04-07-2007, 11:20 AM
[cool][#0000ff]Saberfish issued a pretty good assessment.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Unless you have both the budget and the space to store it, as an antiquity, I would pass on the "bargain".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Age is not kind to many components of tubes and toons. The accumulated exposure to heat/cold, air pollution and ultraviolet rays...plus the "ingredients" of water...result in deterioration of seam stitching and degradation of the air bladder. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Tubes and toons are like old cars and boats. Your lower initial cost is just the admission price to a continuing layout of much more money...and the potential for frustration and/or disaster.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have gone through a steady procession of floatation fishing craft over the past 5 decades. I have NEVER used one more than a couple of years...with the exception of the Super Fat Cat I have been fishing from for about 4 years now. The quality urethane bladders have provided the peace of mind to prevent me from retiring it earlier. But, it shall soon be relegated to the status of backup tube...for family and friend excursions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A good rule of thumb for ALL purchases is..."It is better to save up and spend a bit more than you planned...than to spend not quite enough."[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Unless you have both the budget and the space to store it, as an antiquity, I would pass on the "bargain".[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Age is not kind to many components of tubes and toons. The accumulated exposure to heat/cold, air pollution and ultraviolet rays...plus the "ingredients" of water...result in deterioration of seam stitching and degradation of the air bladder. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Tubes and toons are like old cars and boats. Your lower initial cost is just the admission price to a continuing layout of much more money...and the potential for frustration and/or disaster.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have gone through a steady procession of floatation fishing craft over the past 5 decades. I have NEVER used one more than a couple of years...with the exception of the Super Fat Cat I have been fishing from for about 4 years now. The quality urethane bladders have provided the peace of mind to prevent me from retiring it earlier. But, it shall soon be relegated to the status of backup tube...for family and friend excursions.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]A good rule of thumb for ALL purchases is..."It is better to save up and spend a bit more than you planned...than to spend not quite enough."[/#0000ff]
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