I am a new river rider in the state of Michigan. Not many huge rides but I need to start somewhere. Class one and two so far this winter. I have been only in a Hyside, bucket bail, 13' or so. In the past week I have realized I wish to purchase a raft. Now seeing the costa and the actual amount of usage I am wondering if leasing will good enough. I do have a 13' Saturn that I have discussed in buying but found out PVC is not a long term lasting at Hypalon. I wish to use it in the winter and summer and do wish to roll it up once done to reduce trailers and keep it versatile. I also like to fish stealhead and in the pas week realized I can get a frame and make it a decent float boat. As you can tell I am lost and need some guidance. I appreciate any feedback...thanks
Saturn Rafts????
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1,313 Posts
there are numerous threads on this topic--try doing a search under Saturn.
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Saturn Inflatable rafts
I bought my Saturn from RM Rafts in Colorado. The owner showed me pictures of an outfit that does 4-6 runs a day with a Saturn raft and has been doing so for years. He sold me on their durability.
I bought my Saturn from RM Rafts in Colorado. The owner showed me pictures of an outfit that does 4-6 runs a day with a Saturn raft and has been doing so for years. He sold me on their durability.
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252 Posts
The newer versions of the raft with the thicker floor and improved handles is awesome. I bought one from RM as well, and the process was really easy and they were good to work with. The boat has held air all winter in my garage. The base has no damage after a summer of use. For class I and II, this boat will be able to do everything you need and more. The only thing is that PVC is not as easy to roll as hypalon, but for the cost savings, personally I was able to get past it. There are lots of Saturn haters out there, but I have yet to find any who actually own a Saturn. Most of them are people that are upset they paid so much more for a raft that performs the same as a Saturn. Good luck in your decision.
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I bought my Saturn from Joe at RM last summer and so far so good. For my needs, class I-occasional IV it's perfect. He also set me up with a nice frame that's a combo between NRS and Down River Equipment and I have set it up to where I can remove leg locks for flyfishing in both bow and stern.
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1,353 Posts
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will smite this thread into the vast digital oblivion, since I'm sure you'll agree that the last thing we need is another "Saturn Rafts are great"/"Saturn Rafts are crap" thread. Even in the off-season.
Amen.
Your humble servant,
Riparian
I pray that you will smite this thread into the vast digital oblivion, since I'm sure you'll agree that the last thing we need is another "Saturn Rafts are great"/"Saturn Rafts are crap" thread. Even in the off-season.
Amen.
Your humble servant,
Riparian
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679 Posts
WTH El Duderino? The guys from Michigan! For love of Christ, leave the poor bastard alone. Not everyone knows that the Saturn Raft topic has been beat to a pulp. He probably doesn't spend every waking hour scouring the Buzz during the winter like some folks I know.
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679 Posts
Saturn Rafts definitely are not as good as some other brands. You get what you pay for but a Saturn will serve most purposes perfectly fine. Don't let the gear snobs on here lead you astray specially the ones from Colorado. If your not aware of the "Rado" attitude, everyone in the "it's all about me state" thinks that the gear they own is the only gear anyone should own and if you don't own the gear they own you are a damn loser. Screw them, buy the best you can afford and go have a good time.
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Yarm - I can see that you're not into the whole brevity thing, man. Anyhow, my prayer is like, uh, this First Amendment religious freedom thing. Y'know? B'sides, Satan lives in those Saturn rafts. Swap the "ur" with an "a" and I think you'll see what I mean. Scary shit, man.
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679 Posts
LOL!
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679 Posts
By the way Rip. I see you have nearly doubled my number of posts in your time here on the Buzz. You are indeed the posting champion.
On another note, I didn't realize you were a religious man. However, in light of my recent experiences here on the Buzz I believe God may be the wrong entity to pray too when in need of a fix here on the Buzz. It would seem GH is your "man". Hell... you don't even have to have faith. He reports back to you once an "issue" has been resolved.
On another note, I didn't realize you were a religious man. However, in light of my recent experiences here on the Buzz I believe God may be the wrong entity to pray too when in need of a fix here on the Buzz. It would seem GH is your "man". Hell... you don't even have to have faith. He reports back to you once an "issue" has been resolved.
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4,739 Posts
Dear Lord,
Please, when we have the "2011 change your avatar thread", please do NOT let Rip change his. Perfection should not be messed with.
Amen
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3,769 Posts
I try.
geobucket and tobin - maybe you are legit. I hope so. It's hard not to be cynical. in the past some saturn type dealers post up a supposed inquiry about "???????" rafts. Turned out to be a "?????????" raft dealer. Then someone else chimes (usually a one post ghost) in vouching for the durability or "?????????" rafts.
So it smells a little funny to me. I am hoping that is not the case, but.....there we are. Prove me wrong. Post up some pics of you running the gnar. Post up the pics of the guy running six trips a day in their rafts.
Show me a shot or two in Cove Creek on the MF. Or not.
If you are legitimate boaters, I sincerely wish you the best in your boating and raft longevity. Not trying to be an ass, it just comes naturally.
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1,914 Posts
my "Saturn Test Challenge" still stands to any saturn dealer, you give me a 10 year warranty on construction (i.e. if there is a manufacture defect and a seam delams you pay shipping and fix or replace). If I fuck it up I'll fix it on my dime. I will run he saturn to hell and back and treat it the same as my other three rafts, on my typical adventures and give a true and honest account of its performance once a month on the buzz with glossy photos etc. IF they are equal to the other mainstay brands then all will know because I am no bull shit and call it as it is. However, the pm box and phone has yet to ring with an affirmative. Over the next ten years the "test" saturn would be run down the bruneu, MF at low water provided success on lottery, GR at low water and at many other flows, NF John day down to Cottonwood at low water, probably at least 2 fly in trips (minam and maybe MF Flathead), probably a trip up in AK on the Chilikadrotna, several main and lower salmon trips, most likely an illinois trip, Deschutes several segments, SF Owyhee all the way down to the main owyhee to burch creek (not all in one trip though) and most likely several runs on the lower owyhee. Probably a few Rogue trips, more than likely a few NF umpqua runs, Probably several Sauk River day trips. Maybe a horsepack trip into the SF Flathead. And a bunch other adventures yet to be thought off. Probably a lot of side drifting on the Cowlitz for steelhead too.
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FYI - I checked the IP addresses for geobucket and tobin, they're not associated with any other user accounts on MB or each other. From what I understand, it was only the Boise Saturn dealer that did that. He hasn't posted on the Buzz since shortly after we outed him, I typically check suspect posts just to make sure.
-AH
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