04-01-2005, 07:30 PM
[cool][#0000ff]If you have read through the past threads on the FC4, you know that I believe they are one of the best values available...and the design is among the best. My ongoing beef with Outcast tubes is the wimpy apron...which I remedied with my "sushi board" apron made from the lid of a Rubbermaid plastic bin.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Yes, you float higher than almost any other craft, except the Water Skeeter Daytripper. But, I would not recommend that to anyone. Those are unstable and far too complicated.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have the inflatable seat and backrest on my Super Fat Cat, and I have fished with both the hard foam and the inflatable. You have more "adjustability" for comfort with the inflatable seat, but you also have to remember not to set a basket of spiny fish on the inflatable seat. I remember NOW, after having to patch a spine hole.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Not sure about the variation in ratings on the quality of the cover fabric. 600 is the quality standard of the industry, so it should be fine. One of the things I like about my SFC is the PVC coating on the bottom of the air chambers. I haven't had a puncture in two years of use. Tubes without such protection are always finding a sticker when you set them down.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The closed cell seats are fine, but are bulkier when you deflate them for transport. And, if you are looking for a lightweight craft for packing in, you can definitely find lighter craft. But, for launching anywhere near where you park, the extra weight translates to better quality and more good features.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Yes, you float higher than almost any other craft, except the Water Skeeter Daytripper. But, I would not recommend that to anyone. Those are unstable and far too complicated.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have the inflatable seat and backrest on my Super Fat Cat, and I have fished with both the hard foam and the inflatable. You have more "adjustability" for comfort with the inflatable seat, but you also have to remember not to set a basket of spiny fish on the inflatable seat. I remember NOW, after having to patch a spine hole.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Not sure about the variation in ratings on the quality of the cover fabric. 600 is the quality standard of the industry, so it should be fine. One of the things I like about my SFC is the PVC coating on the bottom of the air chambers. I haven't had a puncture in two years of use. Tubes without such protection are always finding a sticker when you set them down.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The closed cell seats are fine, but are bulkier when you deflate them for transport. And, if you are looking for a lightweight craft for packing in, you can definitely find lighter craft. But, for launching anywhere near where you park, the extra weight translates to better quality and more good features.[/#0000ff]
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