Rowing oars on tubes

[TheAsianGuy]

Hi all. Not certain if some one already successfully modified their tubes to accommodate oars. There are a few new tubes (mixed between tubes and kayak) with oars holders. Some modified their old Fat Cats with PVC tubes and straps for their oars. Anyone tried with any other tubes like U-tubes and/or round ones and successfully using the oars without massive failures for the past 6 to 8 trips?

I'm in the process of modifying my tubes, but don't want to spend hundreds in messing around with prototypes that may fail miserably in the water. Any hint or insights would be much appreciated. Fighting wind and navigating the water more than 3 miles at a time can be exhausting using just fins. Not even an avid snorkler and seasonal diver like myself can handle tube long treks without the dire exhaustion.

[Ronira]

Unless you can get your legs out of the water I think there would be to much drag for oars to be effective on a tube. Also they would have to be really short to work when you sit that low in the water and would probably be in your way more than not.

[TheAsianGuy]

Positioning of the oars' locks can be raised above the tube using PVC risers for both side, since I already modified the tubes to hold extra rods. I'll definitely keep in mind the oars' length to be short, probably using telescoping oars. I'll be using the fins as primary propulsion, while using the oars as additional power to get point A to point B a bit faster. Is that feasible?

[Ronira]

I guess so, why not? If you raise the oarlocks to much you might have to row above your shoulders but it would be cool to see what you come up with.

[tacklejunkie]

I have seen people just use a kayak paddle and store it in the back/side of the tube when not on the move.
Get a paddle mounting clip/set.

[TheAsianGuy]

If you raise the oarlocks to much you might have to row above your shoulders but it would be cool to see what you come up with.

Hm..thought long and hard about that comment. I may be looking like some weird guy with with his arms raised like a freaking robot after I'm done for the day due to muscle tension lock. I've measured over and over again, and even with the riser go high enough to prevent the oars from touching the tube, my elbows remain lower than my chest. We'll see how well it goes after I complete it.


I have seen people just use a kayak paddle and store it in the back/side of the tube when not on the move.
Get a paddle mounting clip/set.

Paddle and tube. Hm..I don't know how those guys managed it. The side pouches must scrape the crap out of their arms and armpits. That's why I like to use oars. Equalize of strength distribution, no friction between body parts and tube body, and twice the amount of power delivered hopefully equally on both sides of the tube. This will also help me to haul in those who are with me when they get exhausted from their own activities in the water.

[tacklejunkie]

Just relaying what I've seen. :Cool:

I think I also saw japanese tubes with trolling motor mounts or something like that.
They make much more advanced gear than we do.

[TheAsianGuy]

Like pretty much everything else :LOL: Can't wait for their prototype of fishing with a fish..a battery operated fish hunter, that looks like a fish, and loaded with torpedo harpoons! Now..that's hunting! Anything with a troller motor requires registration with the State. Not about to do that with my tube.

[Ronira]

With the oarlock being the fulcrum and the blade of the oar being below the water line where does that put the handle of the oar? Every time I picture it in my head I can't see a way to keep the handles low enough but I guess it depends on how high you sit.

[tacklejunkie]

I think maybe if the handles were out front of you it would work but you'd have to have a long tube or something.
I have seen nylon paddle mount rings that will mount to just about anything.

then maybe you could put clips on the back and make some micro paddles that swivel over and clip out of the way like our pontoons were.

I do know that using a shortened kayak paddle on a tube just to get you to your spot is a lot quicker than kicking there though. It is manageable and highly possible on a fish cat type tube.

I have known about registration. It's fairly easy and cheap so shouldn't be out of the option.
Has anyone ever thought of mounting a small motor on your person? Perhaps then registration would not be required like it is when a trolling motor is mounted to the tube?

[TheAsianGuy]

With the oarlock being the fulcrum and the blade of the oar being below the water line where does that put the handle of the oar? Every time I picture it in my head I can't see a way to keep the handles low enough but I guess it depends on how high you sit.

You are smacked right on that subject. I've been thinking and thinking about that. I've been calculating, sitting in the three tubes that I have, visualized the oars multiple length, and measured the fulcrum and the traveling axises to ensure everything plays out correctly. This is why I ask for insights for those who may have modified their tubes and yaks. However, the fulcrums actually will be sitting about 2'7" beyond my stomach, or 3'8" from my central axis of my hip to upper body, and 15" to each side of the tube. The height of each fulcrum requires a bit of tweaking, since I don't have the exact detail on the telescoping oars' from Sevylor yet. Will be getting it this Thu. Since the tube (Caddis Nevada) has already been retrofit with PVC pipes to accommodate 3 rods on each side, I'm taking two forward rod holders off to ensure proper room for the oars to rotate without hindrance. By rough estimation based on Sevylor oars' length description, 24 to 32 inches will go from fulcrum to water, where as the other 17 to 24 inches will be adjusted accordingly from fulcrum to my hand, leveling just below chest height, spacing 8 to 10 inches between oars' handle tips. Still, this is just visualization on my part. No materials for definitely answers yet.



I have known about registration. It's fairly easy and cheap so shouldn't be out of the option.
Has anyone ever thought of mounting a small motor on your person? Perhaps then registration would not be required like it is when a trolling motor is mounted to the tube?

There is a way around that registration. Once you slap that trolling motor on, there's no way around it. However, slap a kid's pool jetski motor or a diving motor under the tube, you've exploited the loop hole for not registering. However, 1 to 2 hours of power, running at 2 to 3 miles per hour..well, can't cover too much ground with such a small amount of power there..if you're out of juice, you're dead stuck with tons of weight to haul back either using paddles/oars or fins. Not worth it.

[HBAR]

so basically what you want is something like this

[TheAsianGuy]

Something similar. But I'm not about to fork out another $400 to $600 to get a floating pontoon with all the trimming. On top of that, transporting that to-and-fro from the water can be a freaking pain. I can understand that inflatable pontoons are light..but can you imagine? Wind factor added, you'll drift like an out of control aircraft, even when you're planted down with an anchor. At least, in the tube, you can adjust quickly with fins..I think I'm over analyzing things too much :Rolls Eyes: But the frame on that pontoon..hm...

[HBAR]

Actually at first it was a PIA getting to and from water but then I added the wheel attachment to it and wheel it like a wheel barrel to the water take the wheel off and I'm good to go. You don't see it on there anywhere since I get it to the water when 90% ready then go back to truck put on hip boots and I'm back in it. As far as adjusting with the wind, it's not that much harder then a regular tube with fins on.

Sounds like you have questions about the frame, PM me and we'll take it from there, by the way it's an Outcast PAC 9

[TheAsianGuy]

No..just thinking of a PVC undercarriage frame like yours to reinforce the oars delivery power. Too much info is rushing all over inside my head, and not too much info is being used. I'll let you all know by tomorrow night.

[TheAsianGuy]

Done! Modified the tube earlier, and tested in the pool. Worked beautifully. The 1"x10" riser allowed me to have the oar's lifted above the accessory pouches, while allowing the oars to engage the water at chest level. I'll post some photos during Sat excursion at Lake Perris. If this works, I may not require a single person pontoon. However, dual persons..that's something else.

[Ronira]

Looking forward to the pics TheAsianGuy. If I ever run into you at Perris I'll let you jump on my pontoon and that will ruin you for sure!

[TheAsianGuy]

Evil! Evil! :LOL: But would love to give it a try. Retrofitting it with a trolley motor would be great too.

[Ronira]

If you want to ck out my toon setup with my trolling motor look back at my post on 8/29/09.The photo taken by tacklejunkie, my old fishing buddy. Not to brag but I have yet to see one I like better. I would bring the pic up but as you can see in the photo I'm somewhat of a geezer and the knowhow eludes me.

[TheAsianGuy]

Saw your toon! If that's the same one that you're planning to let me hop onto, you might lose yourself that toon! :LOL: I have the Optima Gold deep cycle battery in the back of my SUV which we normally use for camping purposes, that I can readily remove after a nice long charge during the week. Tell me oh master on the toon..show should I present my plead with the the missus (total costs that is) before she spears me with a BBQ fork..then buy the things for me as she feels sorry for my injuries.

[Fire Ball]

I can't wait to see those pictures and to know how well it worked in an actual test, haha.

[TheAsianGuy]

Okay..here's my strip down of the tube and the PVC frame. A bit overkill on the enforcement straps, and PVC framing, but for good reasons. The dual sided frame create equal bouyancy. On top of that, distribution of weights throughout the frame and stress factors due to the poles and excess equipment on the three straps will create less tension on the tube's body, especially with the oars being used. I'll be strapping the Humminbird 728 fish finder on in about a week, and this dual frame rig will level out the transducer nicely without causing the angle to create false readout.

I also did tension test on the oars' mounting point, the test exceeded my expectation on a 1" PVC tube over 150 pounds angular tension without cracking or snapping. This is 3 times the amount of the stress that the oars put during rowing.

[fishtales]

Hi all. Not certain if some one already successfully modified their tubes to accommodate oars. There are a few new tubes (mixed between tubes and kayak) with oars holders. Some modified their old Fat Cats with PVC tubes and straps for their oars. Anyone tried with any other tubes like U-tubes and/or round ones and successfully using the oars without massive failures for the past 6 to 8 trips?

I'm in the process of modifying my tubes, but don't want to spend hundreds in messing around with prototypes that may fail miserably in the water. Any hint or insights would be much appreciated. Fighting wind and navigating the water more than 3 miles at a time can be exhausting using just fins. Not even an avid snorkler and seasonal diver like myself can handle tube long treks without the dire exhaustion.

I agree with you about it being exhausting to be kicking not to mention the charlie horses you can get in your legs--that makes it real fun! I got blown from one end of June Lake in icy water to the other, I could no longer get back to my launch site than fly over the moon MOOOOOOOOOO :>) Had to call friends on the radio to come get me with the boat. I was using an Outcast Super Fat Cat. When I arrived back home, I put an ad up and sold it. Never looked back.

I recently bought a Dave Scadden Escape frameless pontoon boat rated at Class 3 white water, holds 500 X#, has oars with oar locks, has a foot rest, you can kick with fins as much as you want, if you get tired or have cramps, you simply put your feet up and rest while rowing if that's what you want to do. You can just put your legs up on the pontoons and lean back in the comfortable fabric seat and chill out. The boat weighs a whole 20 #. How easy is that?? If you want to check them out go to: northforkoutdoors.com and take a look.

I want the extra room in the back the next size up will give me. The larger new boat is arriving tomorrow. I will take pics of the smaller (and less expensive) boat this week end and post ads on Craigslist, FishingNetwork, etc, etc.
You might consider looking at these. They are top of the line in their field. Scadden used to design for Outcast until he started his own company. He's a great guy and very knowledgeable.

I think it's better by a long shot to pony up and get a Dave Scadden than wasting your time and money on building something that may not work well, causing you frustration and stress. I say get it done the right way. I've tried other less expensive ways to rig my old kayaks and frankly, it was a whole lot of time and work and I really wasn't satisfied with my amateur adventure into making something actually work and work well.

[TheAsianGuy]

Thanks for the info. I actually saw Dave Scadden and his floats. Got me interested for myself and my boy.

[Liteweight]

Keep an eye on ebay. I got me a almost new PAC 800 for just $500 a couple of years ago (there were a bunch that summer). Since then I rarely use my Fat Cat at all (just keep it around for friends). I also own a Watermaster Grizzly (Big Sky inflatables) which I've had since '97.

Check out http://www.kickboat.com/
Or http://www.waterstrider.com/index.html

Won't fish without anything that doesn't have a paddle anymore.
As for getting blown around the lake I have an 8# boat anchor and/or 5# grapel anchor (Kayaking) for my PAC 800 & Watermaster, that I use to control drift. Been in 15-20 mph winds on Crowley and have never been blown so far away that I couln't get back. Usually I end up towing my friends back.
As for transporting a pontoon check out this link.
http://www.launchinggear.com/index.htm
Maybe a bit expensive but makes transporting to and from the lake all worth it. Used to make muliple trips to launch then pack all gear to the water, now I can load it up and wheel it all down to the water.
For my Watermaster I just use a Kayak cart.
Don't know how much use I will get from any of these "Toys" now, since I just got into Kayaking (have a Mini-X and a new Pro Explorer). Again anything with a paddle.
Hope this gives you some ideas of my toys and how I've adapted to some of the drawbacks from each.
Sorry I only have pics of my PAC 800. Never bothered to take pics or have pics taken of me and my Watermaster.
LW.

[HBAR]

Hey Liteweight you and I think alike our outcast are set up almost the same way.

[TheAsianGuy]

Thanks for the nice photos. And they say I pack my tubes with junks.. :LOL:

[Liteweight]

Hey Liteweight you and I think alike our outcast are set up almost the same way.

Yep, I noticed your post. That's what prompted me to post pics. I carry a Cabelas' DB=(Denny Brauer) Large=(3600) tackle bag inside a milk crate with 4 PVC tubes straped to the corners for rod holders and a 3-rod holder attached to the outside on the platform. Does your seat swivel? I found it helpful when reaching for one of the rods in the back.


Thanks for the nice photos. And they say I pack my tubes with junks.. :LOL:

"It's better to have and not need than need and not have." Isn't that what fishings' all about? I'm doing my part to keep the economy going!
LW

[FlamingTube]

Okay..here's my strip down of the tube and the PVC frame. A bit overkill on the enforcement straps, and PVC framing, but for good reasons. The dual sided frame create equal bouyancy. On top of that, distribution of weights throughout the frame and stress factors due to the poles and excess equipment on the three straps will create less tension on the tube's body, especially with the oars being used. I'll be strapping the Humminbird 728 fish finder on in about a week, and this dual frame rig will level out the transducer nicely without causing the angle to create false readout.

I also did tension test on the oars' mounting point, the test exceeded my expectation on a 1" PVC tube over 150 pounds angular tension without cracking or snapping. This is 3 times the amount of the stress that the oars put during rowing.

Thanks for the info and pics i will try this on odc 420 soon i hope. I do agree i never had a toon but i think it would be best but i need my ride to be as compact as possible when i load up for a weekend of camping and take the whole family it is very hard to get all my camping gear loaded and that’s without my fishing gear so a tube in my case is a must especially when i need to load more than one so adding oars to my tube would make my summer don’t have to rely on just fins to get me around. The biggest bonus would be the satisfaction of knowing my tube will be quite unique some of us do take pride in moding our stuff to accommodate our needs :D so Thank you TheAsianGuy for all the pics and info BTW there are Toons that start at $200.00 when on sale

[HBAR]

[QUOTE=Liteweight;555979]Yep, I noticed your post. That's what prompted me to post pics. I carry a Cabelas' DB=(Denny Brauer) Large=(3600) tackle bag inside a milk crate with 4 PVC tubes straped to the corners for rod holders and a 3-rod holder attached to the outside on the platform. Does your seat swivel? I found it helpful when reaching for one of the rods in the back.

Of course I have a swivel I also scored a Minn kota trolling motor from the sports authority in burbank for 39.99 a while back, I have the depth finder cables routed thru the frame on the left side and the battery either sits in a spinner bait box or in the box in the crate, still have to figure out how I'm gonna get the bigger battery and trolling motor on there without too much rear end weight. Trolling motor will help me out since I just had knee surgery, get out to the point once there either float around and or kick as little as possible until knee heals.

[TheAsianGuy]

BTW there are Toons that start at $200.00 when on sale

Yep..I got a toon now. Picked up a practically brand new Dave Scadden 10' Skykomish Sunrise pontoon yesterday for $500..loaded with everything but the motor. I'll be slapping the Humminbird 728, put a second seat for my boy in the rear plate, and a life line to haul the modified tube if the 3rd person comes along. Wife was really excited when she saw how big and pretty the pontoon was.

[HBAR]

Hey AG I figured you might end up buying one if you found it for a good price, personally I scored mine at one of those garage sales you hear about but never get to be part of. I got my outcast and 2 cabelas sleeping bags for $200 bucks, my buddy and I came out of there with about $5000 worth of gear for $1000, that was two years ago this month.

[TheAsianGuy]

Dang..that's some serious dough to cough out for brand new anything..$5K? Sheesh. The guy I got the toon from spent $1,500 for all this upgrades. The toon itself was $1K. Small additions added up pretty quick. He couldn't sell it in San Diego, so, he let it sat there after one trip to Neveda. 70 years of age plus toon equals sale it to someone else. He got himself a 17' aluminum instead to fish with his buddy. Toon is great to get coverage in the water. Still, nothing like sitting back in your float tube to relax like sitting in a water filled chair.

[HBAR]

OK I worded that wrong, we came out of that yard sale with a total of 6 fly rods, a rifle rest, boots, 2 outcast pac boats, fly line, tipits, flys, 2 sleeping bags, disney pictures for his daughters and a bunch of other stuff of which I can't remember.

When we got back to his place I took one of the bladder bags which neither one of us had gone through and asked him where he wanted it. Later he opens the bag to find a brand new Outcast fish cat 4 LCS tube, a rough estimate of how much all this gear cost came out to an estimated $5000, all this gear belonged to his buddy who had died and we had gone to help the widow price the items for sale, she let my buddy have first pick of the stuff, later when she saw that we had the same friendship that her late husband and my buddy had she told me you can pick out whatever you want.

We showed her the stash of stuff and my buddy said how's $1000 sound? Don that's fine are you sure you two got all you want? Believe me there was more stuff but we thought we should let the neighbors get some of his choice equipment, she did take the fly reels off the rods from what I'm told nothing he had was cheap.

[Liteweight]

Yep..I got a toon now. Picked up a practically brand new Dave Scadden 10' Skykomish Sunrise pontoon yesterday for $500..loaded with everything but the motor. I'll be slapping the Humminbird 728, put a second seat for my boy in the rear plate, and a life line to haul the modified tube if the 3rd person comes along. Wife was really excited when she saw how big and pretty the pontoon was.

Congrats, If you're anything like me you'll never go back to a float tube (unless taking a trip where space is limited). I'd like to know if it's everything most of us have said it would be.
LW.

[TheAsianGuy]

I would say the same thing over and over. If I pack for a trip and plenty of room, I would haul the pontoon. If room is extremely limited, I will bring my small float tube in a small duffel bag.