12-01-2011, 10:17 PM
Hi, TD:
I also think the Fat Cats are higher quality. You go out over 50 times per year based on your trip reports, and a 420 probably would wear out before 5 years like that.
But I love the tremendous versatility/convertibility/quick parts interchange/repair of the 420. I have 2 of the heavy and 4 of the lightweight and the average cost was around $100 each retail, probably find for less on Ebay. You can buy 2 of 420s for the price of a Fat Cat if you shop around. I highly recommend the inflatable seat versions for either the FC or 420.
By 420 "seating problems" do you mean the Boston valve caps threading/tightening, or that the valves are not sewn into position? You do have to line up threads and tighten the caps snugly but this is easily learned, compared to something like judging inflation pressure without a guage. The bladders come lined up position when new and stay that way upon inflation/deflation. Bladders not being sewn in allows for easy removal/exchange/repair etc. but then realignment takes some time if you don't mark their positions. Valves in the pockets is a negative for storage space, but a positive from the fabric valve cover protection, and access from the seated position aspects. Just my humble observations FWIW.
Pon
[quote TubeDude][cool][#0000ff]The 420 is a decent fishing craft, but is not in the same league as the Fat Cats for quality. Air chambers are vinyl and the valves are inside the pockets and subject to seating problems. If they don't seat properly you will be walking back to shore after a while.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Plenty of floatation for big anglers. Lots of tubers have them and enjoy them.[/#0000ff][/quote]
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I also think the Fat Cats are higher quality. You go out over 50 times per year based on your trip reports, and a 420 probably would wear out before 5 years like that.
But I love the tremendous versatility/convertibility/quick parts interchange/repair of the 420. I have 2 of the heavy and 4 of the lightweight and the average cost was around $100 each retail, probably find for less on Ebay. You can buy 2 of 420s for the price of a Fat Cat if you shop around. I highly recommend the inflatable seat versions for either the FC or 420.
By 420 "seating problems" do you mean the Boston valve caps threading/tightening, or that the valves are not sewn into position? You do have to line up threads and tighten the caps snugly but this is easily learned, compared to something like judging inflation pressure without a guage. The bladders come lined up position when new and stay that way upon inflation/deflation. Bladders not being sewn in allows for easy removal/exchange/repair etc. but then realignment takes some time if you don't mark their positions. Valves in the pockets is a negative for storage space, but a positive from the fabric valve cover protection, and access from the seated position aspects. Just my humble observations FWIW.
Pon
[quote TubeDude][cool][#0000ff]The 420 is a decent fishing craft, but is not in the same league as the Fat Cats for quality. Air chambers are vinyl and the valves are inside the pockets and subject to seating problems. If they don't seat properly you will be walking back to shore after a while.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Plenty of floatation for big anglers. Lots of tubers have them and enjoy them.[/#0000ff][/quote]
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