Cumberland Float Tube

[dick tabbert]

Leo finally got me to open my float tube and pull it out of the box and blow it up. I will add make sure you get a full picture of it cause you know it came out of that little box why won't it go back in.

Box with literature.

[dick tabbert]

The next 3 picture will be after inflated. The seat is thick it looks rugged and rated for 400 lbs. It also looks comfortable but have no way of knowing being as this is my first float tube so wouldn't know how to compare till I actually get it on the water and try it out.

Front view without the apron.

Front view with the apron.

Rear view.

Like I said it looks rugged and comfortable but the true test will be after the maiden voyage.

[Jen Nayfly]

Dick me friend, you've got a good one there! I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to convert my Fish Cat to that apron style. 

[Leo Nguyen]

Jen, I will try to find a way for  you after I mod the frame structure. I know exactly what you mean about the stripping apron.

[Leo Nguyen]

There are a few mods you can consider:

[Leo Nguyen]

Here's a site that has the basic mod:

http://www.fishinglakes.com/2011/03/18/advanced-float-tube-rigging-...

Use the modification according to you your Cumberland's dimension, and not this Fish/Fat Cat design. Equipment is the same.

The two side frames are 1/2" PVC. The cross tube in the back, I recommend you to use 3/4" or 1". It will give you a more solid structure to lean back onto, rather than just depending on the adjustable straps that come with the float tube. I use 3/4" rather than the 1/2" PVC pipe. But, make sure not to buy the flimsy 110psi. Go dead broke on the 480psi to 600psi Schedule 40 pipes. Schedule 80 is a bit overkill.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

After looking at all of Leo's modifications, Im struck with the question, "Why not just get a boat?"

Of course, it is in the soul of all men and women to latch upon a thing, make it their own and improve on it. This tempts me and my fishing budget greatly...

[Leo Nguyen]

LOL Why would a man climb a mountain? Because it's there. Why buy a boat if you need to get it into a remote region where roadways are not available. Thus, mod the float tube to your desire specs and still haul it to the remote areas.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I follow what you're saying, Leo.

I am blessed to fish one of America's largest freshwater impoundments. You've heard me talk about Lake Murray in the past, certainly. However, for all the good things the lake has going for it, one thing it does NOT have is what I would call really remote areas. You never have to go far to find a launch facility.

But I can see where a float tube such as this could have some uses, the more I think about it. There are indeed some ponds and smaller waters near me for which it might serve well.

It is also bound to easier to launch than my kayak. While that small boat is not  really hard to get in the water, this tube stuff seems simpler yet. Certainly, as part of a cross-functional fishing flotilla, it has it's place.

Like I said, my fishing budget is starting to feel a new strain....

[Leo Nguyen]

LOL Yep. That's what I was saying to myself during college as well, as I started the new hobby in fishing on the water using budgeted floatation devices, beside killing myself in building the ultimate gaming PCs. Those days are over. Now, with the limited budget, I resume my passion in fishing again..let just say it dwarfed the PC building budget by a whole planetary distant.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

When fishing starts costing more than top-shelf gaming PC's well... it's time to step away from the water's edge!

Seriously. That is a nice tube Dick has there. I do like the rod holder modifications. I like to bring LOTS of rods with me....

[dick tabbert]

Plus the fact I love to fish different waters I'm not a one person lake person. I know the more lakes you fish with every body of water being different you increase your knowledge. The theory may be the same but the bodies of water are different and makes you have to think. I have lakes I know I can put my boat in and exactly where I'm going to catch fish and what kinds. I love catching fish like everybody but them are the kind of lakes you don't have to think about it's almost automatic. So that's why I love different lakes and many are so low my boats can not be launch and besides after looking at Greghopper catching a nap no I know that's my kinda fishing.

[Rick King]

Dick - thats a nice tube, its the same one that Patrick "Bullworm" uses and he says it works great.