What Kind of Raft is That?

 January 28, 2008.

Bill, a Waterblogged reader, asked, “What is the name for the type of raft that has two pontoons with one oarsman in the center. Are their trips with this type of raft?”

Answer

Thanks for your question Bill!

The name of the boat is a cataraft - and unfortunately, we do not have any trips where passengers can ride in one. The “cats” are used as safety boats on the Futaleufu River in Chile, and we have one here in California for use as a safety boat on high-water Tuolumne River trips.

On a personal note: I have a little 13-ft cataraft that I use for my own trips, and I love its mobility. I feel like a water bug because the boat maneuvers so easily. It does get a little lonely at times, but then I can row over to a friend’s boat when I need the company.

-- BRC
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