Hard Belly float tube

Does anyone know anything about, or ever been around one of these Hard Belly Float tubes?

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They are from Italy and the company imports Rainbow fishing Kayaks to the US. One dealer on each coast. I have corresponded with the owner about getting some to the US, but he seems to elude that there is probably no interest. But he did say that they could consider getting some into containers hauling Kayaks here if there was interest. Would anyone else be interested in something like this?

What caught my attention is the integral wheels. We have Solocraft here in the states, but no wheels on a Solocraft.

Any thoughts? Thank you.

Marc
Greenfield, WI

Hi Mark ya I have talked with them as well about this. I think the idea of a hard belly is not a popular one here, but only because once again we have need used them. I think the market would be here but people need to see it and realize its potential. I also like the wheel but the interior storage is I think is a big plus as well.
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Intriguing.

One reason for inflatable is for easy compact storage - such as in trunks and such.

FTIQ, correct you lose that storage factor. This Hard Belly would fit in a Minivan, SUV, or pick up easily. Its 39" wide. I am writing from WI where we have to deal with a lot of cold water. When the ice goes out here in a few weeks, we will be starting the season in 38 degree water and maybe colder air. Same with October and November. We are constantly dealing with air contraction in the tubes and a non air filled boat is really attractive. We also use float tubes here to get into lakes with no other access. Doing that often involves getting in the water in some pretty sketchy spots where puncture is always an issue. A hard tube would also take that headache away.

One thing I have learned over the years is that there are a lot of great products out there and they all have something to offer. This one is categorized as a float tube but it is far from a float tube. How ever this does make sense for some and there will be a market for these if they ever show in the US.

I could see a trolling motor on the nose of this being pretty bad ass.

I would like to actually see it in action!

SP Dan

Nothing really new here. Hobie used to make a hard belly tube many years ago. I considered buying one about 20 years ago. Classic Accessories (makers of the Cumberland tube) also used to make a hard boat.

This Italian one weighs 44 pounds. Yes, the wheels help, but I think that the boat displaces more water and would be slower and less maneuverable than and inflated tube. I also don't want to have to carry a motor and battery to use it.

It's not a craft I would consider now. Maybe the company doesn't want to ship it because Hobie and Classic Accessories could not succeed with the concept in the US.