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Hello,
I'm new to this forum, and am about to purchase an FC4. Just curious to know what some of you use to store or keep your float tubes in. The one I'm purchasing is a display model so it does not come with a box or bag.
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If it is more than a week or two between trips I deflate mine and than hang it on the garage wall. I just loop the carry handles (at the bow) over a 1/2 dowel that is glued and screwed to a pc of 1x4x8 inch pc of wood. (this use to be an old clothes rack I made).
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[black][size 3]I'm a firm believer in keeping tubes and toons partially inflated. Inflated to a point where they retain their shape.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]I also never fully inflate them until ready for use, and when finished, deflate them partially so they don't explode from altitude or temperature changes.[/size]
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[size 3]I feel that they are like waders, wrinkles in the fabric tends to make it weak.[/size]
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[size 3]Just my conservative, over concerned .02 cents worth.[/size]
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Well I know not evryone does it the same way. During the busy months I don't store mine. It remains partialy inflated in the bed of my pick up (i have a shell so it is protected from the elements). I do a lot of impromtu fishing so I carry it with me. I never know if I'm going to put a full day in at work or need to destress afterwards.
In the winter during hard water and NO use I store in the house. Usually in my closet deflated and neatly folded on the shelf where I also keep my waders and fins. Hope this helps. But like I said it is not for everyone.
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[cool][#0000ff]Welcome aboard. Hope you scored a good deal on the tube. Good craft.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As you can already tell, there are different ideas on what to do for storage. You did not say what kind of storage or for how long. In between trips you just need to keep it partially deflated, away from high heat and out of direct sunlight. No need to box it up. It will lay or hang almost anywhere you have a spot for it...horizontal or vertical. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For extended storage, I would mostly deflate it and fold it into a spot not too tight and well ventilated. Even though all of the materials are waterproof and do not mildew easily, they will do better over time if kept in a ventilated area.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Don't leave your tube fully inflated inside a vehicle for any length of time. Kaboom. And, if you do not intend to be using it, remove it from your vehicle and keep it in a cooler spot...inside the house or garage.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Where will you be fishing mostly and for what species?[/#0000ff]
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Hi,
Thanks for the replies. I will be fishing mostly for trout in lakes, and ponds. I fly fish too, and have found that fly fishing off the bank is well, um, frustrating to say the least.
I'm using my Looksha Sport Kayak, and at 75 lbs+ it becomes quite a workout - getting from the garage to the top of my car, from the car to the bank, and back all over again. I think I've blown a disk in my lower back because of it - joking aside my back is starting to hurt.
Looking forward to a tube for use on local ponds, and lakes, and hopefully a pontoon next year for the even bigger lakes. I fish maybe 4-6 times a month. It's been mostly creeks, streams, and rivers, and now I'd like to focus on lake fishing for trout. I've been studying up on chronomids, Brian Chan, Dave Hughs...etc....for the past year or so. I've done well so far, and now it's time to pay attention to the equipment side of things.
I have a small car, and an inflated float tube will take over the space for my camping gear..hahaha. Can't picture sleeping out in the open on an FC4. Lastly, I'd like to hike/bike into some remote lakes in the Northern part of Michigan and Ontario, and a float tube seems like the right ticket for getting out on the water.
I like this forum so far. Did not know it existed till I did a search for FC4 reviews. I also noticed some other members from other forums too. Neat.
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Of course I got to be the opposit he, he, he. I do have a large garage so the months that I am not using my tube or toon they are inflated and hanging in the rafters. Not fully inflated, but enough to keep the form like Saber said.
During the months I do use them, I do deflate completely to fit in either the truck or my Suzuki. However, if we are going for a day, We have a trailer made for the pontoons so then they are inflated and the trailer with pontoons and tubes inflated sit in the garage till the next trip and then go through it all again....trailer - inflate, no trailer -deflate.
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I also am a "store it partially inflated/deflated" float tuber.
During the fishing weather it is kept about 3/4 full, but flexible and bendy enough to stuff in a smaller space than would otherwise be the case. Just a quick "top-up" and it's ready for use.
If it is not likely to be used for a month or longer, I have it about 1/8 inflated, and much smaller for compactness.
Folding a deflated "flat" tube can accellerate perishing of rubber inner tubes, and that is how I developed the habit of not completely deflating my tube.
But since I got a urethene inner bladder perishing and cracking on a fold has never occurred. The outer shell cover will not crack anyway.
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