08-07-2004, 11:13 AM
[url "javascript: addTag('cool')"][cool][/url][#0000ff]Welcome to the forum and welcome to BFT. Also, congratulations on your decision to join our elite fraternity (with a few ladies in the bunch too).[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hustleman gave some good input. Let me add that you should probably include the Outcast Fish Cat 4 in your list to look at. I'm sure you will have some input from at least a couple of the regulars here who have bought the FC4 and who are happy with their decisions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The "off brand" craft mentioned by Hustler appear to be private label models of the same tubes sold through Trout Unlimited. His thrifty acquisition is identical to the Gunnison model from TU, but at a much better price. I know he has put it to good use and it has served him well for about a year or so.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As always, try to become aware of the differences in options and features before you make your final decision. One of the big issues with me is pocket size. I like to carry larger lure boxes afloat, and some models either do not have much pocket space, or else the pockets are too small to hold the larger boxes...unless you "customize" them with a pair of scissors.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Another biggie is the seating. Older models of the "round boats" had seats that had you sitting low in the water, with much of your lower extremities below the water line. That decreases propulsion and increases the potential for chilling in cold water. Many of the more modern Uboats, Vboats and mini-'toons have seating that keeps much of your body above the water line. Both the TU and Outcast lines are good for offering higher seating.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I'm not sure if we are talking about the same "Daytripper" Hustler, but the one I am familiar with (looks like a bunch of bananas) is not highly favored by those who have bought them. They ride very high in the water, and are somewhat unstable. Big waves, or leaning too far forward to net a fish, can slip you out of yur craft on the hard slick seats.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good advice to look for bargains now. Many tackle purveyors are specialing out the summer lines and buying in stuff for fall and winter. Of course, we hardy souls know that except for "hard water" time, there is no closed season for tubing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Come on back if you need more input. Feel free to post up any models you are considering and we can help with reviews and suggestions. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hustleman gave some good input. Let me add that you should probably include the Outcast Fish Cat 4 in your list to look at. I'm sure you will have some input from at least a couple of the regulars here who have bought the FC4 and who are happy with their decisions.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The "off brand" craft mentioned by Hustler appear to be private label models of the same tubes sold through Trout Unlimited. His thrifty acquisition is identical to the Gunnison model from TU, but at a much better price. I know he has put it to good use and it has served him well for about a year or so.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As always, try to become aware of the differences in options and features before you make your final decision. One of the big issues with me is pocket size. I like to carry larger lure boxes afloat, and some models either do not have much pocket space, or else the pockets are too small to hold the larger boxes...unless you "customize" them with a pair of scissors.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Another biggie is the seating. Older models of the "round boats" had seats that had you sitting low in the water, with much of your lower extremities below the water line. That decreases propulsion and increases the potential for chilling in cold water. Many of the more modern Uboats, Vboats and mini-'toons have seating that keeps much of your body above the water line. Both the TU and Outcast lines are good for offering higher seating.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I'm not sure if we are talking about the same "Daytripper" Hustler, but the one I am familiar with (looks like a bunch of bananas) is not highly favored by those who have bought them. They ride very high in the water, and are somewhat unstable. Big waves, or leaning too far forward to net a fish, can slip you out of yur craft on the hard slick seats.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good advice to look for bargains now. Many tackle purveyors are specialing out the summer lines and buying in stuff for fall and winter. Of course, we hardy souls know that except for "hard water" time, there is no closed season for tubing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Come on back if you need more input. Feel free to post up any models you are considering and we can help with reviews and suggestions. [/#0000ff]
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