02-01-2004, 04:04 PM
[cool][blue][size 1]It must be painful to part with such a dear family member. I hope she finds a good home. I do not know anyone who is currently looking, but maybe someone else can help.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]Before you buy the Super Fat Cat, let me offer a couple of thoughts. First, you can get the regular Fat Cat for $100 less. It is essentially the same critter, but has solid foam seats instead of the inflatable seats on the Super model. We have both in the Tube family and I think I prefer the solid seats for comfort.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Also, unless you inflate the Super's seats just right, you get sagging and discomfort. You also have two more valves and two more air chambers to be concerned with. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have never been very comfortable in the SFC. The backrest only comes up to about the middle of your back, so it is not like the full support of many other craft. I often have lower back pain after a full day on the water.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The side pockets are huge...one of the best features of the FaT Cat models. But, the aprons are small and poorly fitted. They are almost an afterthought. And, the flimsy velcro rear fasteners are difficult to attach and come apart easily. I have had to modify mine with hooks to even keep them in place. For us guys of the large persuasion, it is almost better to leave the apron off.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The open area behind the seat is nice. It allows storage of a small cooler. You do not want to keep anything back there that is not waterproof though, since there are drain holes in the bottom of that area that allow water to both come in and out. But, you can stow things in waterproof bags for long jaunts.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The size is plenty adequate for big boys. I carry over 260 pounds on my 6'3" frame, and there is plenty of flotation left over in my SFC.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Have you considered maybe an 8' pontoon...with the addition of oar power for tough currents or wind? You can get one for not too much more than the SFC would cost. Can't carry them long distances, but for launching near your vehicle they offer some advantages over tubes or Vboats.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]Before you buy the Super Fat Cat, let me offer a couple of thoughts. First, you can get the regular Fat Cat for $100 less. It is essentially the same critter, but has solid foam seats instead of the inflatable seats on the Super model. We have both in the Tube family and I think I prefer the solid seats for comfort.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Also, unless you inflate the Super's seats just right, you get sagging and discomfort. You also have two more valves and two more air chambers to be concerned with. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have never been very comfortable in the SFC. The backrest only comes up to about the middle of your back, so it is not like the full support of many other craft. I often have lower back pain after a full day on the water.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The side pockets are huge...one of the best features of the FaT Cat models. But, the aprons are small and poorly fitted. They are almost an afterthought. And, the flimsy velcro rear fasteners are difficult to attach and come apart easily. I have had to modify mine with hooks to even keep them in place. For us guys of the large persuasion, it is almost better to leave the apron off.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The open area behind the seat is nice. It allows storage of a small cooler. You do not want to keep anything back there that is not waterproof though, since there are drain holes in the bottom of that area that allow water to both come in and out. But, you can stow things in waterproof bags for long jaunts.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The size is plenty adequate for big boys. I carry over 260 pounds on my 6'3" frame, and there is plenty of flotation left over in my SFC.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Have you considered maybe an 8' pontoon...with the addition of oar power for tough currents or wind? You can get one for not too much more than the SFC would cost. Can't carry them long distances, but for launching near your vehicle they offer some advantages over tubes or Vboats.[/size][/#0000ff]
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