Tube lesson learned.

I normally keep my tube in my truck. So i decided to go out early Saturday morning. Got my spot and realized that the right side of my tube had deflated. Had to go all the way back home to get my air pump. Two things learned.

#1 - Always bring you pump

#2 Check your tube before you leave

i didn't even know I had a leak. Now I do. So i will be ordering me a new bladder very soon.

I know the feeling. My tube has been leaking at the air valve for the past few months and I have to stop it up after airing up every time. Luckily when it first happened, I had crappie nibbles to put in the valve to stop the air from leaking ( I was in the lake).

The good thing about the story was. That I caught a few and I also was able to help a guy that his truck battery had went out. Fishermen helping fishermen. The way it should be.

Sirjet,
If you can leave your inflated tube propped up on one side, it allows you to see if you have a slow leak should it fall over, and estimate how fast the leak is. Most leaks can be fixed with aquaseal, I find the leak using a spray bottle containing soapy water, sprayed on the removed bladder. I use a toothpick to enlarge hole and push a small amount into the inside so that it forms an inside to outside plug that locks mechanically and won't lose its grip- but leave some air inside to keep from gluing to an inside surface. I use a mouth inflation tube to bring the pressure up to 2 pounds maximum lung inflation pressure for the two big bladders on most tubes- handy if you have a leak during a fishing trip. My ODC 420s have been rigged so that the pressure can be adjusted while on the water with a mouth tube, handy to get the right pressure in cold water or for comfort or slow leaks. Just some ideas that have worked for me, might not be for everyone.

PC

Porta, how did you rig it for the mouth tube? That's a good idea.

The older ODCS already have their inflation port inside the 2 side pockets for the 2 big bladders. I reversed the critical (adjusts comfort, trim, and seat height) bottom seat bladder so the nipple protrudes through a hole at the front. The seat back bladder left as is, rarely needs adjusting- never had one leak. So the most critical 3 of the 4 bladders are within easy reach of the mouth tube- while sitting in the float tube and using the mouth tube. The mouth tube is just one that comes with the small hand pumps and has attached adapters at the end.

PC

I will look for the leak. But I was keeping my tube in my locked truck bed and hadn't noticed it was leaking. And of course i have a new bladder that was for the left. of coursE my leak was in the right. I do like The mouth inflation tube thing for my tube. Thanks For Sharing.

I have 2 of these ultra rare Hobie pontoons to take care of the inflating and deflating problems.

I think I will order a right bladder just to have at my disposal. Me and sinking don't work good together.

I never was coordinated enough to use something with oars.

I am seriously looking into something like this. I get tired of having to get soaked in the tube. Where did you find it at?

These are the Hobie Float Cats. They're discountinued now but u can find one similar. I think the brand is called venture outdoors.

Flex tape lmao

My experience over more than 30 years is that sinking is extremely rare, the closest I've read or heard about is something like a quick large puncture. When the pressure goes out thru a puncture, air pockets are usually trapped in folds sections away from the puncture, which provide some floatation, if there is only a single bladder. There won't be a sinking unless there is something very heavy securely tied to the float tube- like maybe a battery/troll motor- to drag it down. A man can use a punctured float tube to help reach shore or to stay afloat until help arrives if the water is not too cold.

My float tube is kept at low pressure, just enough to hold shape and then topped off with a mouth tube just before launching. This helps it last longer, because there is less stress on the bladder and fabric seams compared to storage at full pressure- plus hot days can make the full pressure go over recommendations.

I usually buy at least 2 float tubes of the same kind at the lowest price I can get. That way I have a backup to use while I test any bladder repairs under pressure over a week or so. Usually saves time waiting for parts to arrive and saves money as the complete boat usually costs less on sale than the individual bladders purchased separately. The spare can also be used for its other parts or for a fishing buddy.

Hope this helps.

PC

Thanks for the insight. I had a extra Fish Cat 4 that I bought and sold to a buddy. I forgot that I also gave him two extra bladders. i went and got the one I need. It is at home now inflated to make sure it is good to go.

Now that this subject is being discussed, I have a Fish Cat 4 tube that has a very small leak in one bladder that I want fix but I can't figure out how to get the bladder disconnected from the fill port. Any ideas?

http://www.outcastboats.com/float-tubes/fish-cat-4-float-tube.asp


gO TO THIS WEBSITE AND THERE IS A GREAT VIDEO.

One of the pros on national fishing forum says the adjusting to remove wrinkles part goes much faster with baby powder sprinkled over the bladder and inside the bladder shell- helps the bladder twist and slide into place by itself. Haven't tried it myself as I usually get the adjustment right the first time with all the practice I've had.

PC

That's super clean. Has that thing seen water? I'm holding on two Hobie 75 also. If I ever let one go, it won't be cheap.

Thanks Porta, I couldn't figure out how to get the valve out before. After watching that video it looks easy.

Thanks to sir jet video. I use the plug aquaseal method above because 90 % of my leaks are at the seams, where a patch won't work.

PC

This is what I was taught to do as well. Float tubes are really popular back in my native CO and we always air them down, not just for the heat but also to elevation change. Where I grew up was about 6500 feet but I did a lot of fishing over 10000 feet and that makes a difference.

(This is what I was taught to do as well. Float tubes are really popular back in my native CO and we always air them down, not just for the heat but also to elevation change. Where I grew up was about 6500 feet but I did a lot of fishing over 10000 feet and that makes a difference.)

Flags, the cold snow melt during Summer at altitude can also be a consideration. Sometimes I've had to add pressure with a mouth tube after 30 minutes or so of floating, and then remove that same pressure when getting out of that cold water. Tubed a river at Lyons many years ago, during a good flow, found some good fishing holes! My tube flies with me sometimes....

PC