Raft or Dory?

[pskhaat]

For the longest time, I kept looking for a true 2-man sit-on-top sea kayak. But with the expanded family now I am now torn between:

1. Dory
2. Raft

The eventual plans are simple family (4) float trips, not heavy whitewater. Can anyone comment on pros/cons on each?

[Nullifier]

First and most obvious no trailer needed for the raft so you can take it on alot more outings. the dory will cost alot more and be a PITA to store. It is also more suseptable to damage in low water on swift rivers.

Now the up sides. It is a drier craft for those onboard since it is not self bailing and has high sides, looks cooler, and is more efficient to row in the wind on slow moving water. All I can say is for me personally I would be in a raft. If you want better seating down the road you can always add a frame to the raft for rowing seats.

You should be able to pick up a decent used raft at the end of this years paddling season from a rafting company. Look for a small boat that doesn't have alot of patches and is self bailing. Double check the condition off all d-rings and valves. Find out the age of the raft and try to get one with no more then 2 seasons under it's belt. Most rafting companies do not use any non self bailing rafts anymore but make sure. If you want to buy a new one NRS makes some pretty good quality affordable rafts for regular use.

[david despain]

what the heck is a "dory" and what makes a raft self-bailing? just the fact that the deck is above water?

[Nullifier]

Dories are small wood, fiberglass, or aluminum boats that are rowed down swift moving rivers. A self bailing raft is one that has scuppers in the floor for water to drain out. This eliminates the need to pull over and empty the raft while paddling down rough rivers.

here is a pic http://www.surfbwa.org/images/Slide%...rry%20OConner%

http://www.jpwinc.com/images/products/dfshowfrontem.jpg

[Mike S]

The drift boat was designed and perfected for fishing - before rafts got as good as they are now. Driftboats are heavy, fragile, and really a PITA in thin water. They are the bomb for depper rivers and cold weather, tho'.

Most of the guides I know and fish with now use high quality rafts - NWS is the most popular - and rowing frames. Much better for a single oarsman, and pretty nearly bullet proof. They are easier to store and maintain than a driftboat. Get a quality raft and frame and you're miles ahead of the second choice.

M

[david despain]

Dories are small wood, fiberglass, or aluminum boats that are rowed down swift moving rivers. A self bailing raft is one that has scuppers in the floor for water to drain out. This eliminates the need to pull over and empty the raft while paddling down rough rivers.

here is a pic http://www.surfbwa.org/images/Slide%...rry%20OConner%

http://www.jpwinc.com/images/products/dfshowfrontem.jpg

first link doesnt work. so what keeps the scuppers from filling up the boat with water?

[calamaridog]

So I saw this link at MUD and I thought these folding boats were very cool:

http://www.porta-bote.com/