Mr. Grey Ghosty, I wish to discuss with thee...

[Obtuse Angler]

...thy theory that a float tube is safer for moving water than is a pontoon.


I have seen where you have written this twice, but I have not heard your rationale. I assume that it has something to do with the height of the center of gravity. Do I assume correctly?

It really seems to me that although the center of gravity is a little higher in a pontoon, it is more than offset by the fact that one's feet are out of the water with a pontoon, dramatically lowering the chance of getting the feet caught on a rock ledge and having the current sweep the upper body over and pin the head underwater. I have heard that this is the way most deaths in whitewater occur. Also, it seems to me that one's weight is spread over a much wider area with a pontoon, offsetting some of the risk of the raised center of gravity.

[Obtuse Angler]

Also, one's weight is spread over a wider area--laterally, anyway--in a pontoon than in a canoe or a kayak, and those don't constitute absolute death traps on moving water. In fact, they're quite stable unless piloted foolishly.

[Tentwing]

Obtuse;

First let me say that I know very little about this subject. With in mind let me now say this. Some pontoons are actually class rated for certain types of whitewater. (ie Scaddens) I know a guy who uses his pontoon exclusively for rapids. (he doesn't fish) Once a year in the fall he takes a trip tooning down the Gauley River, and let me tell you thats BIG water. :)

Just me personally, but really fast water in a float tube ,.......... well it scares me enough to the point where I just aint gonna.. ;)

........................................Tentwing

[Lil'Joe]

ask anybody..........you float tube on the Hi and "YOU WILL DIE."!

[Windknot]

Hummm. Shallow draft & high manuverability or 2/3's my body weight below decks in shoally, snaggy water?

No contest.

[Gray ghost]

Well I have yet to try out my Scadden pontoon on the Hooch so I can't tell you which one I feel is safer. When folks ask about fishing below the Dam I tell them that a float tube is a lot safer at least for me than trying to slide around on the slick rocks. Its easier for me to crab around in my float tube than try to wade in moving water thats 3' deep. If your in really fast moving water then yes I would imagine that a pontoon or even a kayak might be ideal or safer than a tube but for the Hooch I have always used a tube with no problems. If you get caught in fast water like I have when the generation turns on just hold your feet up or float backwards like I do until you get to your take out location. Most people flip their tubes because they are leaning to far forward in deep water and then over they go. If your going to use a tube learn how to sit back in it and never stand with it in a foot water so it can trip you up.

It might just be me but I have used float tubes for 30 years and never flipped one or been caught on a snag.

I need to get my pontoon out and give it a try on the Hooch. I bought the pontoon a couple of years ago thinking that I could get in it and paddle up river and float back down and fish but Im thinking now that a Kayak might work better for me for what I want to do. :)