inflatableraft

Inflatable River Rafts

Inflatable river rafts come in many different sizes with many different features. Rafts are made from super-durable material that can withstand running over sharp rocks and slamming into boulders mid-river in up to Class IV rapids. The capacity of river rafts ranges from small, two-person boats to large, commercial craft that can hold 12 or more passengers. Commercial rafting outfitters carry customers of all ages and abilities, and their river rafts are designed to be strong, safe, yet adventurous, watercraft.

The construction of whitewater river rafts is the key to their success. Rafts are made of several materials, including synthetic rubber and several plastics. These materials are woven into a fabric. Each craft may have several layers made of different fabrics. Different materials also have different properties. The ideal craft has strong seams, high ultra-violet ray resistance, high abrasion resistance and low drag. Low rigidity is better for rolling, while high rigidity is better for handling. The four major materials and their varying properties are summed up here:

• PVC is relatively inexpensive, with good seam strength but only moderate UV resistance. PVC has moderate abrasion resistance, low drag and high rigidity.
• Hypalon® is expensive with only moderate seam strength. Its UV and abrasion resistance are high. Drag is high and rigidity is low.
• Polyurethane is also expensive with strong seam strength. UV resistance is low unless it is coated, but its abrasion resistance is high. Drag is low and rigidity is high.
• Neoprene is moderately expensive with moderate seam strength. UV resistance is low unless coated, and abrasion resistance is also low. Drag is high and rigidity is low.

River rafts can be classified in several ways.


• Self-bailing or livery. Self-bailing boats are designed to drain any water that splashes into them. Livery boats (also known as bucket boats) refers to rafts that passengers have to bail themselves.
• Capacity. Raft capacity is actually measured in terms of the weight a raft can carry, not how many passengers can fit into the boat, some specs may use average weights to estimate number of people. Take care, however; a boat with a 600-pound capacity can hold four 150-pound passengers, but only three 200-pound passengers.
• Denier count. Technically, denier is defined as the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of thread. The denier of a fabric is used as an index to measure its strength. So, the higher the denier of a particular raft, the stronger and more resistance to damage and puncture its fabric is. You may occasionally see the term “decitex.” Decitex is simply the metric equivalent of denier.

Other factors can make a difference in the ease of use and comfort of river rafts. The thwarts, or the bolsters in the middle of the craft that support passengers, can be permanent or removable and come in different styles for varying levels of comfort. Valve construction is something else to check. Leafield valves are considered to be the industry standard, although other types also work well. The placement of handles inside the raft and the number and placement of D-rings, to which you attach gear and supplies, are important to the convenience of using the raft.

Each model in the Star Inflatables Select Series inflatable raft is built to some of the toughest standards in the industry. All Select models feature an extra layer of 1100-denier fabric up to the side strake and have a 1.8mm, 4000-denier floor, the most durable floor in the rafting industry. The Select Series includes StarTrack wear patches along the entire length of the bottom of the boat. We now have 12 D-rings placed around the boat for passengers’ convenience. Another labor-saving feature is the industry standard Leafield valves, which require no maintenance.

The floors in all Select Series rafts are self-bailing and feature heavy-duty drain holes. Floors are permanently attached to the boat, again saving users from having to deal with heavy ropes and complicated lacing. The new floor design features a heat-welded, urethane-coated, nylon bladder, which zips into its own pocket. Now users don’t have to worry so much about over-inflation, and there is no need for a release valve. Each raft comes with two thwarts, but customers may purchase additional thwarts separately.

The Star Inflatables Water Bug Inflatable Raft is a popular livery boat with both outfitters and personal users. All three models feature extra-large, 21-inch tubes made of 1100-denier fabric. The tough, 4000-denier floor sits six to eight inches above the side tubes, allowing the rafts to skim along the surface of the water like their namesakes in flat- or low-water conditions.

The durable floor, made according to the toughest standard in the industry, is given added protection by StarTrack wear patches, which cover the length of the bottom as well as the side strake. Soft handles, tough D-rings and industry standard, maintenance-free Leafield valves add convenience to the craft, while four separate chambers in the main tubes provide extra safety for passengers. Rafts come with two thwarts.

Each model in the Star Starlite Series inflatable raft is built tough, but it’s tough you can afford! This series combines the durability required for commercial use with a price that’s affordable for the individual user. Commercial outfitters and personal users both love this series. They’re even great for fishing.

The main tubes are 1100 denier, unlike many rafts, which use 840 denier. The floor is built to the industry’s toughest standard, 4000 denier. The floor sits two to three inches above the side tubes, making for great tracking. StarTrack patches run along the entire bottom as well as the side strakes. The rafts come with Halkey-Roberts valves. The thwarts are glued in, and the rafts come with four D-rings.

The best feature of the Starlite Series rafts, though, is the price! Whether you’re an outfitter or a boater out fishing for the afternoon, Starlite rafts guarantee great quality at a great price.