Cumberland Apron Upgrade

So, the one thing I really never liked about the v style float tubes has been the aprons, bottom line is, they SUCK!

Looked for months for the perfect fit and finally found this lid that fit like a glove!  Finally, I nice sturdy place to work on. I like the tactical look too   Upgraded the stabalizer bar to a 1 1/2" ABS pipe also.

Added sizing marks with a black sharpie.

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nifty storage compartment added to my rod holder...

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works great for photos too!

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Looks industrial, I like it!

Not bad at all for a monkey off the streets!

LOL@lolly hahahah

and good stuff, i can see an orange one going on mine hahah...hmmm might be harder cuz of mine not having that stabalizer bar....

Wiseguy, that is nice!
Where did you find the lid?
It looks like from a ice chest, but the black matches great.

Well done!!! I like the lip around the edge to keep stuff from rolling off. Looks like a good work station.

That's tight bro.

Dude that is freaken hot dude nice work.

Wow so awesome! I'm gonna have steal this. Lol so killer.

One question. Why the 1 1/2" pipe upgrade? Other than "because you can" or course =)

Jerdon wrote:Wiseguy, that is nice!
Where did you find the lid?
It looks like from a ice chest, but the black matches great.

Target! It actually comes with a nice box for $10, can't just buy the lid alone.  

SirMixALot wrote:One question. Why the 1 1/2" pipe upgrade? Other than "because you can" or course =)

I hated the two piece 3/4" flimzy one it comes with...and since the pipe is exposed, I didn't want it to be white. The 1 1/2" fits nicely on the tube and has more contact where the pipe sits on the bladder, I smoothed out the sharp edges of the 45 degree cut and it sits nicely. Feels solid as compared to the original design.  

Who says we're gonna BUY the lid?   

So Wiseguy, when you exit your tube U 'Flip your Lid'?. All kidding aside, does that work? GT

GT wrote:So Wiseguy, when you exit your tube U 'Flip your Lid'?.  All kidding aside, does that work?  GT

Yup! it actually opens up like a hood of a car and stays up in vertical position for putting on my fins in the water.

I've been out four times since the upgarade, all I can say is FINALLY! Hated that flimzy crap it came with. Had lunch on it and worked like a table too, it just works for all sorts of things. Holds my fish sturdy while taking a picture or to measure it.

I take it it's not necessary to tie down the back, because it fairly rigid...........I have a cumbrlnd and I think this will be a good alteration. GT

GT wrote:I take it it's not necessary to tie down the back, because it fairly rigid...........I have a cumbrlnd and I think this will be a good alteration.  GT

not necessary, it sits on your lap.

I'm definitely diggin' that storage compartment! The lid is cool too   

Excellent mod! Any issue with scraping your laps because of the lid's lower edges?

TheAsianGuy wrote:Excellent mod! Any issue with scraping your laps because of the lid's lower edges?

Not at all. I'm not as silky smooth as my wife is  

wiseguy wrote:Not at all. I'm not as silky smooth as my wife is  

  

I don't think we can be smoother than our wives on the skin-smooth department..or can we   

I like the looks of this, but, so often I cradle a fish in the "net" of the apron. It seems to calm them from flopping. As I have said, I transferred the measurements to the spreader bar using a sharpie.

I may glue a piece of material to the netting so my hooks do not get caught up, but I like the flexibility.

I like the apron to for flexibility and storage, and like fisheromen indicated, cradle the fish at an angle to calm them down. However, that hard wide surface is a great asset to deal with various other tasks, including taking care of the massive fly line during the battles with the pigs. Mix feeling of the mod..now..time to turn the wheel in the brain for a hybridized solution.

SirMixALot wrote:Who says we're gonna BUY the lid?   

had to be SirMAlot hahahaha get 2 while your at it though doggy hahah   

Hey Wiseguy,

Looks like I am all in for your upgrade, being I lost my OEM apron.

I see that you attached the lid to the crossbar with what looks like drywall screws.

What I cannot see is, if the lid is attached at either side with anything.

You mention the lid flips up and holds vertical. How you do'dat?

Thanks,
Manuel

I've since switched out the screws to SS. much better salt resistance. Nothing else it holding the lid on. Works great.