RMR: From Drift Boats to Rafts: Why More Anglers and Making the Switch

Nothing is ever static.  Things change constantly.  This is true of just about anything, including fishing.  Drift boats have been the staple as far as fishing crafts for a long time.  They are comfortable, stable on the water, and easy to maneuver.  But if you spend any time along a popular trout/smallmouth river now, you may notice that the ratio of drift boats to rafts is switching.  This isn’t just a random choice that anglers are making, there are plenty of reasons behind it.  Modern rafts and catarafts aren’t just whitewater boats loaded down haphazardly with fishing gear anymore.  Modern fishing rafts are designed specifically for anglers with all of the creature comforts that once were exclusive to drift boats.  But fishing rafts don’t just equal the performance of drift boats now, they can exceed them in portability, versatility, durability, and access to different types of water. 

Portability

First let’s talk about portability, which is a huge factor.  Drift boats require a trailer, a boat ramp, and ample storage space.  These aren’t unforeseen requirements to own and use a boat, but the flexibility that comes without having to transport and store a hard boat is freeing.  Having a raft than can be loaded into or on top of a vehicle and carried down over an embankment or along an access path opens up a lot more options for put-in and take-out.  Thousands of hard boat anglers every year are forced to float through long stretches of dead water at the beginning or end of their float because of where boat launches are located.  And think about the off-season storage required for a drift boat compared to a raft.  A raft can be deflated and stored on a shelf or in a corner whereas a drift boat and trailer must be stored in a garage or winterized for outdoor storage in your driveway.  One raft that comes to mind that embodies the ease of transportation and storage while maximizing performance on the water as a fishing craft is the Angler RLC-120 Rollcast.  This trailerless 12’ raft has a drop-stich floor which is perfect for standing and casting, removable swivel seats, and fishing frame that is compatible with a small motor. 

Versatility

Drift boats excel at one thing.  They are built for fishing and navigating certain types of water, and they do it well.  Rafts can be rigged and adapted differently for each trip.  The same raft can be used for a dedicated whitewater trip, a fishing trip, an overnight family camping trip, etc.  Owning one raft that serves the purpose of many different boats is a clear advantage.  The Angler DH-132 Double Haul and the Angler CF-140 CatPhish are slightly larger rafts that really can do it all.  These are both fishing-specific boats that can be easily purposed for other adventures.  The frames on these rafts offer many different tie-down points and space for gear storage while still providing plenty of room for fishing and movement throughout the boat.

Durability and Stability

Accessing and floating the rocky rivers that are cloaked in briar and laurel can be rough on a any boat.  But the heavy-duty PVC and welded seems that RMR makes standard on their rafts is up to the task.  Gravel bars and submerged features which are common throughout our rivers are no problem RMR’s high quality construction.  The drop-stich floors offer stability like none other in a raft.  Anglers can cast comfortable while standing with their feet placed solidly.  Leans bars incorporated into many of our fishing frames add extra confidence and stability when putting effort on a long-distance cast. 

Conclusion

We’re not trying to drown the drift boat here, just presenting other options.  Drift boats have been and will continue to be great for fishing.  But what RMR has created are rafts that give you everything a drift boat does, and so much more.  With access being much easier in a raft, fishing opportunities will expand.  People with limited storage space at home and no trailer to transport a hard boat can still get in the game by using an inflatable raft that can be transported on top of an SUV or in the bed of a truck.  Check out Rocky Mountain Rafts to find a raft that is right for you.