07-16-2012, 09:03 PM
CP:
Good info, didn't realize the other applications.
I have overinflated those seat bladders more than a few times without a leak/failure. After a few times, the middle crimp areas didn't hold in anymore and the bladder takes on a roundish shape, but I have found that to be an advantage, at least in my ODC! Even with the roundish shape, the larger bottom bladder can be used in either the seat or seat back. When the bottom roundish bladder is used as a seat, it can be inflated to take on more air, so your behind is lifted higher, out of water. When the bottom roundish bladder is used in the seat back, it provides a wonderful lower lumbar support for my bad back, if inflated just right!
The plug on these bladders tends to work its way loose with movement if not properly seated flat, giving you a slow leak. I periodically wipe a small amount of armorall on the male end, to keep things pliable and insure a good mating seal. I also used a small hollow punch to get a hole in the ear, so the the plug can be tied down to the shaft, when I want the extra assurance of a good seal.
I was shocked to the price has gone to $50. If you can wait until late November, CC may repeat their sale of last year. I bought some spares for $19.99 plus free shipping at that time...
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote cpierce]I have also used the seat bottom on my Caddis Navigator II
tube when it was a hike in situation. My old Caddis is much lighter than my Fish Cat 4
The seat bottom inflated out of the pocket is about 20 inches wide 24 inches long ( includes the middle small chamber) and about 6 1/2 to 7 inches thick. If your seat pocket is slightly smaller I think that is a good thing as you want the inflated seat to push against the material before it is fully inflated. I know that in the Fish Cat it probably isn't 7 inches thick as it takes up the pocket.
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Good info, didn't realize the other applications.
I have overinflated those seat bladders more than a few times without a leak/failure. After a few times, the middle crimp areas didn't hold in anymore and the bladder takes on a roundish shape, but I have found that to be an advantage, at least in my ODC! Even with the roundish shape, the larger bottom bladder can be used in either the seat or seat back. When the bottom roundish bladder is used as a seat, it can be inflated to take on more air, so your behind is lifted higher, out of water. When the bottom roundish bladder is used in the seat back, it provides a wonderful lower lumbar support for my bad back, if inflated just right!
The plug on these bladders tends to work its way loose with movement if not properly seated flat, giving you a slow leak. I periodically wipe a small amount of armorall on the male end, to keep things pliable and insure a good mating seal. I also used a small hollow punch to get a hole in the ear, so the the plug can be tied down to the shaft, when I want the extra assurance of a good seal.
I was shocked to the price has gone to $50. If you can wait until late November, CC may repeat their sale of last year. I bought some spares for $19.99 plus free shipping at that time...
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote cpierce]I have also used the seat bottom on my Caddis Navigator II
tube when it was a hike in situation. My old Caddis is much lighter than my Fish Cat 4
The seat bottom inflated out of the pocket is about 20 inches wide 24 inches long ( includes the middle small chamber) and about 6 1/2 to 7 inches thick. If your seat pocket is slightly smaller I think that is a good thing as you want the inflated seat to push against the material before it is fully inflated. I know that in the Fish Cat it probably isn't 7 inches thick as it takes up the pocket.
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