Hobie Float Cat 75 Float Tubes Pontoon Boats
Hobie Float Cat 75 Float Tubes Pontoon Boats
USER REVIEWS
[May 07, 2021]
togolese273
Strength:
The best choice for a beginner. Fits into my Astro van without having to reassemble. Durable. No air leaks to swamp you. Spray Foam of Arlington Weakness:
The rowing system is pretty weak. Purchased: New
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[Nov 28, 2010]
Miller Welch, Jr.
Paddler
Best fishing machine made! Durable, stable, light weight, and a breeze to handle both in, and out of the water. I own two (2) Hobie Float Cat 75's. An exceptionally effective and economical fishing machine. It has allowed me to access the less accessible, under-fished waters. Customer Service No real maintenance required, unless I abuse it in some way. Similar Products Used: Inflatables...no comparison because of durability and weight issues. |
[Nov 06, 2010]
David W.
Car Camper
I've had my Hobie Float Cat since 2000. I use it about 180 days per year in all types of water. It is a solid platform. Add a transome to the footrest, 30# Minkota, and you're off to the races. The biggest problems is the lookie-loo's with their big boats..their wakes suck. If you can get your hands on one, buy it. Customer Service I got everything Hobie made for this boat and no problems with service or preformance. Similar Products Used: Floaters, Float Tubes |
[Jul 03, 2003]
Kevin Goyer
Car Camper
The Hobie Float Cat 75 is a well-designed and durable unit and I use it often; the anchor kit works well with a 10-lb mushroom. I put a 30lb MinnKota motor on it; however, the weight of the motor, battery, and anchor causes the front of the Cat to ride a little high - don't use the top two speeds on this motor. I'm on the edge with this setup, but it works great - also fits in my 4by6 trailer or on my Yakima bike rack. I'm not a car camper, but had to select something. |
[Apr 09, 2003]
n2fishn
50+ days a year
Strength:
keeps you higher than tube it does all hobie claims plus alot more just broke tray put my hand through it but that was my fault leaving outside ever since 94 when i bought it
Weakness:
not enough time to use it only 4 times a week float cat 75 Customer Service contacted them to replace pontoon very quick and corteous Similar Products Used: float tubes canoes |
[Feb 05, 2003]
matt0325
50+ days a year
Strength:
Low profile reacts like a boat vs a sailboat.
Weakness:
Oar system has broke twice in ten years. Of course I typically row upstream against the current to escape. Too many places to get your flyline caught on. Overall the best float boat around, great pontoons. Sturdy. My cat was one of the first produced, I think I bought it in 92. I use it atleast 50 times a years. Similar Products Used: Abel, outcast, others |
[Apr 22, 2002]
Dave
20 days a year
Strength:
The obvious advantage are the ridgid pontoons that never leak..I have mine rigged with a detachable frieghter pack frame that allows me to walk long distances with it on my back...I have not had any problems with the oars..they do have a right and wrong side wich is not that obvious but can contribute to undue wear and increased friction at the lock...I leave the screws that are meant to hold the oar in the lock backed off which lets the oar move more freely and reseat itself if it statrts to slip out..my weight and the progressive V shaped pontoons means it rides lower in the water than the large inflatables which presents a much smaller profile to the wind..it is very good at moving upstream on slow moving water if you rest your feet on the pontoons..I carry a set of Force Fins with me so I can troll flies with hands on the rod..I dont disassemble mine as it fits in my pickup.
Weakness:
Not good for navigating shallow riffles ...draft too deep(with my fat butt aboard) tends to porpoise in swift water..rod holder is a joke..foot rest is not really comfortable and is not removable as it part of oar bracing.? I am 6''5" and go 285 lbs...I use the Hobie as much for a photographic platform as a fishing boat...overall I like it a lot.. it allows me to access areas unreachable by larger craft...i Customer Service Haven''t had to use it..a Similar Products Used: Inflatable pontoons and tubes? |
[Mar 26, 2002]
terr222
30 days a year
Strength:
Lghtwieght, very strong, no leaks possible.
Weakness:
Yes, the rod holders are worthless. And it could use more storage. I use a waterproff bag strapped to te cargo rack and get by fine. I just can''t understad the comments about the weaknesses in the rowing system... I''ve had my Hobie a little over a year now, probably 30 uses. I''ve NEVER had a problem with the oars, and in fact find them strong and well designed. And I do frequently lean on them pretty hard. I use flippers as well for maneuvering while fishing. The hobie tracks well, feels very secure, and is a well made product in my opinion. Customer Service none needed as of yet Similar Products Used: float tube |
[Mar 03, 2002]
dave wilson
30 days a year
Strength:
Fits into my astro van without having to reassemble. Durable. No air leaks to swamp you. low profile big waves break right over me. I''m 6''4" 245 lbs.
Weakness:
Should always fish with the wind blowing you towards shore. Always watch the weather. Pole holders from Hobie are worthless. Rowing system does seem rather weak. I love my Hobie. I havn''t had any rowing problems, but I mostly use an electric trolling motor. Great for lake trolling. As for the pole holders, I use bicyle stems mounted on the foot holders. I also use a bike stem to mount my fishing buddy. Both work great. Customer Service Have not needed any. Similar Products Used: Belly boats, ski boats, inflatable pontoon boats. Row boats. |
[Nov 01, 2001]
Matt Miller
5 days a year
Strength:
Customer service. Hobie is a varied company and it is common for customers to get lost among the many licensee manufacturers. To contact Hobie for Float Cat information: www.hobiecat.com Dealers 1(800)Hobie-49 Factory 1(760)758-9100
Weakness:
Instructions, Yep we know and have rewritten them a few times and plan to do it again. It is quite clear by reading some of these reviews that people are attempting to use the Hobie Float Cat 75 in conditions that it was not designed for. Some are also using the oar systems incorrectly. The Float Cats are designed for flat or slow moving water only. Hobie does not recommend rough or moving water. The oars are commonly installed incorrectly. Even though they are marked left and right. You must install the oar with the blade directed towards the seat at nearly 180 degrees to the usable position. When the oars are swung into the use position, there is no way that they can "pop out" of the oar mount. Customer Service Customer service. Hobie is a varied product trademark and it is common for customers to get lost among the many licensee manufacturers. To contact Hobie for Float Cat information: www.hobiecat.co Similar Products Used: Kayaks |