10-29-2009, 11:26 AM
[cool][#0000ff]Since I fished from round tubes for MANY years before graduating to the V boats, you can bet I have tried a bajillion ways to get more altitude. I have tried everything from parially inflated small inner tubes to specially cut pieces of foam to fit in the space alloted. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The good news is that almost anything will work to add a couple of inches in height. The bad news is that most of these things add more discomfort than they eliminate. The seats in round tubes are designed to allow your legs to protrude below the lower edge of the tube, with just the right clearance. If you add too much height, that changes the dynamics. And, if you are of "ample proportions" the problem is magnified. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Some potential solutions...like the partially inflated small tube...kept shifting and created a funky ride. Others, like the high density rubber foam, soaked up a lot of water and compressed over time so that they did not really solve any problems.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The inflated bottom seat from your Fish Cat might work, since it will form fit. But, it will probably compress outward against the backs of your legs and create pressure points. Just a guess.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Anybody who has experienced the higher ride of a modern craft is spoiled for fishing in a donut ever again. But, if you are looking for a lightweight pack in craft, the new toy you got is probably ideal. My thought is that you will likely have to sacrifice or make compromises. You can't have everything in one craft. If you are going for lightweight, you will have to endure the low seating of a donut. Many of us handled it quite nicely for many years...before we knew there were options. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good luck in your search for more height. Don't be discouraged about the "legends" of bad things that happen to tubers. Balderdash. Never heard of such a thing. Your center of gravity is much lower in a tube and unless you really do something stupid you are safer than in a higher riding position.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The good news is that almost anything will work to add a couple of inches in height. The bad news is that most of these things add more discomfort than they eliminate. The seats in round tubes are designed to allow your legs to protrude below the lower edge of the tube, with just the right clearance. If you add too much height, that changes the dynamics. And, if you are of "ample proportions" the problem is magnified. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Some potential solutions...like the partially inflated small tube...kept shifting and created a funky ride. Others, like the high density rubber foam, soaked up a lot of water and compressed over time so that they did not really solve any problems.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The inflated bottom seat from your Fish Cat might work, since it will form fit. But, it will probably compress outward against the backs of your legs and create pressure points. Just a guess.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Anybody who has experienced the higher ride of a modern craft is spoiled for fishing in a donut ever again. But, if you are looking for a lightweight pack in craft, the new toy you got is probably ideal. My thought is that you will likely have to sacrifice or make compromises. You can't have everything in one craft. If you are going for lightweight, you will have to endure the low seating of a donut. Many of us handled it quite nicely for many years...before we knew there were options. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck in your search for more height. Don't be discouraged about the "legends" of bad things that happen to tubers. Balderdash. Never heard of such a thing. Your center of gravity is much lower in a tube and unless you really do something stupid you are safer than in a higher riding position.[/#0000ff]
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