Which do you guys prefer for inshore saltwater--round or U-shape/open front? Why?

Fongster,
I'd have to go with the round tube. Jamon had a U-boat and got flipped twice in it. When you get hit by a wave the front will buckle and collapse. If you're tubing bays and sheltered launches only the open front might be ok, but I know you like to hit PV so I would put the vote for a round tube. I have an old Lews Cruiser tube and it has served me well for 100 bucks especially considering it's 7 or 8 years old. Brian and Pete have a caddis boat that seems pretty good, but I don't know the model.

-Rob

David,

I like round tubes for many reasons. I have also seen U-tubes fold in rough conditions. Stability is the main reason I like round tubes. I have seen one U-boat that would probably do the job. I don't remember the model but it costs over $300 (I'd rather spend that on a Calcutta TE).

Brian and I (and Mike Edwards) have the Caddis Proline II. I love it. ~$125, lots of storage, very stable. I also have one of the Caddis High Sierra (or Deluxe) models that usually sell for around $80 but can be found (at least for the past two years) at the Fred Hall show for $40.

Pete

I use to have a round tube, it was good, but the shape has some problems. The main problem is ...space... in a round boat everything is very cramp the space to put your tackle and other things is very limited and it is difficult to have rod holders or more than one rod. You don’t have very much mobility and it is far more difficult to land fish. This is why I recommend using a u or v shape float tube. And about the stability, some people say that the shape makes a lot of difference, but I found this not to be a problem. They are all as stable, except when you are in big waves, only then are a round boat more safe.

i have to agree with abel about u boats. they really arent a problem because obviously your not going to go directly into a wave and also they just have more room for you to fish and put your things in.but thats just my opinion im not the expert.

IMO the pontoon boats are the best all the way around.
1. Easier into & out of.
2. Higher out of the water.
3. Handles rough water better.
4. Easy access to storage.

What am I missing?

RD

Randy,

I have been curious about pontoon boats. What model do you have? I would think sitting higher out of the water would add to instability?

Pete

I have the Caddis that I bought thru Cabelas when they were on sale.
It's like sitting in a chair. You can adjust the height to your liking..
I've never took it in salt water thru the surf, I use my kayak for that, but I have taken it to the Colorado river & it is very stable.
The tubes seem to me that you're almost up to your arm pits, & would hassel fly casting.
The "books" on float tubes also say the pontoons are better for light white water rivers.

RD

I have a Caddis Nav.II which I love! I also have a Skeeter floattube which I hate! The skeeter floattube sits too high out of the water and in rough conditions when the wind and swells are up I find myself going in circles. If the wind is blowing one way and you want to go the other way... Good luck!!
The Nav.II which a lot of people don't like because of the bladder alignment problems really is no problem for me. The tube is comfortable and takes the winds and swells pretty good. It has a lot of storage room and with Pete's custom pole holder on one of the pontoons, the tube looks great!

Kiyo

As far as kickboats go... I've taken my Creek Co ODC 816 out in pretty sloppy seas by Santa Cruz and it felt very stable. It's not immune to flipping but I'd think it'd be harder since it's so long. All the other pros/cons pretty much apply.

Only bad thing... cleanup. Takes forever to get the durned thing fully rinsed.

Nico

Because you can call yourself a shark doughnut.