Rafts

The craftsmanship allotted in each hand-made Hyside raft embodies a level of prestige that a limited number of people get to have. Purchasing one requires full attention to details and an abundance of patience, as their keenness transcends into perfecting each one before handing them over to you. They make their products worth the wait, though, as they have been consistently delivering excellent performing and long-lasting rafts for years. Going through their catalogue, you would notice how each raft shows simplicity that proves itself on its capabilities than accessories. Hyside provides a vast array of inflatable rafts in a broader selection of sizes to let you tailor-fit them for your next adventure. Top 6 Best Hyside Rafts Reviewed Each series comes in with many sizing options to let you have a raft tailor-fit to your needs. We review each series to aid you in choosing your next whitewater rafting buddy. #1. Neo Series: Mini-Me and Mini-Max The Neo series comprises of Hyside’s original Neoprene coating, which is relatively cheaper compared to the Hypalon models that succeeded it. Both Mini-Me and Mini-Max models are compact enough to fit in your backpack yet deliver a consistently excellent performance. Keeping the Neoprene coating instead of Hypalon makes this raft series more airtight, ensuring that they will remain rigid throughout the course. On the bottom, Urethane Chafers assure you that these rafts can take the beating of constant impact. Its seams will remain intact with triple bonding that promises excellent durability to live up to the challenge. You need not worry about water getting in the water with its self-bailing floor. This feature assures that you will stay afloat, letting you focus on paddling during whitewater rafting. The cambered floors significantly reduce your drag, allowing you to glide smoothly on the water. It also improves your speed, maximizing every paddle. Reducing the tubes’ size enables you to be in closer contact with the water, allowing better maneuverability. This feature also maximizes deck space, letting you bring more gear for fishing trips. Carrying the deflated raft will also be convenient since the smaller tubes keep their weight to a minimum. #2. Outfitter Series: Max, HDB, and XT Hyside’s Outfitter Series promises to keep up as you chop through the wildest whitewater with its highly durable frame. These rafts use a Hypalon layer on the exterior fabric that lets them be agile enough to adapt to changing water conditions quickly. This characteristic allows a superior level of maneuverability, allowing you for smoother movement on the water. A second layer of high-quality fabric in the tubes’ interior will assure you that these rafts’ can take a beating. The tubes’ diameters ensure the raft’s rigidity, guaranteeing your stability as you paddle. Hyside offers a wide range of raft sizes to let you tailor-fit the raft to your adventure. Outfitter Max is the series’ most versatile variant, for it is an excellent compromise between the Mini-Me and XT. Despite its relatively smaller size, this raft can carry massive cargo loads for your multi-day camping trips. Installing its thwarts will comfortably fit seven paddlers, letting more people in fun. HDB stands for Hot Dog Bun, which is how the raft looks at first sight. This shape allows for maximum maneuverability in the narrowest streams, letting you glide effortlessly. It also allows for optimal weight distribution, keeping you and your friends stable as you paddle. XT, short for Extra, lets nine more people join you as you slice through whitewater. Removing the thwarts enables you to have an excellent gear boat, promising to carry all your gear for your week-long fishing trips. Its self-bailing floor assures you that everything will stay dry by immediately expelling excess water from the raft. The raft remains highly-resistant to abrasion with its full-coverage Urethane coating at its bottom. #3. Pro Series This series’ added flexibility makes it highly agile against whitewater, allowing for maximum maneuverability in the most challenging rapids. Hyside offers a vast selection of sizes to choose from, allowing for better customization. The combination of Nylon and Hypalon makes this series excellently capable of handling the constant impact from whitewater rafting, assuring you of their durability. Combining the two materials makes the perfect compromise between rigidity and flexibility, keeping the rafts sturdy enough to ensure your safety. Urethane Chaffers reduce the risk of getting punctured by rocks, ensuring your safety as you traverse shallower waters. All the rafts in this series have self-bailing floors that reduce the risk of capsizing by draining water that gets in the raft immediately. The cambered floors also improve on the raft’s buoyancy, which allows for quicker movements. This feature optimizes your speed as well, enabling you to slice through waves effortlessly. Like the Outfitter series, the Pro offers an XT variant that allows more people to fit in the raft comfortably. The raft will stay afloat despite loading all your gear for fishing and camping with its massive carrying capacity. Nylon’s higher-quality than the rest of the series enables this raft to stay rigid regardless of its purpose. #4. Livery Series Hyside’s Livery Series puts all other rental boats to shame with its excellent performance. These rafts provide paddlers with ample stability that will let you float effortlessly on lazy days. Like the Outfitter and Pro series, Livery comes in many sizes allowing you to choose accordingly. You would not have to worry about not having enough equipment as the rafts have impressively high carrying capacities for your fishing trips. Despite its standard non-self-bailing floor, these rafts can take the beating from constant use with its rigid construction. Hyside makes sure that you get the best with its high-quality Hypalon coating on the raft’s fabric to keep it agile for better maneuverability. The full-length Urethane Chafers on the floor assure your safety regardless of the tide. Its flat surface also maximizes deck space, letting you have more than enough moving space. #5. Kayaks The brand’s inflatable kayaks allow for maximum maneuverability on whitewater with its impressive … Read more

The world has many beautiful things to offer. It includes the almost unexplored caves, tunnels, structures, and landscapes that you can find when you travel by the river. If you are here, you probably want to explore, or perhaps you are looking for fishing gear. Because you will be up for an adventure, you need to use high-quality equipment that will not spoil the fun of your exploration. You need to know the best catarafts in the market and figure out which is the most suitable for your needs. In this article, you will learn some of the best catarafts in the market, which most users love. You will also learn many things about catarafts, which is helpful when you are at the store trying to make your purchase. Top 6 Best Catarafts Reviewed Star Kannah 16-Foot Cataraft Star Slice 12-Foot Paddle Cataraft Star Kima 15-Foot Cataraft AIRE Lion 16-Foot Cataraft AIRE Wave Destroyer 14-Foot Cataraft NRS Kodiak 18-Foot Cataraft #1. Star Kannah 16-Foot Cataraft Specifications Length (feet): 16 Weight (pounds): 89 Tube Diameter (inches): 24 Number of Air Chambers: 6 The 1 Star Kannah 16-Foot Cataraft is your best option if you are looking for a roomy and comfortable gear. It is one of the best boats for anglers because it provides you some rooms for your fishing equipment. This product has several air chambers that help keep you afloat while in the waters. It has eight D-rings that provide convenient anchorage to secure frame. Also, this product offers abrasion-resistant and lasting air retention. You will enjoy all these features at a reasonable price. The Star Kannah uses Leafield C7 valves that provide safe inflation and deflation. It also has added the PVC layer above the tubes to secure the frame from wearing. The Star Kannah is available in blue or gray colors. It also comes with a repair kit. #2. Star Slice 12-Foot Paddle Cataraft Specifications Length (feet): 12’8 Weight (pounds): 79 Tube Diameter (inches): 22 Number of Air Chambers: 6 Like the original Star Slice, this model is robust but offers better stability and capacity. This product can carry four paddlers and can handle the challenges thrown by the whitewater. The side tubes are the only ones that touch the water because of the raised PVC floor. It has a drop-stitch deck that provides stability and a reliable platform. Its air chambers provide safety, in case a puncture tries to steal the fun of your experiences. Aside from these features, the Star Slice also comes with self-draining compartments. It uses Leafield C7 valves at the tube and uses Leafield D7 valves, at the center and floor for secured inflation and deflation. The Star Slice comes with two handles, 10 D-rings and a repair kit. #3. Star Kima 15-Foot Cataraft Specifications Length (feet): 15 Weight (pounds): 81 Tube Diameter (inches): 23 Number of Air Chambers: 6 The Star Kima 15-Foot Cataraft features extra air volume to make your adventures last throughout the day. The construction material used for it is a high-quality PVC that is resistant to abrasion and provides excellent air retention. It has a Leafield C7 valve that is useful for safe inflation and deflation. The construction material used above the tubes is the 1000 denier wear patch that protects the frame from corrosion. This product has 20 D-rings to secure the cataraft in place conveniently. This product comes with a repair kit. #4. AIRE Lion 16-Foot Cataraft Specifications Length (feet): 16 Weight (pounds): 93 Tube Diameter (inches): 27.5 Number of Air Chambers:  4 Its name is fitting to the characteristic of this cataraft. The AIRE Lion 16-Foot Cataraft is as strong as a lion. It can carry extra loads of luggage and gears that will keep you sustained for long trips. Its capacity is comparable to the typical 18-foot ones. This product features two layers of the Aircel system and welded seams. It also has a Leafield B7 valves and several D-rings. It also came with handles and included a repair kit. #5. AIRE Wave Destroyer 14-Foot Cataraft Specifications Length (feet): 14 Weight (pounds): 64 Tube Diameter (inches): 22 Number of Air Chambers:  4 The AIRE Wave Destroyer 14-Foot Cataraft has an intelligent tube design that allows riding the harsh waves. It is highly maneuverable and responsive, which makes it a perfect gear for an adventurous soul. This product features AIRE cells that provide durability, strength, and safety. It also has durable handles and comes with a repair kit. The AIRE Wave Destroyer is available in four colors: blue, green, red, and yellow. #6. NRS Kodiak 18-Foot Cataraft Specifications Length (feet): 17’11 Weight (pounds): 92 Tube Diameter (inches): 28 Number of Air Chambers: 6 The NRS Kodiak 18-Foot Cataraft is durable to ride the challenges offered by whitewater areas, including the ones in Grand Canyon or Alaska. What makes the Kodiak impressive is its ability to carry heavy luggage on a rough trip. This product is stable. These features are not surprising because the manufacturer’s aim for designing this cataraft is to help transport luggage. It has an intelligent design that is the reason for its added capacity and maneuverability. It is durable because of the wear patches above the tubes. It uses Pennel Orca that provides resistance against UV, abrasion, and chemicals. It uses the Leafield C7 valve, which is useful for safe inflation and deflation. This product comes in 16 D-rings that help secure the frame and the cataraft in place. It also comes with a repair kit. Top Pick – Our Favorite Cataraft There are several manufacturers in the market that claim to have the best catarafts. However, some of them are not telling the truth. That is why this article listed some of the best products that most consumers love. What stands out the most among them is the Star Kannah 16-Foot Cataraft. This Northwest River Supplies (NRS) owns this product. Although it is only available in two colors, it never lacks in essential features. It provides spacious room for … Read more

Intex is one of the major brands when it comes to inflatables and watercraft, and it’s Intex Seahawk 4 boat is one of the brand’s best-sellers and affordable options. From one of the world’s biggest manufacturers, you can be sure that your raft has high-quality materials and dependability in the water with a fair price tag. The Seahawk 4 inflatable boat is a typical vessel for a fun and smooth boating ride. If you can see a lake in the area, you’ll likely see a Seahawk boat or two in the water. If you want to know if this inflatable boat is the right one for you, our Intex Seahawk 4 review should provide you an overview of why it’s one of our top picks along with other boaters. Intex Seahawk 4 Review: Your Complete Guide The Intex Seahawk 4 is ideal for all types of boaters. It has the size and capacity to cater to a small family, providing ample space for two parents and two kids with enough room for your gears. It’s one of the top choices for an entry-level boat to bring the kids outdoors and enjoy the water. The Seahawk 4 inflatable boat is also ideal for those who like to go fishing. The two rod-holders that come built-in the raft appeal to fishing enthusiasts so is the space for the trolling motor. Although it can carry up to four grown persons, it might be a tight squeeze. This inflatable boat is also sturdy enough to tackle whitewater adventures. It has a Level I rapids rating, which is an excellent option for introducing the family with the thrill of river rafting. It’s also an excellent option for day river cruises, perfect for nature lovers, water lovers, and birdwatchers. Overall, it’s a very pocket-friendly entry-level boat to get in the water and start learning the ropes quickly. Specifications Passenger Capacity – 3-4 persons Weight Capacity – 1050 pounds (475 kg) Length – 138 inches Beam Width – 57 inches Height – 19 inches Weight – 37 pounds Vinyl Material – heavy-duty and puncture-resistant PVC Features (2) fishing rod holders (5) air chambers; three-chambered design Motor mount fittings All-around grab line Boston valves for easy and quick inflation and deflation 30-day warranty period Package includes: Intex Seahawk 4 (2) inflatable seats (2) aluminum 48-inches long oars (1) Gear pouch Repair pouch Manual air pump and hose US Coast Guard ID The only thing that you need to purchase along with the Intex Seahawk 4 is a carrying bag, as the package doesn’t include one. You can also use a duffel or any durable storage bag when you are transporting or carrying your inflatable boat. The lack of storage or carrying bag can be a deal-breaker for some, but with the Seahawk 4’s price point, you should have extra cash to buy one. Meanwhile, the aluminum oars that this package features are lightweight and float without issue when you drop it on the water. The 30-day warranty period of the Seahawk 4 is also not par with what other comparable brands offer. However, it should cover any manufacturing defects of the product. Design Looking at the price of the Seahawk 4, you might think that you’re getting a sub-par inflatable boat. However, Intex has done an excellent job with its quality product at a fair price point. The design of the Seahawk 4 itself is of good quality. The vinyl material used for the boat is 30 gage PVC that is puncture resistant. The vinyl material is durable and resistant to most damages, so there are no worries about accidents when you occasionally collide with obstructions. This inflatable boat is big enough to cater to a small family for a fun day at the lake. It’s also lightweight at only 37 pounds. It has a three-chambered design, and in any case that a leak happens, the separate air chambers of the Seahawk 4 provides an extra safety feature for emergencies. It features an inflatable I-beam floor that provides extra firmness and balance to the overall structure of the boat. The two 48-inches aluminum oars can be broken down into four different pieces, making it easy for transport and storage. Also, there are built-in oar holders with welded locks that are easy to use while boating. Quality of Construction Based on the price range of the Seahawk 4, it’s important to remember that it uses affordable materials so that it wouldn’t be par with high-end inflatable boats in the market. With that said, the quality of construction of this inflatable boat is perfect for use in most light water adventures and recreational use. The vinyl material is thick and durable, providing a robust and balanced structure to the vessel. The Seahawk 4 can take a beating, and it should last long when well taken care of and stored correctly. Durability The 30-gauge PVC material of the Seahawk 4 allows it to resist light abrasion. You wouldn’t have to worry about damaging the boat when you drag it across some rocks at the side of the river or accidentally collide with some obstructions. However, its affordable price means some features are missing, like reinforcement at the bottom of the boat. With that, you need to be careful when boating around cliffs as there is no side protection. Comfort The Intex Seahawk 4 is a 4-person inflatable boat that can comfortably cater up to 1050 pounds. It has two inflatable seating cushions that should be comfy for all-day boating adventures. Fitting four adults in the boat is okay, although it can be a bit squishy. It offers much better comfort for two adults with two kids or three adults. Other features of the boat make boating convenient as well, including two fishing rod holders, a grab handle on the bow, and an all-around grab line. The inflatable seats are comfy, although there is no backrest which could make the entire setup better. Also, the boat has two welded oar locks … Read more