--I've tried this boat in many configurations and for the money, this is a great little boat for one person on a shorter (2-3 day) overnighter or for a few people on a day trip.
--The outer fabric is bombproof and I've never even heard of someone putting a hole in one (42oz 1900denier PVC I think???) not that a hole would be a problem since with the bladder system that Aire uses, you'd be back on the water almost as fast as you could reinflate a chamber. The leafield valves are outstanding and seldom have problems (these are the valves that AVON has been using for the last 10 years or so).
--I've rowed this boat down the wild and scenic portion of the Rogue River and had a really fun time, although I actually got bored in Blossom Bar because it was so effortless to make the maneuvers required - it has outstanding hull speed and turns on a dime under power of the oars... I started trying to surf it in a ledge hole at the bottom of Blossom because I was bored - almost pulled it off too!
--We also rigged this thing up with a "Polzel Paddle-Saddle" which is like a horse saddle straddling one of the tubes including knee and foot protection from rocks - two people are required to paddle this way - and it was great fun - a bit tippy and difficult to keep it going straight, but impossible to flip and great maneuverability.
--The main drawback of a Cataraft of this size is the weight capacity - these things turn into "Pigs" when they're overloaded and they draw a lot more water than a comparable-sized raft with even half the weight in them, so low-water trips can be a bit grating (no pun intended of course). Useful weight for this boat is a couple of average-sized men (200 lbs) and a small cooler for a day trip (60qt Rubbermaid/Gott, or equivalent), or one man and gear for 2-3 day overnighter. Almost like an overgrown Inflatable Kayak as far as usability - but for day trips with a few people, this thing is tough to beat!
--Overall rating of only 4 Stars because this boat is very limited on what you can do with it unless you're only a day tripper with one other person or you're a solo! Otherwise, 5 Stars all the way!!

Customer Service

As always, I have nothing but good stuff to say about Alan and the Aire Staff - they have excellent knowledge and will back up every bit of their 10 Year Warranty!!! Be sure to stop by next time you're in Boise to see the factory - it's pretty impressive.

Similar Products Used:

Aire, Maravia, Hyside, all sizes from 12' to 16' - never even wanted to row one of those 18' monsters!!! Hyside and Maravia make an outstanding boat, but it's tough to beat AIRE's repairability and warranty in combination with the price point...