ODC 420 model. If you do have a bit of extra cash laying around, my suggestion is also look for the Outcast Prower (http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?id=6) due to the unique design for the larger guys like you and I. The material is a lot stronger, and the ability to modify that thing is off the chart for fish finder, extra rods in the rear, livebait well, etc.. We have all the mods ready for you. If you're going to an area where undergrowth may puncture the world out of your tube, there are customized polymer shielding inserts you can also use for your float. The Fat Cat is good, but lack the wiggling room. The Prowler will have that chair to support your back. If you need a stiffer chair, you can also add a hard plank in the back for additional support.

If you want an all out design, my suggestion is the Dave Scadden Rampagefor comfort and support, Escape. This is a higher end model than the common tubes. However, the materials is designed for Class 3 and Class 4 rapid hell. So, the lining is tough..real tough..just to handle those crazy undergrowth.

[dick tabbert]

Thanks JB interesting stuff.

[JBplusThuy]

I don't know if there is such a thing as a float tube with great back support. Some may be better than others, but none of them are going to be anything like sitting in a Recaro seat. I have a Creek Company ODC 420, and the seat is basically a hard foam slab inside of a cover. You can see one here:

http://creekcompany.com/product.php?productid=16152&cat=249&...

Weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Some tubes, such as the Outcast Super Fat Cat have an inflatable seat:

http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?id=3

Weight capacity is 300 pounds, same as the ODC-420.

The Outcast Prowler can carry a bit more weight, 325 pounds, and is a more deluxe tube:

http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?id=6

Outcast also has a less expensive series called Fish Cat, but the max. load is 250 pounds. The Deluxe model has an inflatable seat:

http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?id=25

eBay can be a good place to find a tube at a very competitive price. You can also order directly from the manufacturer, and there are the usual suspects such as Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops as well.

An unexpected benefit I got out of tubing is that a day of tubing makes my normally stiff knees feel great!