07-16-2009, 11:20 PM
[quote IrishFloatTube]It is really a float tube that as a bonus contains some of the attributes of a pontoon.
Somebody used the term "PONTUBE" in the past, and that is exactly what this craft is.
I agree that the oars as an auxiliary are interesting, and in a breeze that would challenge normal fin power they will be useful. Also for covering a long distance to the fishing area, the oars are a good option.
My technique when using oars must suck. I just cant seem to get the speed or distance everyone refers to. Even in my pontoons that are built for speed, it is slow going and inefficient for me. I can go 100 yards in perfect conditions but then the blisters start and it feels like pushing a rock uphill compared to what I can do with long oars in a heavy rowboat! The points of my pontoon zig zag or dip down catching water and slowing me as my weight shifts around during the rowing motion. Any part that hangs down in the water (butt, feet, fins, fish basket, PVC parts, etc.) feels like a parachute when I try to row fast (1mph+) or far (1 mile+). Probably I'm just used to going further and faster with less effort in a kayak or canoe.... Guess its time to practice getting a good rhythm down to see what this potential for oars is....
Hey, another good thing about oars is- they can be used for slapping snakes or gators [
]
Just saying, FWIW.
Pon.
Something tells me that we will probably see more manufacturers producing these hybrid craft in the future, which are more portable than the average metal frame pontoon, and presumeably faster than the average float tube..
How would flygoddess compare this craft to the echo for example?
The closest competitor product, speaking performance-wise, to these is probably an inflatable kayak.[/quote]
[signature]
Somebody used the term "PONTUBE" in the past, and that is exactly what this craft is.
I agree that the oars as an auxiliary are interesting, and in a breeze that would challenge normal fin power they will be useful. Also for covering a long distance to the fishing area, the oars are a good option.
My technique when using oars must suck. I just cant seem to get the speed or distance everyone refers to. Even in my pontoons that are built for speed, it is slow going and inefficient for me. I can go 100 yards in perfect conditions but then the blisters start and it feels like pushing a rock uphill compared to what I can do with long oars in a heavy rowboat! The points of my pontoon zig zag or dip down catching water and slowing me as my weight shifts around during the rowing motion. Any part that hangs down in the water (butt, feet, fins, fish basket, PVC parts, etc.) feels like a parachute when I try to row fast (1mph+) or far (1 mile+). Probably I'm just used to going further and faster with less effort in a kayak or canoe.... Guess its time to practice getting a good rhythm down to see what this potential for oars is....
Hey, another good thing about oars is- they can be used for slapping snakes or gators [
] Just saying, FWIW.
Pon.
Something tells me that we will probably see more manufacturers producing these hybrid craft in the future, which are more portable than the average metal frame pontoon, and presumeably faster than the average float tube..
How would flygoddess compare this craft to the echo for example?
The closest competitor product, speaking performance-wise, to these is probably an inflatable kayak.[/quote]
[signature]