I have flirted with the idea of purchasing a float tube for many years, and have finally decided to get my act together and take the plunge. I have read up on many opinions from many sources, and i have decided that i want a v-shaped tube that sits the angler high in the water.

The three tubes i'm considering are:

Guideline Drifter
Guideline Drifter Kick Boat - Sportfish

Snowbee
Fishing Accessories

Outcast Fish Cat 4
Inflatable fishing pontoon boats and float tubes for anglers | Outcast


I am interested to read the opinions of people who have had first hand experience of using any of these three tubes, and how you rate them, what are their stregnths and weaknesses etc.

I am not interested in recomendations for any other float tube, be it a caddis or a sparton, a ring shape or a u shape, more expensive but better etc.

Additionally, can anyone tell me the approximate dimensions of either of the above float tubes when they are deflated and compact? I plan to travel with mine and i'm curious to work out how much space they take up in a suitcase. I am aware that the Guidline Drifter comes with an inflatable seat, so obviously the more compact of the three.

Thanks in advance

Regards
PC

Hi
Ive had a number of tubes over the years, as the style has evolved from donut to U boat to the V boat I have had great fun in swapping and changing tubes. Testing and selecting a new tube is great fun and a very personal thing.
I was in the same position as you a few months ago and looked at and tried the tubes you mentioned, to be honest I found them to be so similar I decided to buy the Snowbee as it’s the cheapest of the 3.

I do not regret the decision and have used it in the recent winds and rain as well as the sunshine and cannot fault it. Wind is not an issue if you use scuba divers fins instead of the fins sold for float tubing. The most impressive point is the high seating position over the u boats, the water level is at your knees so I use breathable waders which is so comfortable and your able to have a pee at sea !!!
The down side with the Snowbee is that it has a rigid foam seat which may make it warm and comfortable but it’s bulky to transport. I have a plasterer’s bath which I keep all my kit in from tube to fins, rods, tackle etc and just slide it onto the back seat of the car when I go fishing then back to the garage when done.

The Snowbee would take up a large suitcase on its own which was about the size of the box it came in.


PM me if you wish to talk it over

Regards
Luke

Having tubed for the past 15 years and viewing your choices, I would go for the Guideline. it's my preference because it is more the traditional "low-rider" style of tube and the other two sit much higher in the water, with buoyant seats. This means more of you is on view to the fish and you will have to fin like the Man From Atlantis to hold your position in a good breeze and to get back the length of wherever you are fishing.

My tube is a Sparton and has a really shallow draft and is extremely comfortable to fish from. The Guideline is the closest to the Sparton of your 3 choices.

Just my opinion, as requested, others may differ.