Bullrider Float Tubes...

In the late '70's, my father and I assisted Wood River in their attempt to
design a float tube specifically for big guys (my father and I were both
about 6'3" and 250 lbs). After trying out various prototypes and providing
feedback, we acquired two matching float tubes...both with the custom
features that we wanted and a larger volume to better accommodate bigger
guys. The tubes were named the "Bullrider"...but I'm not sure if they ever
made it into the Wood River catalog or not. My father died about two years
ago...after almost 50 yrs of fly fishing with me. I now have both float
tubes and want to pass along my dad's float tube to my grandson. However,
the bladders on both tubes are old and beginning to crack. While they hold
air, they are no longer safe. I need to replace them. I'm told that Wood
River is now out of business. Is this true? I would like to contact the
company and/or owner about replacing the bladders. I believe that the
bladders were the same as those he used for the smaller float tube. I have
seen advertisements for "Glideriders" and they appear similar and may be the
smaller tube that I'm referring to. It's been a long time so I'm not sure.
I'd like replacement bladders that have the air tube in the same position so
that I don't have to alter the "Bullrider" tubes. Aside from the bladders,
the tubes are in great shape in spite of decades of use. And, of course,
there is a lot of nostalgia attached to them.
Does anyone have any suggestions on locating replacement bladders?

Thanks
Barry
Hiouchi, CA

Dabear wrote:

In the late '70's, my father and I assisted Wood River in their attempt to
design a float tube specifically for big guys (my father and I were both
about 6'3" and 250 lbs). After trying out various prototypes and providing
feedback, we acquired two matching float tubes...both with the custom
features that we wanted and a larger volume to better accommodate bigger
guys. The tubes were named the "Bullrider"...but I'm not sure if they ever
made it into the Wood River catalog or not. My father died about two years
ago...after almost 50 yrs of fly fishing with me. I now have both float
tubes and want to pass along my dad's float tube to my grandson. However,
the bladders on both tubes are old and beginning to crack. While they hold
air, they are no longer safe. I need to replace them. I'm told that Wood
River is now out of business. Is this true? I would like to contact the
company and/or owner about replacing the bladders. I believe that the
bladders were the same as those he used for the smaller float tube. I have
seen advertisements for "Glideriders" and they appear similar and may be the
smaller tube that I'm referring to. It's been a long time so I'm not sure.
I'd like replacement bladders that have the air tube in the same position so
that I don't have to alter the "Bullrider" tubes. Aside from the bladders,
the tubes are in great shape in spite of decades of use. And, of course,
there is a lot of nostalgia attached to them.
Does anyone have any suggestions on locating replacement bladders?

Thanks
Barry
Hiouchi, CA

I've tried reaching Wood River, but came up empty. It's a shame, because
the float tubes are top notch. The best advice I can give you is keep an
eye out on Ebay for used float tubes. I considered purchasing one, just
so I would have a spare bladder for my Gliderider.

brians