float tube

[okanagan]

i want to get a good quality float tube. i have had enough of packing a big boat into those hard walk in lakes and think it is time to get a float tube. i dont wnat to spend over 250 so what do you guys think is a good tube.

[zugger]

outcast has several different models that would fit your budget.

[James Lake Junkie]

My Dragonfly "Venture" is the bellyboat style and cost me about $180 and I have no complaints with it as of yet. It's light weight, durable, I fit into it snugly and I can inflate it either with my footpump or by mouth. I don't know where abouts you're located but I purchased mine at A&C sports on Banks Rd. in Kelowna. I believe it's the only place in town you can still purchase the bellyboat style of float tubes.

[delvachio]

Ive been thinking about getting another one (my brother jumped off a dock with my first one and went right through). You can get amazing deals if you look on craigs list. As long as they arn't sun worn they are still perfectly fine.

[b_man360]

http://www.bucksbags.com/cm_item.asp?id=210 i got this one on sale for about 90 bucks at kencraft in vernon.

[LiquidGuides01]

I have a Caddis float tube and i love it for small lakes or walk in lakes. its strong very light weight and very comftorable and your out of the water from knee up so it keeps you out of the water a fair bit which is nice. i payed $200 for it and its got 2 Large pockets on each side with a mesh opening at the front of the tube to keep your fish.

[okanagan]

thanks for the imput i have been checking craigslist and it does have wicked deals.

[Liptugger]

When looking for a float tube, try and get one that has the tire inner tubes. I have had a Trout trap with the same inner tube since 1990, and still going strong.
Saw one on e-bay that was going cheap and it was new.

[bobert]

If you are thinking of hiking into lakes, I would suggest the dragonfly venture. The more expensive tubes, U and V boats have more bells and whistlers, but are both heavier and a bit bulky. I hike in to many lakes and I've looked closely at every float tube on the market that I can find. The dragonfly is 5lbs and very packable. U and V boats get heavier and more expensive... 10-20 lbs. Doesn't sound like a lot of weight, but add flippers, waders, net, rod, reel, foot pump, lunch/food and possibly overnight camping gear and and having the lightest and most packable (and conviniently least expensive) belly boat makes some of those difficult access lakes a little more accessible.

[pin_head]

After getting my fishcat 4 V-boat I can assure you I will never fish out of a round float tube. The comfort and ease of getting in and out is on another level altogether. Unfortunately though, as Bobert mentioned, it is a lot heavier and more cumbersome than my old dragonfly.