Trout Unlimited Gunnison Float Tube

[MJ]

I am seriously considering purchasing my first float tube. From what I have researched, the Gunnison Float Tube seems to be a reasonable product to start with, i.e., quality vs. functionality vs. bucks. Anyone have any experience with this product? Or, better yet, experience with this product in direct comparison with like float tubes in its class?

[fessiewig]

I got a TU float tube for Christmas. It was the Bighorn model. I was all excited about the new "u-boat", having used the old fashioned round tube for years. We, with great expectation I launched the tube, even bought a new pump to inflate it. There is the problem with the new tube. It is a terror to inflate!!!! My advice is to go to a local dealer (you'll probably pay more) but you can see how it inflates and at some you may even be able to try it out. Now I have a brand new "u-boat" that I will never use and that money is wasted. Anyone want to buy a float tube - used only once.

[PW]

Click here (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0011332315391a&navAction=push&navCount=1&indexId=cat360010&podId=0011332&catalogCode=IF&parentId=cat360010&parentType=index&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.1_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431&hasJS=true)

I bought one of these this winter and have yet to try it out. So far I'm not impressed! It was a pain to put together since the air bladders don't fit easily into their compartments. Hopefully the performance on the water will compensate for the difficult setup. Recently I saw one at Mt Road Fly Shop that looks like a great design. I don't remember the brand.

Paul-

[PW]

Um, Fessiewig you've actually used yours and you're not happy. Maybe mine's going back to Cabelas.

Paul-

[sbeausol]

I have been looking and most people have pointed me toward this outcast tube:

http://www.outcastboats.com/outcastboats/fishcattubes.shtml
Cabelas link (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0017284316448a&navAction=jump&navCount=3&indexId=cat360010&podId=0017284&catalogCode=IF&parentId=cat360010&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20431&hasJS=true)

or this tube from waterskeeter:

Click here (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0029988318358a&navCount=0&cmCat=srchdx&cm_ven=srchdx&cm_ite=srchdx)

[fessiewig]

PW,

I'm not unhappy with the tube on the water, it's the inflation and deflation that rots.

If I had it to do over again I go over to Mountain Road Fly Shop and check out the tubes he has there. I've seen him inflate one and it's a snap.

With regard to the Outcast tubes, I looked at them and they are probably the best on the market, but the "Fatcat" is the one I'd need and they are up over $300 as I recall. Too much for my pocket book. Oh that it were not so. I don't know about the Water Skeeters, they look kinda cool.

[flytackle]

I know that they are old fashioned, but I've had fine luck for about 6 seasons with my Caddis High Sierra. I have to buy a new innertube just about every year (21' tire) but they are cheap and readily available. Lotsa fun!
http://www.ibbf-team.it/images/test/altri_modelli/Hight-Sierra.jpg

[fessiewig]

Looks just like my old tube except the color. They work just fine except they're a pain to get in and out of the water with.

[Remote Trout]

One thing to think about when considering how the tube inflates is where you are going to use it. I use mine for remote ponds that I can't haul a canoe into. It is much easier to hike with a deflated tube in your backpack than trying to hike with a fully inflated tube on your shoulders. :shock: If you are going to be backpacking with the tube, make sure you can blow it up with your mouth. Some people carry a small pump, but with a waders, fins, fishing gear, ect....I like to eliminate as much extra weight as possible.

[fessiewig]

You'd love the new tube I have (TU Bighorn). The ONLY way you can blow it up is with your mouth.

[Jammin' Salmon]

I have the Togiak and it works great! I've used it with clients and you sit high and it is very comfotable and maneuvarable.

Rick

[Tom Jutras]

I can tell you a little about the Daytripper float tube. It's a "U Boat" mounted on top of pontoons. It's easy in and out and it rides high which helps your casting. It comes with a back pack for transporting to your favorite pond. You can inflate by mouth but I wouldn't recommend doing it that way. The tube has too much air capacity and you would probably pass out. I talked with a customer today that told me of a pump that he carries for inflating which is rechargeable and can inflate the tube five times. From what he descibed to me the size of the pump was about as big as a large coffee mug. I will try to find out more info on this item and see about selling them in my shop.

[Tom Jutras]

I also forgot to mention that you can try the Water Skeeter at my shop anytime. Bring you waders!! I missed all of you last Sunday for our Demo Day. I think the weather kept many from attending.

[ericsylvain]

I gotta say, although a bit late to this thread that the fishcat
tube is awesome. In a recent hiking/fishing trip I had a buddy
that had the "Fish Cat 4" and he was running circles around me.
This is a major factor if your in windy situations and I was dead
tired pushing my square shaped tube with wading boots/fin setup.