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Inflatable Rafts and Inflatable Boats
For the adventurous individual who seeks excitement outdoors, whitewater rafting is a perfect opportunity. It is not for the faint of heart, and as with all extreme sports, the proper equipment is necessary. However, there are numerous options when it comes to what you will be taking down the river. One of these options is that of the inflatable raft.
Inflatable rafts are much like their solid counterparts in the regards that they do not have a hull. This is what characterizes a raft. However, due to the fact that they are NOT solid, they can easily be carried and folded up for easy storage. This is particularly useful for people who cannot or do not want to pay for the storage of a large boat, be it in a marina or in a storage unit. This is also handy for the fact people who take vacations to various spots have the capability to transport their boat with them without having to trailer it.
Another big benefit of inflatable rafts is that they are quite affordable, usually under $1000. However, just because they are cheap, it does not mean that quality has to be sacrificed. In fact, there are some inflatable rafts that can handle up to class III whitewater, 3 to 4 foot waves. This is because unlike the first inflatable rafts, the newer ones are made with numerous air compartments and tough design to keep them afloat and prevent them from literally falling apart at the seams. Some of these rafts are even self bailing, meaning that if water fills up the raft, such as from large waves, the raft is designed to empty itself. However, even for the ones that do not have that feature, water in the raft WILL NOT sink it. This is thanks to the aforementioned numerous air compartments. All that will happen in the case of water in the raft is that you will be wet, and there will be a slight loss of maneuverability.
Maneuverability is another perk to inflatable rafts. Due to their lightweight design, they move very easily with just a move of the paddle. However, these rafts are much better suited for river rafting as opposed to long treks along flat water. This is not to say that it cannot be done, it is just a very slow and tiring process. Rafts are really not aerodynamic in the least due to their flat fronts. Since you are essentially pushing into a wall of water, the exertion required to move the raft over long distances would make for a long and unpleasant trip.
Although, there are uses for a raft on flat water; if you were to put a motor and a floorboard in it, you would have a nice, versatile fishing boat. Just note that you should never use a floorboard when whitewater rafting because the raft becomes rigid and will flip over due to objects in a river as opposed to flowing over them.
Inflatable rafts are also versatile because they can be bought in varying sizes to hold everybody from just you to all of your friends, up to about 1000 pounds.
Inflatable rafts are great for those who need something that can get them around on the water, it is affordable, and able to go from fishing on a lake to daring the treacherous whitewater rivers around the parts of the world.
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