Will this float tube do me well?

[Chris Krikorian]

Hi I am going to buy a float boat over the net and am not able to try them out. It's my first one so I am unsure what kind to get (u-float, or standard). I'm 5.10 feet tall and weigh 160 lbs. Do you have any suggestions? What are the advantages of the different shapes? I was hoping to get this one. Please tell me what you think of it. Thanks

cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1112615071

[Bob G2]

In general, go U-boat. They have a reputation of being more stable. They also cost a little more, but prices on tubes have dropped alot over the last few years that a few buck is worth it for the added safety. The round truck tire types were the first on the market. While the bigger ones are better, one of the raps on the round ones are they can flip on you if you lean forward too much. Bummer.

[Chris Krikorian]

If you flip does it really matter? I don't mind getting wet because I'll be tube fishing mostly in the summer. If it flips their is a safety device so you don't drown right?

[Starfish]

Actually you do really have to be careful about flipping over. Always wear a life jacket when float tubing. A friend of mine who isn't a good swimmer flipped his tube and almost drowned-- the problem is that your waders are very buoyant, so you tend to float upside-down.

Despite the increased stability of a u-tube, I prefer a round tube for bass fishing-- you can rest your forearm against the tube in front of you (after about fifty bass you'll appreciate it). They also have the advantage that you can replace the tube cheaply. U-tubes are probably best if you're doing a lot of flyfishing, or if you're very concerned about flipping it.

Good luck, you'll have fun.

[rngrfshm]

I generally like to sell the pontoon series as they are not that much more than the uboat series. I used to have a custom rod and fly shop and the customers I had always seemed to pick the pontoon after trying them. I let them take the different models out for the day for them to try and decide. The advantage of a pontoon is there is two bladders and large ones for safety incase one pops or deflates you have the second large bladder to keep you afloat and also the fact that there is less resistance in the water, a down side of this is in a windy area it will blow you around more, but you can get an anchor to help out.

Hope this helps.