08-11-2010, 05:52 PM
I agree with TD's assessment. But the tube capacities are NOT standardized across the different manufacturers, so that 350# capacity on one brand is not the same as another. The hazard with overloading beyond 100# or so is instability, especially in rough conditions, not the tube popping.
As far as troll motors for your tube, the easiest install is something like the Torquedo on a crossbar across the front where your legs are. There are even smaller electric versions as listed in previous posts under my name in the archives. Sevylor also has small electrics if you are a tinkerer. I believe there are also tiny gas motors that can be set up on a cross bar. So it can be done easily, but prepare for STICKER SHOCK on the $!
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote MajBob]I've been reading quite a bit about float tubes and pontoons. It got me wondering - just how precise are the specs listed for the various craft? If the max capacity is listed as - say 350 pounds, what happens if I put 351 on it? Certainly it won't sink! (will it?) Or if the specs say trolling motor up to 30 pounds thrust, and if I use 40? Will the high rate of speed rip the bottom off the craft? If my son's pontoon - rated for 30# thrust motor - uses a 40# motor AND he is towing me in my tube, will I be able to hydrofoil across the water? ( I can ill afford whip-lash injuries to my neck . . . )
Seriously, though, I have noticed that some folks here and elsewhere have tubes rated for 350 pounds max, however some of them weigh in at around 320 lbs, and they carry 60 lb batteries, motors, coolers, and other gear. Does this simply mean that they will float lower in the water? Can the tube be bolstered by lashing buoyant material (such as swim noodles) to the craft?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Cheers![/quote]
[signature]
As far as troll motors for your tube, the easiest install is something like the Torquedo on a crossbar across the front where your legs are. There are even smaller electric versions as listed in previous posts under my name in the archives. Sevylor also has small electrics if you are a tinkerer. I believe there are also tiny gas motors that can be set up on a cross bar. So it can be done easily, but prepare for STICKER SHOCK on the $!
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote MajBob]I've been reading quite a bit about float tubes and pontoons. It got me wondering - just how precise are the specs listed for the various craft? If the max capacity is listed as - say 350 pounds, what happens if I put 351 on it? Certainly it won't sink! (will it?) Or if the specs say trolling motor up to 30 pounds thrust, and if I use 40? Will the high rate of speed rip the bottom off the craft? If my son's pontoon - rated for 30# thrust motor - uses a 40# motor AND he is towing me in my tube, will I be able to hydrofoil across the water? ( I can ill afford whip-lash injuries to my neck . . . )
Seriously, though, I have noticed that some folks here and elsewhere have tubes rated for 350 pounds max, however some of them weigh in at around 320 lbs, and they carry 60 lb batteries, motors, coolers, and other gear. Does this simply mean that they will float lower in the water? Can the tube be bolstered by lashing buoyant material (such as swim noodles) to the craft?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Cheers![/quote]
[signature]