Inflatable Boats Poll

[Michael Strahan]

Lots of talk here about inflatable boats, so I thought a poll might be worthwhile. This one will be a bit different. If I do this correctly, when you vote your name will appear as having voted for that item. You will also have the opportunity to make more than one choice.

The topic is inflatable boats, EXCLUDING SPORTBOATS! This is just about drift rigs, okay? Inflatable canoes, kayaks, rafts and catarafts. We're talking brand names here, this poll feature is somewhat simple because we only get ten choices. That means I cannot include everything out there, so we'll do an "Other" category at the end (sorry folks).

So... here's the deal. If you have USED AND WOULD RECOMMEND one of the brands listed, for an Alaska trip, vote for it. If you are a potential user, feel free to contact someone who voted for that boat (or post a public question to them in this thread). Maybe this will help someone who is trying to decide what boat to get.

Should be interesting.

-Mike

 

[Michael Strahan]

Other Boats

Other Boats

I've used a Riken before, and it seemed pretty good to me. Also, I wouldn't have a problem recommending the Pro Pioneer (SOAR) on trips where you weren't backpacking it (it weighs over 80lbs.). SOTAR makes an excellent boat, but I haven't personally used one.

If you want more info on inflatable canoes, I did some pretty intensive testing on them a while back, and have posted the report in the Products section of my website, http://www.michaelstrahan.net You're welcome to download the report. It's pretty long, but don't overlook reading the credentials of the folks who actually did the water work on it. Great folks.

-Mike

 

[George D]

I've used a Riken before, and it seemed pretty good to me. Also, I wouldn't have a problem recommending the Pro Pioneer (SOAR) on trips where you weren't backpacking it (it weighs over 80lbs.). SOTAR makes an excellent boat, but I haven't personally used one.

If you want more info on inflatable canoes, I did some pretty intensive testing on them a while back, and have posted the report in the Products section of my website, http://www.michaelstrahan.net You're welcome to download the report. It's pretty long, but don't overlook reading the credentials of the folks who actually did the water work on it. Great folks.

-Mike

Thanks for the information I think the pro pioneer looks like a setup I would like to find out more about.

 

[Alaskacanoe]

inflatables

inflatables

I got my boats out the other day and gave um some air. They wintered well and are ready for the river.
How do you store your Inflatables?
Rolled up? or left inflated? or what?
I leave mine with about a 1 half a pound in them and pile them up largest to smallest on a trailer, cover them with a tarp and put them in a solid shelter, (unheated)..
what do you guys recomend?
Max

 

[DanC]

Bucket boat vs. cataraft

Bucket boat vs. cataraft

I listed Aire on the poll but would like to list Avon in the "other" category. People have different needs and opinions and that is why many of us have several boats in our stable. Wilderness outfitters like bucket boats for hauling big loads in big water and boats from Avon seem to be the choice for fly in/fly out expeditions. Smaller catarafts are more sporty, can be more easily fitted with a motor, are more easily unstuck from gravel bars, and seem to be more popular for one or two persons on a hunt. Catarafts also provide a wetter/colder ride in whitewater glacier-fed rivers.

Different boats fit different needs and everything is a compromise.

 

[colodan]

Soar

Soar

New to the rafting world, but bought a S16 for this falls moose hunt and have loved it. I've traveled a few rivers here in Colorado with it and has performed great. Can't wait to try it with a 50"+ as my co-pilot.

 

[sbiinc]

Aire or NRS...

Aire or NRS...

Hmmm I voted Aire but not sure how I really should, my 16' Lion tubes (10yr no fault warrantee) make me biased but I'm riding a custom frame with all the rest of parts from a NRS catalog (these guys have great customer support and shipping) and CNR pipes in Fairbanks for all my tubing.

 

[lrosgen]

raft vote

raft vote

If you are into serious expedition type trips on fairly large water my vote, based a significant experience, is for an Avon Self Bailer. 14-16 footer. If your choice is for more technical rivers I would opt for the Aire Cataraft with a modular frame.

Lou

 

[AK Troutbum]

Aire tubes,NRS frames.