Rafts vs Catarafts: PROS and CONS Discussion

A quick discussion with Matt regarding his thoughts on owning a Cat boat set up for multi day rafting and comparing that to running a Raft setup for multi day rafting, PROS and CONS.

[@hitmc6327]

All good points. Main difference: One is sexier, and the other is a raft. :)

[@conradsperosen8731]

Super informative. I think some b roll or stock footage showing what you're talking about would make this next level.

[@slowelk095]

I have a solid floor on my cat made of marine plywood. In my experience, my feet stay dryer on my cat than on a raft. Water tends to hang around on self-bailers, whereas on my cat, the water that does make it past my cooler drains immediately.

[@Sailor376also]

Very helpful. I've mentioned before, I canoe. Deso/Gray 4 times, Cataract, Grand Canyon, Dino, Flaming Gorge 2 times,, lotsa miles, losta water levels,, and I DO NOT recommend a canoe,,, even though that is what I still paddle. So,, I have been thinking to transition to a raft. A perfect discussion for me to listen to.

[@matthewhoopes4440]

So what did you end with? Let us know. Thx

[@Sailor376also]

@@matthewhoopes4440 I did a lot of shopping,, asked many questions,, IF I had pulled the trigger it would have been a 16' NRS. (The Grand needs a large raft. You are going to think me foolish,, I still paddle a canoe. In my defense, It is a custom built canoe, 20' 100 pounds, full spray deck with integrated skirts, kevlar, S-glass,, a veritable tank,, now on its third set of gunnels. . At its best it has been fully submerged in a large wave train(several times,,( surfaces like a Trident sub surfacing), and taken on perhaps 5 gallons. A 20' canoe loaded light, less than 40% and often only 25% of available load,, it floats high and light. And fast. If I enter on the tongue and am paddling hard, in some rapids it will plane out. Get into a rapids that is long and stair stepped, (Red Creek in Flaming, The something Mile in Dinosaur, Range Creek or Fence in Deso/Gray.) And it can be slow,, Hydraulics will grab it hard,, frequent in The Grand. The rafts are long gone by the time you can get out. For long expeditions,, multi-weeks,, one month to 3 months, or long lakes, Powell, Mead, Mohave, no raft can do that. Soooo I guess I am stuck with canoes.

[@rickcuerrier8986]

Good comparison liked the video. Missed no bailing required on the cat as well as drop out of your seat and hold the cat raft when the banks drop off sharply, last but not least for an old river rat- cats are more old rafter friendly. Thanks for the share guys.

[@tomwolfe589]

I think I shall have one of each!

[@andrewbrown6522]

I have a pelican bass raider that i set up for rowing or drifting. I havent hit anything too crazy yet but trying to figure out the limits. Little worried that a wrap situation would turn into a broken boat.

[@lukehayvaz9194]

Catarafts are self bailing. Used catarafts are cheaper than used self bailing rafts. This is how I ended up with a cat 13 years ago.