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 What I know New
- Forum: RaftZone
Re:  Newbie looking for recommendations! facial New
Date: Jun 17 2008, 14:21 GMT
From: rafterob
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There are lots of posts to answer your many questions on this forum so you may want to do a search on some more specific topics. Here is my advice. I am partial to Hypalon rafts. Hypalon is the fabric not a brand name. They are very forgiving and easy to repair if necessary. A standard floor raft is less expensive but if you are doing class IV whitewater you will be doing a lot of bailing and a raft full of water is near impossible to manuever, The good part of that is-a raft full of water is very stable and becomes one with the river (not so good if you are heading into a dangerous hydraulic!) NRS and Riken are 2 brands of Hypalon rafts. Used rafts are few and far between so be patient and do your research. Campways are the predecessor of Riken and were some of the first commercially sold whitewater rafts. I believe they were discontinued in the early '80s which pretty much makes them antiques. I have seen some decent ones out there still kicking. I have a 20 year old NRS standard floor boat that is still going strong.
As far as fishing on the reservoir-rafts are not all that fun to paddle (or row) on large bodies of still water and they are very susceptible to wind drift. They do make nice fishing platforms though, best suited for drift fishing on rivers and streams. You could rig a motor mount but that involves a motor and more $$. My solution was to buy a cheap used canoe for still water fishing.
Whitewater rafting in my opinion is the most fun you can have with your clothes on (although clothing is optional). You should be able to find a good quality used raft with a standard floor between $800 and $1000 that will last you a life time. add another $200 for a self bailing floor. Hope you hit the water soon! |
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