What are the differences between Outcast and Fish Cat?
Outcast offers a complete line of watercraft for anglers - from float tubes to pontoons to fishing rafts. Durability and versatility are concepts that drive the designs at Outcast. Affordable Fish Cat craft are produced by Outcast using durable, high-quality materials backed by a 5 Year warranty.

What class of water can I use my Outcast Sporting Gear or Fish Cat pontoon boat in?
Your pontoon boat is durable enough for any class of water, but each person’s skill level varies, so only float water that you are comfortable with.

How do I inflate my boat?
Inflate your boat using a hand, foot or electric pump designed for use with inflatable boats. Please note that some Outcast and Fish Cat boats consist of multiple air chambers. The order of inflating the various chambers of the boats should be such that no one chamber is fully inflated before all chambers are partially filled. This will minimize the stress on individual AIREcells and bulkheads.

To inflate: Remove the valve cap from the valve. Depress the valve stem and turn it ¼ turn to the right. This positions the valve stem in the up or closed position. Having the valve stem in position allows air to be pumped into the pontoon and will prevent air from escaping. Place the plastic valve adapter onto the end of the pump hose and then insert it into the valve. Depending on the type of pump being used, a sleeve may be needed to connect the adapter to the pump hose.

Inflation sequence: Start by inflating the side tubes of the boat to half pressure. Next, inflate the floor to half pressure. Then top off the side tubes to full pressure and then finish inflating the floor. This will allow the air floor AIREcell to fill out the floor pocket completely. All air floor AIREcells in Outcast boats have a pressure relief valve that will vent excess air when the floor is fully inflated.

What is the proper air pressure for my boat?
You will have to adjust the pressure of the pontoons with the varying conditions. When you are transporting your craft you should have about a 1" to 2" of give when you press on the center of the pontoon, and you may have to adjust with temperature and elevation changes. When using your craft you will only want about a half inch (1/2") give when you press with your thumb in the center of the pontoon. Whether you are transporting or floating just keep an eye on it.

How do I store my boat?
SHORT TERM STORAGE: Allow to air dry, deflate and store partially inflated (you should be able to pinch an inch of material), or you can roll loosely.
LONG TERM STORAGE: Store your boat dry and clean. After use, rinse off any sand, leaves, algae, barnacles, salt, etc. that may be on your boat and allow it to air-dry for several days on soft pressure. You should be able to pinch an inch of material.

Residual water inside the urethane AIREcells will not damage the boat. Store the boat in a cool, dry place out of sunlight and away from exhaust fumes. Ideally, storing the boat inflated to shape but not to paddling/rowing pressure is the best. Not everyone has the space necessary to store the boat softly inflated so roll up your boat and store it in an Outcast boat bag, heavy tarp or cloth, and keep it off the ground and away from mice and other rodents (they like to chew on PVC for some reason.)

What is the difference between urethane and vinyl AIREcells?
Urethane AIREcells have more elasticity to them. Urethane will flex and form better to the outer shell than will vinyl. Also urethane isn’t as susceptible to colder temperatures like vinyl. At colder temperatures vinyl can become very stiff and hard to work with. Urethane is also going to last longer over time and hold up better over long-term use. Urethane is also more repairable, thus, is always used for boats that have longer warranties.

What do I do if my boat has a slow leak?
Slow leaks usually stem from a valve leak or a pinhole located in an AIREcell. The first thing that you want to do is to try to find the location of the hole or leak. Apply soapy water into and around the valve corresponding to the AIREcell that is loosing air. If the leak is coming from the valve you might want to try tightening it. A quarter of a turn can make the difference. If it is coming from the inside of the valve a rock or debris may be caught into the plunger. Running a cue tip around the gasket of the valve can free any debris that is allowing air to escape out.

If the no bubbles are detected in or around the valve please coat the AIREcell with soapy water trying to locate where the pinhole is located in the AIREcell. A Type A patch may be applied to the area to repair the AIREcell if the hole is fairly small.

How do I fix a valve leak?
If the location of the hole is known, access that area of the outer skin and AIREcell and dry the areas to be worked on. If the puncture rip or tear is two inches long or less, make sure the area is dry, and seal with the vinyl repair tape or Tear Aid patches. Using two pieces of the vinyl repair tape, which should be longer than the tear or puncture, to form a cross (one piece perpendicular to the other piece) works best. Using a roller or another blunt object press from the center of the tape to the edges to seal the vinyl repair tape to the AIREcells. MAKE SURE THAT THE TAPE SEALS COMPLETELY AND IS WITHOUT BUBBLES.

If the puncture rip or tear is longer than an inch the outer skin should be sewn together, using the repair cord and repair needle, using the baseball stitch method. Once the Baseball stitch has been completed cover these stitches with duct tape on the inside and outside of the PVC skin. The duct tape on the inside protects the AIREcell and patch from the stitches and the tape on the outside protects the stitches from abrasion.

Permanent Field Repair Using Glue
If the location of the hole is known, access that area of the outer skin and AIREcell and dry the areas to be worked on.

1.Cut a patch of fabric at least two inches larger in length and width than the puncture, hole, tear, or wear spot.

2. Dry and clean the area to be patched (use MEK, alcohol, or Acetone). If you are repairing the airecell, rough up both the patch and the area to be patched with the sand paper.

3. Apply an even coat of glue to both the patch and the boat, and let dry completely (10-15 minutes). Apply a second coat of glue, and let dry 5 minutes or until tacky.

4. Place the patch over the hole or tear, and press together. Using a roller or another blunt object press from the center of the patch to the edges to seal the patch to the AIREcell or outer skin. MAKE SURE THAT THE PATCH SEALS COMPLETELY AND IS WITHOUT BUBBLES. If the glue is too dry, dampen with a small amount of cleaner. Let the glue cure at least one hour before inflating (overnight if possible is best). Do not inflate to full pressure on the same day of the repair.

What should I use as a boat cleaner?
The best cleaner that you can use for your boat is mild soap and warm water. NRS offers an inflatable boat cleaner that works very well for grease and the tough dirt that won’t come off. If you are using 303 Protectant it should only be used a couple times a year. Using too much 303 will cause the plastic in the PVC to harden.

What is the Outcast warranty compared to the Fish Cat warranty?
The difference between the Fish Cat and Outcast warranties include a 5-year limited vs. a 10-year no-fault warranty. The 10 year no-fault warranty means that no matter what damage has occurred to your Outcast boat we will fix it for free (including parts and labor), the shipping charges will be paid both ways by the customer unless the damage was a manufacture defect, and then AIRE will pay for return shipping charges. The Fish Cat 5-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship only for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase for the original owner, this warranty does not cover abrasion and abnormal abuse.

Should I include anything extra in my repair kit?
These are a few extra things that we recommend putting in your repair kit, Scissors or knife for cutting patch fabric, Small paintbrush for applying glue, Roller for pressing patch to repair surface, MEK solvent, Towel, Duct tape, and an Old toothbrush.

What accessories do you recommend for inflatable fishing boats?
There are a number of accessories that will work great with any Outcast inflatable boats. Anchors are a must for when you want to fish a productive piece of water. Depending on the size and load capacity of your boat, there are anchors ranging in weight from 5 to 30 lbs. Casting platforms are a nice addition to a PAC frame to more easily sight fish and to cast. Bladerite oar stops are nifty tools to help stay on your line.

Why is there water in the floor of my fishing raft?
On the bottom of the floor pockets there are 5-8 drains depending on the size and style of raft that allow water in. The water has the ability to get into the floor pocket through the bailing holes in the bottom of the floor and through the zippers around the floor pocket. The bailing holes need to exist so that water can escape out of the floor pocket after you get out of the water. Zippers are there in case of a repair situation on the river. The water in the bottom of the floor pocket adds some stability to the boat while running the big waves. The air floor is built oversize so that any water that gets in through the zipper or the drains will be minimal.

What is the difference between a Sealed Floor Pocket raft and a regular floor pocket?
The sealed floor pocket is a completely sealed pocket that maintains the AIREcell system. It has a welded perimeter seam and two waterproof zippers on the top of the floor pocket and the bow and the stern. This takes the some weight out of the boat while it is in the water and allows the boats to glide more easily across the water. The SFP will also not track as well nor will it have as much stability.

My pontoon has frame marks on it. Do I need chaff strips?
Because of Outcast's two-layered system is not necessary to have chaff strips. The outer layer will protect the bladder so that the frame does not cause the frame to leak. By using mild soap and water you can clean most of these marks off of the tubes. If that doesn’t work, try the Inflatable Boat Cleaner that NRS sells.

How do you determine your load capacities?
The load capacity is determined when 40 % of the tubes diameter is submerged. These test are done in still water. We feel if you are drafting approx 40% of your tube your performance level will be at a minimum.

What is a pressure relief valve?
A pressure relief valve will vent excess air when the floor is fully inflated. These valves are set to release air when the reach about 2.5 PSI. These valves prevent the bladder from becoming over-inflated and bursting.

What pump should I purchase for my boat?
There are many different pumps that will work with our boats. It really all depends on what size of boat you have. With the smaller kayaks a simple double action hand pump will work perfectly. For the rafts and cats a high volume inflator (LVM) and/or a large diameter hand pump will work best. It’s always a good idea to carry a smaller pump down the river with you whenever possible.

How do I determine the correct length of oar for my raft or cat?
There isn’t really an exact length that people should use for these boats. What it mostly comes down to is the weight of the load and the type of river that a person is on. For the heavier loads on the bigger cats and rafts 10’ oars are the most common. There are also 1’ extenders can also be added to oars for those trips where they are needed.

How can I personalize my boat with lettering or a logo?
For the past couple of years Outcast has been using stencils and vinyl paint to customize boats for customers and outfitters. While this works well, we have found a permanent way to logo and letter the boats. We still will use the stencil but use a urethane paint to do all of the logos and lettering. The urethane logo will hold up to all of the sun and the water that you can throw at it. Most logos run about $150-$200 per boat. This includes all labor and materials.

What is the correct size of bag for my raft?
The small raft bag will fit any rafts up to 13’ long. The large raft bag will hold any of the rafts from 14’-16’ long.

What if I purchase a new AIREcell for a trip and do not use it?
If you are going to an extended/remote trip and want to take an extra bladder that’s not a problem. AIRE has always had a policy of allowing unused AIREcells to be returned for a full refund after you return from your trip.

What is the relationship between AIRE and Outcast Sporting Gear?
AIRE and Outcast are part of the same company but separated by emphasis on craft. AIRE specialized in whitewater/rec/touring boats, whereas, Outcast focuses on inflatable fishing crafts. AIRE was started in 1989 building only whitewater boats and accessories. Fifteen years later, the fishing division of AIRE, Outcast Sporting Gear was formed, making AIRE one of top inflatable boat manufacturers in the world.

What should I do when I need my boat repaired?
When you find your boat needing repaired you need to call AIRE get a Return Authorization number. An AIRE service representative will take your address and phone number. They will issue you a RA # that is to be written on the outside of the box before it is shipped. There should also be a note included on the inside of the box. The note should include return shipping information and a reason why the boat is being returned.

Why does Outcast use a 2-layered system on many of its boats?
Outcast uses the 2-layer system to add extra durability and to aid in ease of repairs. In order to cause a leak an object will have to travel through heavy duty fabric and then through it’s tough bladder material to cause a leak. This system does add a little weight, but it adds even more durability. The normal wear and tear on the boat won’t cause it to leak. The 2-layer system also allow for very easy and quick repairs. Because Outcast includes zippers on it’s boats, customers have easy access to find and fix holes or cuts in the AIREcells. Most repairs are done on the internal bladders won’t require glue, thus saving you time and getting you back on the river.

What are the main differences between a foam floor and an air floor?
The main difference between the foam floor and the air floor is how well they transport. Both of these floors give the rafts and kayaks the rigidity needed to run the big whitewater and they both weigh about the same. The biggest difference is how small the boat can be rolled up and transported. The air floors can be deflated, left in the boat and rolled up. The foam floors have to be removed from the boat every time the boat needs to be rolled up and then reinstalled when the boat is blown up.

What should I do if my zipper is stuck on my boat?
Use any combination of soap and water and an old toothbrush to clean and clear the zipper of any and all debris.

What should I do if I see my boat pucker while inflating?
The AIREcell might be misaligned. Deflate the tube(s), and as they are being inflated to operating pressure, punch or kick the tube(s) to free the AIREcell as it inflates. If this does not fix the problem, deflate the boat, remove the split ring, open the zipper and adjust the AIREcell so that it fills the disfigured area. Once the adjustment is completed, carefully close the zipper, replace the split ring and re-inflate the boat

Please explain the differences between the Discovery Series, FS-Ferrari Series, the Specialty Series and the Pro Series fishing boats.
The Discovery series pontoon boats have a perfect balance of features and durability. Thermo-welded seams and PVC pontoons make them rigid and tough with less drag. The Puma is 11’6” long, 5’6” wide and can comfortably hold 3-4 people. The Ferrari Series are built for more discriminating anglers, with 1100 denier PVC shells surrounding urethane bladders that withstand demanding fishing waters. Versatility defines the Specialty series - each boat has unique features, such as quad tubes and drop-through rear floor for anglers that require a boat for all kinds of water. The finest boats we make are in the Pro Series, backed by our 10-year no-fault warranty and built with the very best materials and valves.

What is the difference between a non-bailing raft and a bailing raft?
The biggest difference is that a bailing raft has a series of holes around the bottom of the floor that allows water to drain out of the bottom of the raft. These holes are placed in such a way so that water cannot come up from the bottom of the boat. Non-bailing rafts require passengers inside the raft to bail the water out of the bottom of the raft when water splashes over the top.

What is denier when comparing fabric between different boat manufactures?
Denier is “A unit of fineness of a thread weighing one gram for each 9000 meters.” (100 denier is finer than 150 denier thread). The higher the denier the thicker the threads, which makes for a tougher material.

How do I lace in the floor on my boat?
The ends of the lacing ropes need to be heated enough to stiffen about 3-4 inches of rope for ease of threading the rope through the lacing loops. This can be accomplished by using a butane torch, stove, matches, or a lighter. The ropes should be soaked in soapy water for at least 5 minutes before lacing to reduce friction. The boat should be upside down and inflated to soft pressure, just enough to hold shape. The thwarts can be inflated and placed between the collar to support the floor while lacing. Determine which end of the boat to locate the floor valve (the E series rafts will have the floor valve in the bow) then, center the floor pocket on the partially inflated collar.

The starting point for the lacing is optional, but it is paramount that the floor pocket is correctly aligned with the collar. This can be checked by matching the angle changes of the floor pocket perimeter with the welded seams of the collar at the bow and stern of the raft. Pick a starting point on either side of the raft.

Begin by tying a knot in the center of one of the ropes, this prevents the rope from being pulled completely through the initial lace loop when snugging up the rope. Alternate threading the rope through floor and collar lace loops. The pattern should be every other lace loop on both the floor and the collar. Snug the rope up every 4 or 5 lace loops. WHEN PULLING THE SLACK TIGHT, ONLY PULL PARALLEL WITH THE LACE LOOPS, NEVER AT AN ANGLE!! THE ROPE MAY CUT AND DAMAGE THE LACE LOOP. The rope should be laced half of the distance around the collar. Now remove the knot where the lacing was started and continue the same alternating pattern in the opposite direction. Pull all of the slack out of the ropes and tie a series of half hitches to secure the ropes. The ends of the rope can be melted together to secure the knot. Stuff the knotted end back through the lacing so it will not be exposed on the bottom of the raft.

The complete process is then repeated for the remaining rope and lace loops. Depending on the amount of use, it is recommended to tighten the lacing periodically.

How come Outcast uses different PVC for different boats?
The reason why AIRE uses different PVC for different boast is to keep the boat light and agile. The float tubes aren’t going to be carrying near the weight that pontoons will, therefore they don’t need as thick of fabric. The rafts are going to be riding lower in the water and are usually going to be carrying more weight. The rafts use the thickest fabric that AIRE carries. AIRE also puts a lighter fabric on the top part of the boat to save some weight. The top of the boat doesn’t have near the exposure to the rocks and other sharp items that the bottom of the boat does.

How do I install the thwarts on my Outcast boat?
1. Thread the webbing end of the cam strap through the lower D-ring.
Make sure that the tab on each cam strap faces away from the side tube or it may cause the strap to loosen.


2. Thread the webbing end through the cam buckle space (not the jaws) next to the sewn loop.

3. Thread the webbing end through the same D-ring and then pull the strap snug. (This is to hold the cam buckle in place so that it doesn’t move when you tighten the strap.)

4. Thread the webbing end of the strap through the upper D-ring.

5. The webbing end should then be laced through the floor lacing, making sure to go around both ropes in the floor lacing

6. Insert webbing into the jaws of the cam buckle.

7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for each end of thwarts.

8. Make sure the thwarts are snug to the floor. Do not make the straps excessively tight, otherwise you may risk doing damage to the lace loops. (This may require some adjustment by inflating the boat completely and checking the snugness of the thwarts and deflating again and adjusting if necessary.)

Long-term cam strap installation
1. Locate the lowest D-ring on the thwart. Thread the fabric end of the cam strap through the D-ring. Make sure the cam buckle is facing up. Make sure that the tab on each cam strap faces away from the side tube or it may cause the strap to loosen.

2. Thread the fabric end of the cam strap through the laces on the floor directly below the first D-ring. Make sure to go around both laces in the floor.

3. Thread the cam strap through the upper D-ring

4. Loop the webbing end of the cam strap around both laces in the floor. Make sure to loop the cam strap around the laces in the floor that are not exactly below the highest D-ring. Use the laces that are a little farther over.

5. Insert webbing into the jaws of the cam buckle

6. Repeat the following steps for each end of the thwarts

7. Make sure the thwarts are snug to the floor. Do not make the straps excessively tight, otherwise you may risk doing damage to the lace loops. (This may require some adjustment by inflating the boat completely and checking the snugness of the thwarts and deflating again and adjusting if necessary.


How do Outcast frames differ from other frames on the market?
Outcast frames differ from other frames in the market in that they all come powder coated. This coating helps protect the frame from rusting. This also helps protect the boat from those rust marks that are so hard to get out. Most frames can break down small enough to fit in the back of a truck. Another great feature about frames is that they are made from aluminum. This allows you to pack more weight on the boat without worrying about exceeding the load capacity of the boat.