What alpaca raft for moose quarters?

[Larry Bartlett]

PR49 HD with floor and paddle/air pump is 24 lbs.

 

[jofes]

PR49 HD with floor and paddle/air pump is 24 lbs.

And the floor is needed for stability and lake travel? That's one of the parts I understand the least is the floor.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

The inflatable floor is a drop-stitch design and becomes extremely hard at full pressure (5.5-6psi). The floor provides rigidity and a flat surface for standing and casting. It also provides more efficient maneuverability. But the packraft can be used without the floor if weight is a concern.

 

[william schmaltz]

Not to hijack the thread, but do people recommend a self bailing floor or a closed bottom? I know my thoughts but I have never used one.

With just myself in a forager, I’m sitting in several inches of water. It sucks. There’s a reason there’s a tarp lining the raft in the picture I shared before, the meat would be soaking in a foot of beaver piss water for a couple hours without it. I have my doubts that tape would efficiently close up dozens of holes for a couple hours with that size of a load, especially if I was actually in the raft moving around paddling, bumping rocks, etc.

The old Pro Pioneer still comes with sometimes. I’ve stacked a good pile of animals in it. We got a group of 3 this year so it will get at least one more trip before retirement. It’s a heavy old girl, but the enclosed floor is solid and handles well on lakes. I think a Kork will be my next purchase. Seems perfect for two people tooling around on a lake. The weight and size are a nice medium where it will still fit behind the seat of a cub if needed. And as my boys start coming with, it will be able to fit myself, a moose, and them; at least until they can have their own. No more self bailers for me unless I’m in a 16 foot Sotar with a frame and seat!

Larry - stopped by to chat last weekend in the valley but you were shaking hands and kissing babies. I didn’t want this tire kicker to interrupt you making a potential sale. Catch ya next time

 

[jofes]

Do you guys take life vests when you fly into a back country lake?

 

[WMR]

I have, and will in the future as well. I think it's a law, but not sure if it applies to all rafts/boats. Just common sense to me. Drowning in cold water is a much bigger danger than bear problems. I've got things to live for.

 

[peaceman]

Larry, what is the best way to carry the PR-49 when packing in when hunting? will it roll up and fit into a standard 6000 cu in. bag along with typical hunting gear or is it best strapped to the outside of the pack? I see it comes with a special bag to carry it and the pump, paddle etc but trying to see if it fits my needs as a try hunting packraft when a lot of hiking is necessary. Thanks!

 

[Meknowy]

Do you guys take life vests when you fly into a back country lake?

Always. Middle-aged guys are the most likely to drown and that's me

 

[Larry Bartlett]

The rolled PR49 is about 19" long and 8" round. Some gals have packed it more shaped like a torso or backpack and either strap it around an existing pack or a bare frame. It'll fit in many bags if you roll it to fit that bag design. Hard to say which bags are best since many people have done it with a variety of ways.

Schmaltz, some of those babies were really cute in the valley. Hope to chat next time bro. That Pro Pioneer still looks good man. Keep it loaded!

 

[jofes]

Larry, I received the PR-49 yesterday a put it together today, that thing is solid! I really appreciate it.

A noob questions, do you leave the seats attached when you deflate raft?

Thanks again.

 

[mooster]

Alpacka Mule

 

[Larry Bartlett]

Jofes, yes sir I leave them attached always. If you tighten the sling straps prior to hyper inflating the raft you'll sit higher with less sag. Buckles usually about 1" from the loop attached to the raft.