Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

I am thinking about an inflatable to hold my fast growing dog which can't fit in kayak with me any longer. What is a good quality without breaking the bank. Whitewater with some lake usage is intention.

On the expensive side, but these are really cool,

https://www.alpackaraft.com/store/index ... &do=detail" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.alpackaraft.com/store/index ... 53&do=list" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

they would also make good backup boats, weighing as little as 3 lbs.

Jake

Check these two brands out.

http://www.aire.com/aire/products/?type=33" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.soar1.com/sec_canoe.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I do not own a inflatable kayak.

I do have friends that paddle Aire and Soar boats and they can paddle anything a kayak or canoe does and they look good doing it.

I have often thought about one of the Aires or Soar as a self contained craft for western river self support low water runs.

Quality inflatables are great WW craft, but I recommend you contact MikkiW to get a first hand user report on inflatables for general recreational use.

Inflatables are good, but like any boat, there are some pretty significant trade-offs depending on what type of water you want to do the most. Lake usage would be one of the inflatable's weakest points - they are slower than hard boats, and will tend to catch a fair amount of wind, which is great only when you get lucky enough for it to be blowing in the direction you want to go.

My bride sometimes paddles a Tributary "Strike" inflatable kayak and is pleased with it. It's a mid-line whitewater inflatable kayak (a full step up from the usual Duckie) that we've outfitted with thigh straps and foot-pegs. It's not the quality of an Aire Force, but it's about half-ish the price and comes with a 5-year warranty. She was very happy in it paddling the Class II -plus Nantahala two weeks ago, but would have been less happy doing Pruitt to Hasty on the Buffalo last weekend... long, flat water trips are not it's forte'! But, it's stable and pretty quick for an IK and would have room for a pet in front or on the back... Check it out... Crane

Thanks to everyone for the information and advice. Most helpful and look forward to posting back what the final outcome of my comparison shopping yields.
See you on the water!