Recent new member, 2nd post, Hi All

Hi, I have had my cumberland since last July. Only fished it 3 times. We winter in Tucson and summer throughout the USA. I needed a 'boat' that fit in our motorhome. I have done a lot of reading here and tricked it out already with rod holders, fish finder, anchor, big yellow tray. Then I saw some YouTubes with electric trolling motors... I bought a 24# thrust over craigslist and modified my rod holders adding a front transom and battery case holder. I haven't had it out on the water yet but will in the next couple of weeks. I will report back. I also will put some pictures on the next time I unpack and assemble it. PLEASE report back on what thoughts you all have on motorizing. I looked and found very little discussion of this. As a 72+ year old senior I had more trouble than most in fighting the wind that was present the three times I used the tube so far. The fins were very tiring. I used only the less expensive and likely less efficient ones made for over boots.

Ted

Welcome to the forum tednruthy!

The wind is not our friend on the tubes. I'd like to see some pics of tube and your trolling set up on the Cumberland when you get a chance.

I hope you enjoy your time here.

The wind sucks. I use force fins and they seem to be more efficient and I don't seem to be as tired. I have used the thruster fins from classic accessories and they are better than the step in fins. If you can find those or a decent dice fin will probably work better then the find you are using.

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It has been talked about but you are right not enough. I don't use a motor as I don't want the hassle but that is just me. If it was somethings i needed to enjoy my time on the water i would be looking for me info as well. Look forward to seeing your pictures. Time for a motor discussion guys.

Welcome to the forum! I would say that if a trolling motor works well for you then by all means use it. The wind and currents can make float tubing a lot of kicking around.

Welcome to the site and whatever you decide to do and if it works for you then by all means go-for-it.
I personally don’t use a motor, I just use my Force Fins and if the conditions don’t allow me to get out then I just don’t get out.
If you do set up a motor on your float tube, I’d be very interested in seeing some pictures of your set up and to hear how it works-out for you on your tube.

SP Dan     <“))><

I don't use a trolling motor but as far as find I picked up a really nice pair of dive fins from someone on the "OfferUp" app.  It is similar to Craigslist.  I ended up paying $20 for fins that retail in the $150 range new. They're in excellent condition too. If I can find find to fit my size 15 dive boots I put over my waders, I'm sure you can find something on there to suit your needs. A friend was able to use my XL fins over his boot foot waders. Maybe an option. In my opinion they're much more efficient. With a trolling motor you have to consider the weight of the battery causing hydrodynamic efficiency of the tube to decrease since it will sit lower in the water. However if the battery lasts the entire day, it really doesn't matter much since you won't be kicking around without it. Ultimately, you know what's best for you and what works for one may not for another. So filter through any advice given because everyone here has been tubing quite some time it seems so I'm sure they will steer you right.

I to am an OLE GUY, 71 this June, and have thought of ways of motoring myself around. My session at HH Friday was cut short by the wind, and the fish were biting, sucks.
I have looked into a product by Bixby, small propulsion motor that attaches to the underside of your tube. Battery is lithium, lighter and longer lasting than a conventional lead core battery for trolling. But the drawback is the price, $1000 for the setup. Their is another unit made in Europe that has been discussed here, da can't remember the name, and it to is $1000. But I did find a trolling unit with a short shaft, made for yaks and tubes for around $300. I have not looked into a lithium battery for a trolling motor, don't know that they make them. Oh and at one time a guy made a small inner tube for trolling motor and battery that attached to the bow of your tube, it pulled you through the water. That's about it, hope this helps, welcome aboard..........GT

GT they do make lithium battery for trolling motor However they are very very expensive.

How much are we talking about?