Whitewater Catarafts Vs. Traditional Rafts

There are basically two types of whitewater rafts, the traditional oval shaped floored raft and the parallel tubed cataraft. Each type of whitewater raft has advantages.

The modern oval shaped raft comes standard with a self-bailer floor. This means that if you take some water over the bow you don't have to grab a bucket and start bailing. The floor is inflated and has grommets open on the sides which allow for the water to drain. In other words you don't need the bail bucket.

In general, the oval shaped whitewater rafts can carry more gear than the catarafts. This includes carrying more passengers.

Since the raft has a floor, you can stack lots of gear and people. All you need is some good tie down straps, and you can load the raft to the brink, and still have room for passengers to enjoy riding through the rapids.

Another advantage is the wetness factor. It's easier to keep your passengers dry with the traditional whitewater raft.

The bow of the boat is upturned which helps absorb waves and keeps them from cresting over the raft passengers. This doesn't mean you don't get wet in a traditional raft, it just means it's easier to keep people dry if you so desire.

On the flip side, the cataraft is a play machine. They're not designed to take huge amounts of gear and people down the river; catarafts are designed to increase the fun factor.

The major advantage of the catarafts over the traditional rafts is in their maneuverability. Catarafts are lighter and move through the water with ease. A whitewater cataraft is designed for speed and agility.

If you're into raft surfing or being able to skirt around the river like a water-bug, then the cataraft is for you.

Another advantage: they're lighter and much easier to cart around from river to river. Typically a cataraft is shorter and lighter than a traditional raft, and is easier to manhandle onto trailers and vehicles.

Of Course both types of whitewater rafts come in every imaginable length. In general the shorter the boat the more maneuverable it will be.

But keep in mind that an 18 foot cataraft will be more maneuverable than an 18 foot standard raft, but you won't be able to load the cataraft with as much stuff.

Both types of whitewater rafts are great fun, so you really can't go wrong. Whatever you decide to row, get out there and have a great time.