Woodriver V Float Tube

[pescatore123]

As I continue to immerse myself in the world of fly fishing, I am working on getting a float tube. Someone I know has a Woodriver V Float tube that is in great condition but I don't know anything about them. Anyone here have experience with this specific tube. I plan on using it a June, Gull, Silver, Big Bear to name a few. Thanks

[briansII]

Wood River tubes have been discontinued for sometime now. If you ever need to replace the bladder, you might be out of luck. There was a person in the UK making them, but I have no idea if he still is. I sent one to a guy to look at. He said he could make one, but it would cost me. Possible, other brand V-tube bladders could work. That's the negatives. The positives are they are very nice float tubes. Light, maneuverable, and very comfortable. IMHO, for that style of tube, it ranks as the best I've ever used/owned. I spent a whole week in a Wood River tube, and not once was I unhappy with the tube. Can't say that for others I've used.

briansII

[lucfish]

Agree with Brian. In it's day, wood river was the best float tube on the market. I met the builder a few times at Bob's shop. He drove a perfectly restored VW van in lime green. His problem was making a tube that lasted too long.
I still got mine but haven't used it for maybe five years, my wrists just hurt too much fishing at angle.

[Gila Trout]

As others have said when they were being produced the Woodriver tubes were the best. Very well designed and made. The former owner Pete and Vanessa Ross are very nice people. I went to Pete's shop a few times because I a had a problem with my first V tube and Pete took care of me. I had 3 of his boats and they were great. I now use a Outcast super Fat Cat and must admit I like sitting higher out of the water. I believe Pete designed the first U boats for the Creek Company. I really miss the Woodriver Company.

Lanny

[fishabuoy]

They are AWESOME tubes - I have two, have had them for over 10yrs, and have used them heavily during that time. They are extremely well designed, functional, and durable, especially the Stealthrider which was their top of the line model back in the day. I also have the "Breezerider" which was their stripped down version - very light - perfect for backpacking. In fact, there isn't a lighter V type tube made - then or now. The closest thing you can currently find is the Outcast Trinity, which is more akin to the Stealthrider in weight. There is a guy in the UK (Steve Pardon in Nottingham) that sold replacement V boats, and bladders... don't know if he still does.

If you do a search for "Stealthrider" on Craigslist ....There is one in Pasadena someone is selling - albeit he isn't giving it away.

Best-
Bob Valko

[pescatore123]

picked it up today-it doesn't even look like it's been used-traded a couple saltwater rods for the tube and a * 9' 7/8 wt St Croix blank-now just need some flippers and waders-looking at the Omega flip ups- thanks fishabuoy for the link to the company making replacement bladders!

[WildernessLite]

There is now a US supplier of replacement bladders for Wood River V boat float tubes. The bladders are lighter than those found in the original Wood River tubes, so will help your Wood River tube become even more suitable for backpacking to wilderness alpine lakes
www.wildernesslitefloattubes.com