07-12-2003, 12:56 PM
[cool]Hey, JR, good to have you drop in again. I checked out that cute little add-on at Gart Sports. It looks like just what a lot of folks have been looking for...as a means of adding auxiliary power to their craft. Here's the pic and writeup, for the benefit of those who don't want to check the site:
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OUR PRICE: $99.99 The BW™ Sport Float Power is designed to provide effortless movement by fitting almost any pontoon raft or float tube (not included) and holding a small electric trolling motor (not included). It is modular and completely collapsible and includes a unique shape for solid attachment
As I have stated before, I believe that float tubes and their cousins, the Uboats and Vboats are designed to be hands free and powered by fins alone. If one wants a powered craft, get an inflatable raft. Rafts are easier to install motors on and they operate a lot more efficiently.
The drag of having your legs in the water, while running an electric motor, just has to affect both efficiency and maneuverability. And, you would have to run it backwards, if anything, or there would really be a drag problem...even though there would be little likelihood of getting your feet in the prop.
The one positive benefit I can see to having power...outside of helping those with physical limitations...is to help you cross large bodies of water more quickly. This would be especially helpful after a long strenuous day of fishing, when you have to get back to your vehicle against wind and.or current.
PS...Hey Joe. That Togiak is a great craft for handling waves, as long as you don't try to enter a surfing competition. It is made by Trout Unlimited, who also make the Kennebec. I had a Kennebec for a couple of years. They are good craft, but you wouldn't like the pockets. Instead of having one big pocket, for large tackle boxes, they have three long skinny pockets side by side. Okay for wimpy fly boxes but not for serious bassers or salt water fishermen. We gotta take our big boxes with us.
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[url "javascript
howEnhanced29;"][/url] OUR PRICE: $99.99 The BW™ Sport Float Power is designed to provide effortless movement by fitting almost any pontoon raft or float tube (not included) and holding a small electric trolling motor (not included). It is modular and completely collapsible and includes a unique shape for solid attachment
As I have stated before, I believe that float tubes and their cousins, the Uboats and Vboats are designed to be hands free and powered by fins alone. If one wants a powered craft, get an inflatable raft. Rafts are easier to install motors on and they operate a lot more efficiently.
The drag of having your legs in the water, while running an electric motor, just has to affect both efficiency and maneuverability. And, you would have to run it backwards, if anything, or there would really be a drag problem...even though there would be little likelihood of getting your feet in the prop.
The one positive benefit I can see to having power...outside of helping those with physical limitations...is to help you cross large bodies of water more quickly. This would be especially helpful after a long strenuous day of fishing, when you have to get back to your vehicle against wind and.or current.
PS...Hey Joe. That Togiak is a great craft for handling waves, as long as you don't try to enter a surfing competition. It is made by Trout Unlimited, who also make the Kennebec. I had a Kennebec for a couple of years. They are good craft, but you wouldn't like the pockets. Instead of having one big pocket, for large tackle boxes, they have three long skinny pockets side by side. Okay for wimpy fly boxes but not for serious bassers or salt water fishermen. We gotta take our big boxes with us.
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