What do you look for in a new Float Tube?

I've been floating only three times on a small basic Caddis and can't help feeling like I am working harder on my float than others. I sit pretty low to where water is really between my chest and my belly button and perhaps that is creating a bit of drag while kicking in the water to go from spot to spot. It was also noted not long ago that I am sitting on a piece of fabric that could be rather uncomfortable after a while.

Question for the group then, other than pockets and stuff what are some of the preferences that people look for when looking for a float? I am looking to go for small harbors as well as SARL type fishing.

1. Portability, with the old style Caddis or "doughnut" I can walk anywhere. My Cumberland with all the attachments limits my walking. Tubes bigger than 6 feet long need a launch ramp or a long setup time.

2. Storage, where will this thing fit in my garage or car. 7 feet and longer maybe I should get a boat.

3. Price. One I see $600 of $700 I begin to think I can figure out how to store a boat. So a Cumberland is $160 to $170. The Outcasts, which I think are better quality, are $340 and up.

I can tell you the jump from donut style to the larger U boats will give you more distance and storage options, but be way more affected by wind conditions.

I hope this helps.

My $.02

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] - Has to have a ruggedized bottom. Rubberized or PVC bottom are non-negotiable. I launch and land in some rough places, and Cordura or ballistic nylon bottoms are non-starters. I'll kill them. I have.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] - Redundant Flotation. My beloved Wood River tube inflated the V pontoons, and also had an inflatable back rest. My current Fat Cat has a single inflation for the V pontoons but has a floating seat and back. Ideally, there will be two inflation points for the V pontoons (several have this now) so you can loose a 'toon and still limp back to shore. A round belly boat without an inflatable back or floating seat is dangerous to me.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] - Storage on the arms. Storage behind me doesn't do me any good - I toss leaders and other stuff I 'might' need back there. Storage on the arms (above the 'toons) is where the stuff goes that I WILL need. And I bring a lot of stuff.


[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] - Comfort. I will be in the saddle for hours. The seat can't be too long (some are) whereby they put undue pressure on the back of my legs as I kick and kick. I sit up nearly 90 degrees - so I like a tight back and clearance for my legs. My Fat Cat has both.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] - Capacity. I'm not a big guy (173#) so any modern tube will float me comfortably. If you're a big guy, you don't want to Jimmy Dean into the seat or sit too low in the saddle. Check capacity. All tubes have ratings. Remember, it has to float you AND your gear.


That's my short list. I don't care about weight, or rod holders or after-market accessories. I make my own stuff and I'm pretty strong. Getting my tube to the water fully loaded is not a problem. I'm not packing it in.... there are lightweight tubes for that purpose. For my every week, launch over the rocks, bounce off the docks and the trees kinda fishing I do - the 5 above are what I look for.

- Ken

Thank you Ken, appreciate the insight. I was thinking of the Cumberland since a bunch of people seem to be really happy with theirs. Trying to figure out what to look for

I've been using the Cumberland float tube for the past two years and I luv it!
The two FT's that I prefer in the inner harbors are the Cubberland and the Outcast FT's for sitting above the water line and for having permanently attached storage pockets.
The Cumberland offers a little more storage. (cost less)
The Outcast is constructed a bit better of the two. (cost more)

Both are really great FT's for harbor fishing.

Good luck in your search for your next FT!

SP Dan     <"))><

Heads up!!

Right now Cumberland for $149

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Jerdon wrote:Heads up!!

Right now Cumberland for $149

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I saw that, thank you! I will have to sell my current Caddis first but it looks like a great deal for sure

Alakai wrote:

Jerdon wrote:Heads up!!

Right now Cumberland for $149

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I saw that, thank you! I will have to sell my current Caddis first but it looks like a great deal for sure

That's a great price for a brand new in the box FT!!
SP Dan <"))><

SP Dan wrote:

Alakai wrote:

Jerdon wrote:Heads up!!

Right now Cumberland for $149

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I saw that, thank you! I will have to sell my current Caddis first but it looks like a great deal for sure

That's a great price for a brand new in the box FT!!
SP Dan     <"))><

I think so too! Highly likely going to pick it up

The Cumberland is a great float tube there is also in the same price range the Seven Bass One $149 with a 10% discount to FTFF members.

jeffcpr wrote:The Cumberland is a great float tube there is also in the same price range the Seven Bass One $149 with a 10% discount to FTFF members.

I looked at the catalog that was on the forum and then did some searches on Youtube and reddit for some reviews of seven bass and just did not find much.

I will send you a PM

jeffcpr wrote:The Cumberland is a great float tube there is also in the same price range the Seven Bass One $149 with a 10% discount to FTFF members.

How about a link to the Seven Bass that is $149

This is our sales page link. There will be some adjustments in some of the shipping cost so please ask for invoice.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


Here is the link to the Seven Bass One.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]