Whitewater Forum: Raft advice

Raft advice

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Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
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URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12882
Printed Date: 25 Sep 2025 at 3:02pm

Topic: Raft advice

Posted By: firewater
Subject: Raft advice
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2013 at 2:49pm

Alright, I know this has been discussed in previous threads, but I need some advice on purchasing a raft. I've been a kayak creeker for a while and looking to extend the enjoyment of the river to family and friends with a raft. I know there are some strong opinions on manufactures, but I'm looking for an entry level type of raft. I'm need some opinions/advice on 2 rafts that I'm currently looking at. Both are Aire Tributary rafts (I know made in China as oppose to the main Aire models which are made in Idaho). Anyways which size should I go with a 13' or 14'?

13' raft is 3 years old about 30x use, no frame or equipment

14' raft is 7 years old about 10x use, with a frame (and 3 seats)

Both are in excellent condition and always garage stored. $600 price difference, 14' being more $.

Here is my objectives:

I have a family of 4 (3 year old and a 1 year old) and an extended family and friends that would love to go if I asked them if they wanted to raft.

Right now I'm looking to do just day trips (mainly Wenatchee river, but also Green, Methow, etc) although someday I'm hoping to do some overnight trips as the kids get older (3-5 days at most). Anyways any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated!

Replies:

Posted By: James
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2013 at 3:42pm

I am in the same boat... well not exactly, you get the idea.

Go with the 14' boat no questions asked. Bottom line is that when you got kids you pack more stuff than single people can imagine. I have a 13'6" Sotar and it was perfect for 2-3 people overnight 4-5 days but I can see it getting overloaded now. I might be up sizing soon. The handling between the two is not enough to warrant your loss of space and capacity as a father!

Posted By: James
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2013 at 3:43pm

I am planning on a John Day trip in 2014 with my family, my daughter would be 3 at that point and my son would be 2. Pretty excited about getting those kidos on the river!

Posted By: firewater
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2013 at 4:03pm

Posted By: Jed Hawkes
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2013 at 4:41pm

14 foot hands down, much more versatile raft.

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The line will become apparent
978-273-7723

Posted By: WA-Boater
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2013 at 5:14pm

You will be disappointed with the 14' on the Wenatchee and most any single day trips around here.

Unless you will be taking more than 8 people there is no need for a 14' raft (on day trips). More often then not you will find your self with less people to raft with then more - and the smaller the raft the more fun. A 13' is easy to R2 and excellent with 2-7 people. If you have some kids in a 13' it won't get crouded until you have 9 or so. The 13' will provide a 'more fun' ride and way less work to get down the Green or Sky - even with 7 people.

The 13' will be lame if you decide to multi-day trip with it - even if it's just the 4 of you. The 14' will still be tight - but more manageable.

I say get the 13'. You will have a lot of fun in it. Especially for day trips. It will be lighter, easier to store, easier to get to and from the river and way more fun on the river.

I use a 10.5' raft on the Wenatchee for 2-5 people and a 13' when I'm floating 5-7. The 14' blow over everything and 'bore' the ride out. Tough choice. Maybe consider getting a 16' cat later and outfit it for your multi-day trips.

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Posted By: firewater
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2013 at 8:02pm

Wow, great points from the 13's and 14's footer(s). The reality for me is the boat will most likely stay on the Wenatchee River since we have a small shack in Cashmere. I'm gathering we might be splitting hairs between the two sizes. Unless I plan on doing extended trips, sounds like I'm going to need a bigger raft anyways. Which brings me to my last question that I dare ask, would you consider buying a Tributary?

James- Can't believe you got two little ones! It seemed like it wasn't long ago that you were high fiving me on the fearsome foursome with a beer in hand!! What ever happened to that video?

Posted By: Wiggins
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2013 at 2:42pm

Unless the frame set up for the 14'er is exactly how you want it I would go with the smaller raft. You can do some multidays in it with a little discretion in what you take with you.

When the time comes get yourself a boat in the 16 foot larger range for longer trips. You will have plenty or room for gear and family, and those with kids say that the larger tubes help confine them in the boat.

Kyle

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I smell bacon

Posted By: JoesKayak
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2013 at 3:49pm

Originally posted by firewater

Wow, great points from the 13's and 14's footer(s). The reality for me is the boat will most likely stay on the Wenatchee River since we have a small shack in Cashmere. I'm gathering we might be splitting hairs between the two sizes. Unless I plan on doing extended trips, sounds like I'm going to need a bigger raft anyways. Which brings me to my last question that I dare ask, would you consider buying a Tributary?

James- Can't believe you got two little ones! It seemed like it wasn't long ago that you were high fiving me on the fearsome foursome with a beer in hand!! What ever happened to that video?

This one?

http://professorpaddle.com/media/videoview.asp?File_Id=4395

Posted By: JoesKayak
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2013 at 3:55pm

I'd also go with the 14'.

More versatile. The 13 would be more fun in some situations... like small paddle crews etc. but you can do more with the 14... and a 14 can still play. I R2 and even R1 mine... I've run the Tieton several times now with just a guide stick.

Plus consider you're getting frame and oars with the 14. That means you can row newbies down the river... even friends and family who wouldn't want to paddle. And it will be a more stable ride for those little ones once you start taking them out.

Posted By: firewater
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2013 at 8:52am

Thats it! Thanks for reposting! Bringing back the smiles!

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