Recommendation for Family Raft

DEMICHAE · 07-09-2008

Hi all. I came across this website by searching for a raft for my family. We are planning on floating down the Truckee river (no rapids whatsoever) and I was tempted to buy a $29 raft from Wal-Mart, but I'm pretty sure that it'll be a piece of garbage that leaks. I'm looking for a raft that will fit my family (me, wife, 7 year old daughter, 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter). It should have seats, and be of decent quality so that it will last a couple years. We're not looking to shoot the rapids, just float down the truckee river and around Lake Tahoe. Can anyone suggest a brand/model for this purpose? I'm not looking for a thousand dollar raft, so please keep that in mind.

Randaddy · 07-09-2008

Rafts aren't cheap. You might be able to find an older, standard floor raft for $500-700. Any cheaper and you'll likely be making repairs to make it hold air.

I'd be cautious taking 2 and 4 year olds down any river unless you are experienced. Moving water is powerful and can be dangerous, even if it's flat. Make sure everyone has a PFD!

FrankC · 07-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEMICHAE

Hi all. I came across this website by searching for a raft for my family. We are planning on floating down the Truckee river (no rapids whatsoever) and I was tempted to buy a $29 raft from Wal-Mart, but I'm pretty sure that it'll be a piece of garbage that leaks. I'm looking for a raft that will fit my family (me, wife, 7 year old daughter, 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter). It should have seats, and be of decent quality so that it will last a couple years. We're not looking to shoot the rapids, just float down the truckee river and around Lake Tahoe. Can anyone suggest a brand/model for this purpose? I'm not looking for a thousand dollar raft, so please keep that in mind.

I would google Sevylar Rafts. I have seen families floating down the Delaware River in these things and they survived. You might be able to pick one up at a Marine Supply store for a few hundred bucks. These are strictly for easy flatwater trips.

rivermanryan · 07-09-2008

Maybe better off with a recreation canoe? Not too many safe options for little $$ Sevylar maybe a good option, but I would still be cautious with the little ones because it doesn't take much to puncture them. Make sure you wear life jackets (pfd's)!