Small Raft for Float Hunt. Recommendations?

[repins05]

Want to do a float hunt locally. Conditions - Low water and will be getting out (frequently) to pull raft in shallow water over rocks etc. Mostly class 1-2. CFS could be as low as 200.

I have only been on a raft on a river once which was last year. I lived on a lake so am familiar with oaring and controlling canoes, kayaks, aluminum boat, and calm water. I did a 4 day float last year in a 14' raft and did ok. Got stuck in a few places (as in the water being to deep to get out and push) with one being a little bit sketch. It is the same river that I plan to float this year. Anyway, I think I would be able to pick different lines and avoid a few of those spots.

Recommendation for a raft? Biggest concern is putting a hole in it and having to deal with patching it up. Would really like to avoid that scenario or at least reduce greatly reduce the odds of that happening.

Looking at alpacaraft forager and the pr-49. I can drive down to the river and launch where I am going to float. It would be nice to keep the weight down incase I wanted to pack it in the back country etc. However, I want to avoid tearing up the raft and patching it up. I have also been eyeing the Kork.

Summary - Raft that is durable (1000 denier?). Can pack an elk or muley out. Maybe fit two people if need be. Also like quick set up and take down of the raft itself.

 

[sniper61]

Look at pristine ventures. I'm looking at the larger one pioneer x stream. It looks nice for 2 guys ,camp and what we harvest.

 

[ColeyG]

I think the main question to answer is how important is it that the raft be packable, and/or how packable do you want it to be. The more lightweight and packable it is, the less durable it will be. The Alpaca rafts are incredibly durable for what they are, but I would not recommend dragging one over rocks/gravel with any weight in it. They won't hold up to that. Bouncing off the occasional boulder on your way down the river is no big deal. They do drag just fine over snow though. The floors aren't inflatable, so getting holes in the floor just means more water in the boat and patching them up is easy.

I've had two moose quarters and me in my Llamas which is fine on flat water, but far too much for anything technical or boney.

If the priority is more on durability and load carrying capacity and less on packability, the Pristine Ventures rafts are probably the way to go. They will tolerate a lot more abuse and you won't have to worry as much about sharp stuff when loading/unloading, etc.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

My PR49 has hauled some moose, it’s been a solid raft.

 

[theoutdoorsman]

My inner gear head would say to get two rafts, a packraft (forager) for a lightweight backpackable option, good for shorter floats and a proper raft raft with a frame for longer/more confortable expeditions (hyside / nrs otter), they are on another level for durability
I run a 13.5ft NRS otter. It maxes out on 7-10day trips with two guys and one bull elk, but thats with comfort food, tepee tent/stove, and a fair amount of beer.
I would like a packraft for hike in/float out muleys

 

[AK Troutbum]

I’m a HUGE fan of Aire rafts (especially catarafts), and I’ve owned several since 1993. I currently have two, a packraft, that I’ve only had a few years now, and an 18’ cat that I bought new in 1996. The cat has been all over the state of AK, from float hunts in the Brooks range, to steelhead and trout fishing trips in the SE, SW, and all over the south central part of the state. I don’t think you’ll find a more bomber made raft on the market, when it comes to durability, than what Aire makes. I’ve never put a hole in it, in the 30 years that I’ve had that cat (or any Aire raft for that matter). Lots of options to choose from as well. Oh, we raised both of our kids (now 18 and 23), in that raft also.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DawnPatrol]

Plus one for Aire rafts. I have a Puma—it’s a narrow 11.5 foot oar rig boat. I love it cause you can drag it into and out of places without a boat ramp, which really cuts down on the people factor. A couple hundred yards is about all you’d really want to do carry it, though. Tough as nails, maneuverable in low water and tight spots, and it’s handled big water like Hells Canyon too. I’ve shot several deer out of it, and it makes for a real nice pack out to throw them in the bottom gutted and float out. Sure it’s more expensive, but you’ll probably have it for the rest of your life.

 

[AKDoc]

Great comments and photos already shared by others!
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OP...it sounds like you're already on the right track given your preferences...Alpaca and Pristine Ventures are great options to consider and both are well respected companies. Other options shared by others are no doubt solid as well.

I personally went the Pristine Ventures direction nearly ten-years ago. I totally enjoy remote floats. I have a PR-49HD and a Kork...both have been very well used by me and both totally reliable. The PR is lighter and more packable. The Kork is a bit larger and constructed with thicker/more durable material.

Here are photos of each/both on 10-day remote Alaska floats...

PR-49HD...

Kork...

and both side by side...


If weight, packability, and cost are not major factors...my preference is the Kork.

 

[AKsam]

I haven't seen anyone mention it yet, but I float a SOAR Pro Pioneer. Maneuverable, tough as nails, and carry's a good amount of weight. I wouldn't want to pack it too far, but it breaks down and fits well on bush flights.

 

[mtnbiker208]

lots of good brands out there.
Here is a sotar i rented for a float hunt.