The Cadillac of Float tubes...the Super Fat Cat from Outcast
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Date: |
10/17/02 |
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Tackle type: |
Watercraft |
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Manufacturer: |
Outcast |
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Reviewer: |
Buzz |
Total Score: 8.66
Introduction:
There are a number of different personal watercraft products on the market today
that all accomplish different things. Some are designed for
stillwater
lake
fishing, while others are designed to be packed in to your favorite back-country
for access into those difficult to reach spots. This review will take an in
depth look at Outcast’s Super Fat Cat 66S.
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Outcast
Super Fat Cat Specifications |
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Size |
60” X 46” |
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Capacity |
300 lbs. |
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Weight |
12 lbs. |
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Valve |
Large 1” Air valve
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Construction |
PVC Bottom, PAC Cloth
Top |
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Seat |
Adjustable Foam Seat |
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Bladders |
1 Large Urethane
Bladder |
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Storage |
Large Side Pockets |
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Warranty |
3 Years |
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Price |
$350.00 |
About Outcast: Outcast Sporting Gear produces high quality watercraft
that are famous for detailed design and thorough testing that goes into each
boat prior to mass production. Outcast is based in Boise, Idaho and is
conveniently located close to excellent fishing and field test waters, a region
they refer to as "our lab...the Greater Rocky Mountain region."
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 |
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Outcast
refers to the Super Fat Cat as the Cadillac of float tubes |
Impressions: The Super Fat Cat is larger then a traditional float tube due
to the dual pontoon design. In addition it is oversized for the purpose of
increased comfort and stability. A similar design can be found in a smaller
lighter version...the Original Fat Cat. Interestingly the smaller version
features two independent pontoons and two air bladders, while the Super Fat Cat
has a very aerodynamic design that makes use of a single air bladder. Though the
super Fat Cat weighs two pounds more then the original it is able to hold up to
50 more pounds.
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 |
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The Super
Fat Cat is larger then most float tubes and focuses on comfort and stability
over size and weight |
The Field Test:
In looking at a float
tube there are a number of factors I considered before making my selection.
First, I wanted the ability to use the float tube to find fish under all
conditions. I had the opportunity to Test Outcast’s Super Fat Cat at
Lake Almanor,
CA where the trout are abundant, but can be finicky at
times. The wind picked up a great deal, and the tube remained very stable
through the choppy conditions.
|
 |
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The sealing
air valve can stay open or closed with a quick twist, then capped while the
tube is in use |
The biggest advantage to the
Super Fat Cat is its Padded Foam Cushion that keeps your rear a good 3-4 inches
above the water. Traditional float tubes have you sitting waist deep in the
water which anybody with experience will tell you makes maneuvering, casting,
and landing fish very difficult. Much of your body weight is supported by a
nylon flap that after a day of fishing can cause noticeable discomfort to your
crotch area.
|
 |
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Fly fishing
is much easier when you are sitting higher up and out of the water |
This tube puts you
on a “chair” that is much more comfortable than any other float tube set-up we
have tested to date. There are 2, 3” foam cushions, one for your back and the
other for your butt. The one for your back is fully adjustable for anyone that
has a temperamental back. This seat design gets you “up and out of the water”
with only your shin/knee area submerged is critical to not only your comfort
level, but in helping you catch fish as well.
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 |
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The Super
Fat Cat's design allows anglers to move quickly across water with little
resistance |
For example, if you are a
fly-fisherman this added height makes casting long distances much easier, which
is often necessary for catching weary lake trout. In short, I think the seat
design is an innovation that is very effective and ahead of it’s time when
compared to other float tubes on the market, and due to the increased comfort
and mobility, makes it easier to focus on fishing.
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 |
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Plenty of
storage in these huge pockets |
However, that being
said, there is still room for improvement. The tendency while casting is to
lean forward on the foreword cast. While the back of the seat adjusts, the
bottom does not. The lean in casting lets you slide or creep forward a little
bit after time. You find yourself inching back into your regular position quite
often. One solution lies in doctoring your cushion to put it at a slight
decline by cutting out some of the existing square foam. All in all, the entire
seat is a great concept that just needs a little fine tuning that can be done by
the operator after they figure out what will work best for them.
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 |
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The Super
Fat Cat allows anglers to get away from the shore and reach fishing hotspots |
The entry and exit features
of this tube are also a plus. The stripping guide easily detaches from the tube
on one end allowing for easy access/removal from the tube. With the tubes “V”
design & with the stripping guide up, To Enter all you have to do is back
into it and sit down like your reclining in your favorite chair. To exit,
simply get the tube in shallow water and stand up.
|
 |
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A integrated
ruler to quickly measure your catch |
Storage:
Outcast’s Super Fat Cat comes with 2 large side pockets for your gear. These
pockets are so large that you won’t be forced to wear your fishing vest if you
choose not to. Sometimes in float tubes vests can be cumbersome and are just
one more thing your slack line can tangle on while heaving out tons of line.
However, one of the most fascinating storage areas of this tube is in the area
behind the chair. It would be perfect for ditching a sweatshirt of T-shirt
except that it gets a little water in through the bottom zipper. It does
however make a great place to store a net, or a rod holder for your spare rod.
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 |
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The Super
Fat Cat is extremely stable, anglers can lean all the way forward without
fear of tipping the watercraft (Her Buzz leans forward to revive a fish) |
The Warranty: Outcast products are inspected at every stage of the
production to identify any problems early. Though the Super Fat Cat is among the
strongest float tubes we have tested, as with all watercraft factors outside of
your control may damage your tube. It is in these situations that it is good to
know that Outcast has a reputation for good service after the sale and offers a
3 year warranty program that covers the Super Fat Cat's workmanship and
materials since the date of purchase by the original owner.
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Outcast
Super Fat Cat Ratings (?/10) |
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Construction/Quality |
Very strong and durable
PVC re-enforcements to help stand penetrating sticks, branches, and rocks. |
9.5 |
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Performance |
The “V” Design is good for
maneuverability and charging through the water with less effort |
9 |
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Price |
Ouch. About 350 MSRP.
The features make this product the top of the line, but if you are fishing
on a budget you might want to consider the Fat Cat’s brother Fat 66 at $100
less |
6 |
|
Features |
Foam Seat, Adjustable
back, large storage compartments, and the stripping guide that unfastens
make this a float tube with all the bells and whistles |
9.5 |
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Design (Ergonomics) |
Comfortable design, and positioning more of
the anglers body out of the water reduces fatigue as well as increases your
range of movement |
9 |
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Application |
Just about all lakes from
smooth and small that need to be hiked, to the lakes that are big and choppy
where a stable tube is needed. This tube is slightly larger and heavier then
others, if your backpacking you will want to consider Outcast's (BPL)
Backpacker Lite model which weighs half as much |
9 |
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Total Score |
8.66 |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus |
|
J
High quality materials |
L
More expensive then most float tubes |
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J
Extremely comfortable |
L
Angler slips forward in the seat |
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J
Stable and maneuverable |
L
Water gets into the rear of float tube, so you
can't store clothing
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|
J
Plenty of storage |
L
Heavier and larger then most tubes,
backpackers will prefer the BPL model |
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J
Stripping guide |
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|
J
Design allows surprisingly fast movement |
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Conclusion:
The Outcast Super Fat Cat 66S is one of the most advanced and innovative float
tubes on the market today. Its design is truly ahead of it’s time.
Backpacking or Lake fishing this is a tube that everyone must consider.
Many might be turned off at the price, but if you use the tube more than
occasionally you will immediately know what you’re paying for right when you sit
in this the very first time. I would recommend this tube to anyone who has
a traditional float tube that wants to “ride in the Cadillac” and is willing to
pay the sticker price for it if you know what I mean. If your a hard core
backpacker you will want to look at the (BPL) backpacker model from Outcast
which is half the weight and packs down to a very small size. If you are looking
for comfort and stability above all, then this is the float tube for you.
Tight Lines, Buzz
