Fish Cat 4 Questions

[cat_man]

This question is for anyone that has or knows about the Fish Cat 4 (TD I know you're out there...) :-)

Anyway, I was looking up info on the Fish Cat 4, and I've come across different information on different websites. I've seen reference to a Deluxe Fish Cat 4 and just Fish Cat 4. The price difference is about $40. I've also seen some sites say the fish cat 4 has a 1000 denier bottom, and others say it is 600 denier.

It looks like on this site:

http://www.flyfishusa.com/float-tubes/fi...t-tube.htm

It says the deluxe has the inflatable seat and the regular is the closed cell foam seat.

I think the best price I've found for the regular is $139 and the deluxe is $179.

I'm thinking of buying one but not sure yet. I know they have good reviews, but just wanted some extra info.

Thanks for listening to my ranting and raving.[sly]
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[Bloodhound]

Hey cat_man,

I have one of the fish cats - I think it is last years or the year before's model - it's gray(not navy or green like the ones in your link) But I got the one with the inflatable seat and backrest. I am not sure if it has the 1000 or 600 material on the bottom though. It weighs about 12-14 lbs - I wanted the lightest one and the one that folded up the smallest for transport. It also has back pack straps to carry while inflated(a very nice thing to have).

I have not tricked it out at all like TubeDude has done with his, because I only use it for packing into small lakes that are reached only by foot and I only carry the bare minimum of weight.

If I recall, the difference between the models back then was the location of manufature. I think the one I have was made in Asia and the other one in the US - But I may have that backwards or incorrect. I got it at FishTech here in SLC.
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[cat_man]

Thanks for the info. -- How much did it cost you there?
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[doggonefishin]

I'm sure others will chime in with a wealth of good info, but I found these product reviews very helpful when I was deciding on what Outcast tube to buy recently.


http://www.riverwire.com/outcasttubereview2.htm
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[cat_man]

Thanks! That link was quite useful and had some good information. I've read everything that's been said on the float tube board over the past year or so as well a bout SFC and FC4.
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[Bloodhound]

One thing I forgot to mention that was in the article in the link, was the portability of it.

I bought a large cheapo depot pack that the tube fits in while deflated to carry to the destination. After I get there and set it up to fish, then I will use the backpack straps that come with the tube to portage it around the lake or from one lake to another. It's a small thing, but it sure is nice when you have to carry your rod and other things in your hands and don't want to dis-assemble everything just to go a few hundred yards to the other side of the lake or to another close by body of water(like the Unitas or Boulder mountain area.

And yes, the article is correct, with the inflatable seat and backrest, it's like sitting in an easy chair fishing.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]If you have read through the past threads on the FC4, you know that I believe they are one of the best values available...and the design is among the best. My ongoing beef with Outcast tubes is the wimpy apron...which I remedied with my "sushi board" apron made from the lid of a Rubbermaid plastic bin.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Yes, you float higher than almost any other craft, except the Water Skeeter Daytripper. But, I would not recommend that to anyone. Those are unstable and far too complicated.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have the inflatable seat and backrest on my Super Fat Cat, and I have fished with both the hard foam and the inflatable. You have more "adjustability" for comfort with the inflatable seat, but you also have to remember not to set a basket of spiny fish on the inflatable seat. I remember NOW, after having to patch a spine hole.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Not sure about the variation in ratings on the quality of the cover fabric. 600 is the quality standard of the industry, so it should be fine. One of the things I like about my SFC is the PVC coating on the bottom of the air chambers. I haven't had a puncture in two years of use. Tubes without such protection are always finding a sticker when you set them down.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The closed cell seats are fine, but are bulkier when you deflate them for transport. And, if you are looking for a lightweight craft for packing in, you can definitely find lighter craft. But, for launching anywhere near where you park, the extra weight translates to better quality and more good features.[/#0000ff]
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[cat_man]

Thanks everyone for the info. Now that I know 600 is durable enough, I just have to convince the boss that I need a graduation present to me from me! []
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[tubeN2]

After trying TubeDudes SFC, I purchased an FC4 on my way home from a tubing trip with him in AZ.

I thoroughly enjoy my FC4. They are easy to adapt your rod holders (vertical or horizontal) to and even have more pocket space than most other brands of V boats.[cool]
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