04-22-2004, 09:05 PM
[cool][blue][size 1]Hey Jed, I assure you that gaining a higher seating position has been a goal of many float tubers over the years. And, you can believe that I have tried just about every possible means to sit higher without adding too much to the weight or messing up the balance of the system.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have tried several experiments with straps and slings, to allow me to sit above the factory seat. They are usually uncomfortable and ineffective. Also, I would not recommend altering the connections on the original seat. Not worth the trouble and it could compromise the strength of the seat connection.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I tried adding a couple of plastic covered "statium seats". These added height, but were so slick when wet that it was tough to stay in the tube. They also soaked up a lot of water and became more weight to carry back to the car.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]One of the best partial solutions was a piece of 4" high density foam. It made a nice comfortable seat and did add some height. But, like the stadium cushions, it soaked up water and had to be thoroughly squeezed out at the end of a trip...and allowed to dry for several days afterward.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Since I have acquired a couple of Outcast craft I have had a chance to try both the inflated seat and the closed cell rigid foam seat. Both work well to provide a firm and high-riding seat. I do not know why either could not be adapted to a float tube system with a seat below the water line.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]One of my past experiments, in a round tube, was to bring along a small utility tire inner tube and set it over the fabric seat. Unfortunately, because of the limited space in the round tube, and the open back end of the seat, it did not work well. But, for some of the newer designs and the U and V shapes, a small inner tube might be a good fix. It is light, inflatable and can be adjusted both for fit and comfort.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you can't find something suitable in a small inner tube, go to the swimming section of Wally World, or a swimming pool supply store. They have lots of closed cell foam and inflatable pool floaties. You might find something there that will both fit and provide the extra elevation you need.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you do it right, you should not have to worry about adding much extra bulk or weight.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Again, whatever you do, don't take your craft apart and try to reassemble it.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If all else fails, get a year or so of good use from your current craft, and take careful note of what you REALLY want in a flotation system. Then sell your old model to a newbie and invest in something new that more closely matches what you want.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Young students with families don't usually have more money than they know what to do with, so buying right the furst time is important. However, if you had to settle for a price just to get started, then make it count. Once you can afford what you truly need, you will get several years worth of comfortable and efficient fishing enjoyment out of it.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If all else fails, make a mini "raft" of those brightly colored closed cell foam "noodles" the kids use in swimming pools. Get some hot colors and they will double as fish attractors.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]I have tried several experiments with straps and slings, to allow me to sit above the factory seat. They are usually uncomfortable and ineffective. Also, I would not recommend altering the connections on the original seat. Not worth the trouble and it could compromise the strength of the seat connection.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I tried adding a couple of plastic covered "statium seats". These added height, but were so slick when wet that it was tough to stay in the tube. They also soaked up a lot of water and became more weight to carry back to the car.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]One of the best partial solutions was a piece of 4" high density foam. It made a nice comfortable seat and did add some height. But, like the stadium cushions, it soaked up water and had to be thoroughly squeezed out at the end of a trip...and allowed to dry for several days afterward.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Since I have acquired a couple of Outcast craft I have had a chance to try both the inflated seat and the closed cell rigid foam seat. Both work well to provide a firm and high-riding seat. I do not know why either could not be adapted to a float tube system with a seat below the water line.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]One of my past experiments, in a round tube, was to bring along a small utility tire inner tube and set it over the fabric seat. Unfortunately, because of the limited space in the round tube, and the open back end of the seat, it did not work well. But, for some of the newer designs and the U and V shapes, a small inner tube might be a good fix. It is light, inflatable and can be adjusted both for fit and comfort.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you can't find something suitable in a small inner tube, go to the swimming section of Wally World, or a swimming pool supply store. They have lots of closed cell foam and inflatable pool floaties. You might find something there that will both fit and provide the extra elevation you need.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you do it right, you should not have to worry about adding much extra bulk or weight.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Again, whatever you do, don't take your craft apart and try to reassemble it.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If all else fails, get a year or so of good use from your current craft, and take careful note of what you REALLY want in a flotation system. Then sell your old model to a newbie and invest in something new that more closely matches what you want.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Young students with families don't usually have more money than they know what to do with, so buying right the furst time is important. However, if you had to settle for a price just to get started, then make it count. Once you can afford what you truly need, you will get several years worth of comfortable and efficient fishing enjoyment out of it.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If all else fails, make a mini "raft" of those brightly colored closed cell foam "noodles" the kids use in swimming pools. Get some hot colors and they will double as fish attractors.[/size][/#0000ff]
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