Cumberland In The House

When I say, "Cumberland in the house..." well I mean that literally.

My new Cumberland arrived yesterday, right on schedule. The new UPS tracking is pretty awesome.
I was emailed alerts along the entire route; very different from the old "search and wonder" system.


I bought the Cumbee because all you Left Coast tubers are singing its praises - and I have a long abiding respect for you Cali folks at Float Tube Fishing Forum. Many of you are salt water anglers and I find it comforting that YOU find the Cumbee stable, reliable and comforting.

It came well packed in a double box, all folded up on itself. I was a little disappointed that there was no carry/storage bag for the thing, I gotta admit. My Chehalis had one, and I like that sort of little extra. Other than that, however, I can find no real fault with the packaging or the out-of-carton presentation.

I was most impressed with the thick PVC protective bottom. I was expecting something like it, but found it to be stouter than I imagined.

I was least impressed with the open mesh cargo area behind the seat. Others I've seen have a PVC panel back there, although I imagine wet is wet, no matter WHAT is there.
What if I put a Coroplast panel there for support?

I will inflate the thing in the next day or two and see whats what. I cant wait to see my grandsons reaction to it, in all it's glory.
Weird, but after looking it over, even my wife seems to have more than a passing interest in the idea of me out tubing for fish. So far, thats impressive.

Congrats! Time to hit the water!

Tony g

Congrats Dayhut,

Two things:

1. The Cumberland comes with carrying straps. This is one hella handy accessory. You throw the tube on your back and have two free hands for other gear. Much better than a carrying bag, to me.

2. The apron is not securly attached to the boat, just velcro and the crossbar. I speak from experience, if you deflate the boat and throw it on your back, you can lose the apron.

Otherwise, a pretty good ride.

Manuel

MenyoG wrote:Congrats Dayhut,

Two things:

1. The Cumberland comes with carrying straps.  This is one hella handy accessory.  You throw the tube on your back and have two free hands for other gear.  Much better than a carrying bag, to me.

2. The apron is not securly attached to the boat, just velcro and the crossbar.  I speak from experience,  if you deflate the boat and throw it on your back, you can lose the apron.  

Otherwise, a pretty good ride.

Manuel

Okay Manny, thanks.
Good Tips!

How robust are the strap connections? Do I need to reinforce them now?

Now you got me thinking.

I normally load my tackle in the pockets. I attach a rod holder and slide in 3 rods and reels then carry it.

No issues in 8-10 outings. I an not going far, couple hundred yards.

Good part is that the straps attach to the pvc sheeting. Should be good.

Manuel

I've always found that sewed attachment points are a weak link.
We'd like to think that all makers know this, then take steps to reinforce and rigorously test those particular points.

Do they? Hmmmm... Hard to say.

I've said all that to say this: ill have a look at the strap attachments and see if I can find a simple reinforcement method.

Now, about YOU. After 10 outings, you have no complaints about the strap carrying process? That's good to know; I have several places where short treks are expect and have heard others mention it. Maybe they're just nitpickers....

I was was worried about the mesh cargo area when I  first got my Cumberland. I take a 5 gallon bucket and set it back there for spare clothes, and extra dry storage box, metal stringer , or what ever I wanted to keep dry back there. I used to put an old life vest under it to  protect the mesh, I forgot the spare life vest once and just threw the bucket back there, no problem. Been a year now and there has never been a sign of stretching or tearing, so I stopped worrying about it.

Well thanks, old timer!

It has caused me to rub my chin, this mesh cargo area.
Your bucket challenge certainly is encouraging.

I'm thinking a soft side cooler from the thrift store would make a decent gear tote and back side storage bin. I can add a dry bag for the few items I want water free.

You reckon that'll do?

Jerdon wrote:I was was worried about the mesh cargo area when I  first got my Cumberland. I take a 5 gallon bucket and set it back there for spare clothes, and extra dry storage box, metal stringer , or what ever I wanted to keep dry back there. I used to put an old life vest under it to  protect the mesh, I forgot the spare life vest once and just threw the bucket back there, no problem. Been a year now and there has never been a sign of stretching or tearing, so I stopped worrying about it.

I was just thinking about finding something to put back there to use to keep gear dry. Looks like I'll be getting a 5gal bucket now. Thanks for the idea. Do you tie the bucket to the tube in case it tips over?

Dex wrote:

Jerdon wrote:I was was worried about the mesh cargo area when I  first got my Cumberland. I take a 5 gallon bucket and set it back there for spare clothes, and extra dry storage box, metal stringer , or what ever I wanted to keep dry back there. I used to put an old life vest under it to  protect the mesh, I forgot the spare life vest once and just threw the bucket back there, no problem. Been a year now and there has never been a sign of stretching or tearing, so I stopped worrying about it.

I was just thinking about finding something to put back there to use to keep gear dry.  Looks like I'll be getting a 5gal bucket now.  Thanks for the idea.   Do you tie the bucket to the tube in case it tips over?

If the tube goes upside down I'll be busy trying to save my rods and fishfinder. Also, I don't lash the bucket down, but I do have a bungee that goes over the top of it. The bucket fits pretty good back there so there is no chance of the bucket tipping over behind the seat.

Jerdon wrote:

Dex wrote:

Jerdon wrote:I was was worried about the mesh cargo area when I  first got my Cumberland. I take a 5 gallon bucket and set it back there for spare clothes, and extra dry storage box, metal stringer , or what ever I wanted to keep dry back there. I used to put an old life vest under it to  protect the mesh, I forgot the spare life vest once and just threw the bucket back there, no problem. Been a year now and there has never been a sign of stretching or tearing, so I stopped worrying about it.

I was just thinking about finding something to put back there to use to keep gear dry.  Looks like I'll be getting a 5gal bucket now.  Thanks for the idea.   Do you tie the bucket to the tube in case it tips over?

If the tube goes upside down I'll be busy trying to save my rods and fishfinder. Also, I don't lash the bucket down, but I do have a bungee that goes over the top of it. The bucket fits pretty good back there so there is no chance of the bucket tipping over behind the seat.

Im now pondering a plastic tote bin, the kind with rounded corners. I don't carry a ton of stuff.
I also have a couple three gal buckets... Hmmmm....

Here are some pics.

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All these ideas I saw on the board at one time or another.

Nice. This is what I need. I will be adding a bucket to my tube soon. It will also make transporting gear from the parking lot to the water a little easier. Thanks

glad you got your new tube can't wait to hear fish reports from you and may all your trip be safe and fun

Dex wrote:Nice.  This is what I need. I will be adding a bucket to my tube soon.  It will also make transporting gear from the parking lot to the water a little easier.  Thanks

That's what I was thinking - carrying stuff would be easier.

Jerdon wrote:Here are some pics.

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All these ideas I saw on the board at one time or another.

Thanks for the pics!

ed5000x wrote:glad you got your new tube can't wait to hear fish reports from you and may all your trip be safe and fun

Thank you Ed

I've been using one of these small Igloo coolers in the back of my tube since day one!  I keep spare Plano boxes, snacks, beverages, etc. in it.  I like it because of the low profile.  I don't use the lid because I also take my tackle backpack off when I get to the water and lay it on top of the cooler.  The low profile of the cooler combined with the soft material of the backpack settling into the open cooler keep it in place. I have never had an issue with it falling off in the big wakes some on these boats leave.  

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Gatorfan wrote:I've been using one of these small Igloo coolers in the back of my tube since day one!  I keep spare Plano boxes, snacks, beverages, etc. in it.  I like it because of the low profile.  I don't use the lid because I also take my tackle backpack off when I get to the water and lay it on top of the cooler.  The low profile of the cooler combined with the soft material of the backpack settling into the open cooler keep it in place. I have never had an issue with it falling off in the big wakes some on these boats leave.  

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That's right along the same lines I'm thinking.
I've see soft side coolers that have a plastic insert I them - same as that but resilient like a lunch bag. Same deal, and also a dandy way to tote gear to the launch point.

I'm digging the ideas here!
Thank you --------------------

I used one of the soft sided ones twice. The one I had sucked up water through the stitching both times.

Jerdon wrote:I used one of the soft sided ones twice. The one I had sucked up water through the stitching both times.

yeah Ibahdbthatbin my mind.
Hard shell it is!!

Dang! How long are your voyages? I just usually cram all my junk and a couple snacks into the two pockets. But then again I'm only out there for about six hours at a time. Sounds like you guys are going on multi day trips.

.:LOLLY:. wrote: Sounds like you guys are going on multi day trips.

Hmmmmmm.... Now you have me thinking LOLLY. This could definitely be done with a kayak, but only if there's a way with a tube...

.:LOLLY:. wrote:Dang! How long are your voyages? I just usually cram all my junk and a couple snacks into the two pockets. But then again I'm only out there for about six hours at a time. Sounds like you guys are going on multi day trips.

I always bring too much stuff.
It's a tradition.

dayhut wrote:Weird, but after looking it over, even my wife seems to have more than a passing interest in the idea of me out tubing for fish. So far, thats impressive.

Actually she's thinking "maybe with that new tube he will go out more. Then I can have some peace and quiet with more time to myself".