PC-120 PhatCat
PC-120 PhatCat: Small Boat. Big Water. Serious Fun.
Every paddler needs a quiver of boats, and the RMR PC-120 PhatCat earns its place in it. At just 63 lbs, this 11'9" paddle cat is light enough to carry into remote put-ins, responsive enough to play in technical whitewater, and stable enough to build confidence when the river gets bigger.
Two 23-inch pontoons provide the stability and tracking of a cataraft while the open cockpit, front splash net, foot cups, and abundant D-rings create a simple, purpose-built platform for one or two paddlers.
Paddle it solo. R2 it with a partner. Pack it into harder-to-reach water. Or add a compact rowing or fishing frame and turn the PhatCat into one of the smallest and most versatile oar rigs in the RMR lineup.
Want to row your PhatCat? Start with the PC-120 PhatCat Rowing Bundle and choose the frame and oars that fit the way you boat.
Why You'll Love the PhatCat
The PhatCat sits in a category of its own. It's more substantial and stable than a small inflatable kayak, but dramatically lighter and more compact than a traditional raft.
That combination gives experienced paddlers a playful whitewater boat while still making the PhatCat approachable for people developing their skills on easier water.
- Just 63 lbs
- 11'9" overall length
- 5'8" overall width
- Large 23" pontoons
- Room for up to two paddlers
- Excellent solo or tandem platform
- Easy tracking on Class II–III rivers
- Stable platform for bigger Class III–IV water
- Responsive enough for experienced paddlers on technical runs
- Front splash net included
- Front foot cups included
- 20 stainless steel D-rings
- Compatible with rowing and fishing frames
- 44 oz RockShield PVC tubes
- Heavy-duty 66 oz floor material
- 6-year retail warranty
Whitewater Performance
Small Enough to Play
At 11'9" and only 63 lbs, the PhatCat doesn't behave like a full-size raft. It responds quickly to paddle input, changes direction easily, and gives experienced paddlers a platform they can actively move around the river.
23" Pontoons
The large-diameter pontoons are a big part of what makes the PhatCat work. They provide flotation and stability while the open cataraft layout keeps the boat responsive and close to the water.
On Class II–III water, that creates predictable tracking and a stable platform for developing paddlers. As the water gets bigger, the large tubes provide additional flotation and confidence.
Built for Real Whitewater
The PhatCat is comfortable on Class II–III rivers and capable in big-water Class III–IV conditions. In experienced hands, its light weight and maneuverability also make it a highly capable platform for more technical whitewater.
Class IV and V whitewater require advanced paddling skills, proper safety equipment, experienced partners, and knowledge of current river conditions. Boat capability is not a substitute for paddler experience.
Solo or Two-Person Paddle Cat
Paddle It Solo
The PhatCat's compact dimensions and low overall weight make it an appealing option for experienced paddlers who want a larger inflatable platform without committing to a conventional raft and crew.
The front foot cups and open cockpit give you solid bracing and room to adjust your position as you move through the river.
Bring a Partner
Add a second paddler and the PhatCat becomes a compact tandem whitewater platform. The 23" pontoons provide plenty of flotation while the 45" center-to-center spacing keeps the boat relatively narrow and responsive.
Simple Interior
There are no traditional raft thwarts taking up cockpit space. The open 22" × 35" cockpit, splash net, foot cups, and numerous D-rings keep the boat simple while providing plenty of attachment points for gear.
63 Pounds Changes Everything
A Boat You Can Actually Carry
One of the PhatCat's biggest advantages doesn't show up in a rapid. At only 63 lbs, it's dramatically easier to move than a traditional full-size raft.
That makes unconventional put-ins, long carries, smaller vehicles, limited garage space, and remote river access much more realistic.
Packable for Road Trips
Deflate it and the PhatCat takes up far less space than a hard-sided boat or permanently rigged raft. That makes it an easy addition to a road trip when you don't want the logistics of towing a trailer.
Easier River Days
Less boat means less work loading before the trip and less work packing up afterward. For quick laps and spontaneous river days, that matters.
RockShield™ Construction
Professional-Grade PVC
The PhatCat uses 44 oz, 2,000-denier RockShield™ PVC on its pontoons with heavier 66 oz material on the floor for additional protection in a high-contact area.
Welded Construction
Structural baffles and seams are welded and reinforced with welded seam tape inside and out. This triple-fused construction eliminates reliance on glue for the primary structural seams.
Leafield D7 Valves
Leafield D7 valves provide dependable inflation and serviceability for the PhatCat's air chambers.
Built to Rig
Eight large and twelve small stainless steel D-rings provide plenty of attachment points for securing equipment, configuring your setup, and adding compatible frame components.
Paddle It or Build a Rowing Rig
The PhatCat Doesn't Have to Stay a Paddle Cat
The standard PC-120 is an incredibly simple paddle craft, but its cataraft layout also makes it a surprisingly capable foundation for a compact rowing setup.
RMR offers purpose-built frame options that let you turn the PhatCat into a small oar rig without losing the quick handling and portability that make the boat fun in the first place.
One-Bay Rowing Frame
The one-bay center-mounted frame is the minimalist option. It creates a compact rowing station with a low-back seat, kick bar, and oar towers while keeping the boat stripped down for tight lines and fast water.
Fishing Frame
Choose the fishing configuration when you want to use the PhatCat as a small fishing platform. The fishing frame adds an anchor system and lean bar for better positioning and stability while casting.
Build the PhatCat Rowing Bundle
Start With the Cat. Build It Your Way.
If you already know you want to row the PhatCat, we recommend starting with the PC-120 PhatCat Rowing Bundle instead of piecing together the raft, frame, and oars separately.
Choose your PhatCat color, select the frame that matches the way you boat, and finish the setup with your preferred oars.
Choose Your Frame
- One-Bay Center Frame: lightweight, minimalist rowing setup for technical water and fast river days
- Fishing Frame: adds an anchor system and lean bar for fishing and controlled positioning
Choose Your Oars
Complete the package with RMR oars or select from compatible Sawyer oar options available through the bundle builder.
Every component is selected around the PhatCat, removing compatibility guesswork and giving you a complete rowing system from the beginning.
Is the PhatCat Right for Me?
The PhatCat is a strong choice if you:
- Usually paddle solo or with one partner
- Want a lightweight whitewater boat
- Want something more stable than a small inflatable kayak
- Enjoy technical and playful river running
- Want a boat that's easy to transport and store
- Need access to remote or unconventional put-ins
- Want the option to add a rowing frame later
- Want a compact fishing setup
- Already own a larger raft and want something different in the quiver
You may prefer a traditional raft if you:
- Regularly paddle with more than two people
- Need significant passenger space
- Carry large coolers, dry boxes, or expedition loads
- Want a conventional multi-thwart paddle raft
- Need a larger multi-day gear boat
- Want substantial room for children, dogs, and passengers
The PhatCat isn't trying to replace a 13- or 14-foot raft. It's the smaller boat you grab when a full-size raft is more boat than the day requires.
Product Specifications
| Model | PC-120 PhatCat |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Inflatable paddle cataraft |
| Length | 11'9" |
| Width | 5'8" |
| Pontoon Diameter | 23" |
| Center-to-Center Width | 45" |
| Inside Cockpit | 22" × 35" |
| Weight | 63 lbs |
| Tube Material | 44 oz, 2,000-denier RockShield™ PVC |
| Floor Material | 66 oz PVC |
| Paddlers | Up to 2 |
| Splash Protection | Front PhatCat splash net |
| Foot Bracing | Front foot cups |
| D-Rings | 20 total — 8 large, 12 small stainless steel |
| Valves | Leafield D7 |
| Frame Compatibility | One-bay rowing frame or PhatCat fishing frame |
| Included Maintenance Items | Repair kit and valve wrench |
| Retail Warranty | 6 years on workmanship and materials |
| Commercial Warranty | 3 years on workmanship and materials |
| Shipping | $75 flat-rate shipping to the Lower 48 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a paddle cat?
A paddle cat combines two inflatable pontoons with an open cockpit between them. The PhatCat gives you the stability and flotation of a cataraft in a lightweight platform designed to be paddled by one or two people.
How many people can paddle the PhatCat?
The PhatCat is designed for up to two paddlers. It works as either a solo or tandem paddle craft depending on the paddlers, equipment, and river conditions.
Can I paddle the PhatCat solo?
Yes. Its 63-pound weight and compact dimensions make solo paddling one of the PhatCat's most appealing configurations for experienced paddlers.
Is the PhatCat good for beginners?
The PhatCat can be approachable on appropriate Class II–III water because its 23-inch pontoons provide good flotation and stability. Beginners should still choose rivers appropriate for their skills and paddle with experienced partners.
What class of whitewater can the PhatCat run?
The PhatCat tracks well on Class II–III rivers and provides stability in bigger Class III–IV water. Experienced paddlers also use its maneuverability in more technical whitewater. River difficulty should always match the paddler's training and experience.
Can the PhatCat run Class V?
The PhatCat is maneuverable and capable enough for experienced paddlers to use on demanding whitewater, but Class V requires advanced technical skills, proper safety equipment, experienced partners, scouting, and sound judgment. The boat's capability does not make Class V appropriate for every owner.
How heavy is the PhatCat?
The PC-120 weighs approximately 63 lbs, making it one of the lighter whitewater boats in the RMR lineup.
Can one person carry it?
At 63 lbs, the PhatCat is substantially easier for one person to move than a conventional full-size raft. Actual handling depends on individual strength, terrain, distance, and whether additional gear is attached.
Does it have a floor?
The PhatCat uses an open cataraft-style cockpit with a heavy-duty floor/splash-net system rather than the full self-bailing inflatable floor found in a conventional raft.
What does the front splash net do?
The front PhatCat net helps manage splash while creating part of the boat's open cockpit platform without adding the weight of a conventional inflatable raft floor.
Are foot cups included?
Yes. Front foot cups are included to give paddlers a secure bracing position.
Can I put a frame on the PhatCat?
Yes. RMR offers purpose-built compact frame configurations that convert the PhatCat from a paddle cat into a small rowing or fishing rig.
What is the PhatCat Rowing Bundle?
The PC-120 PhatCat Rowing Bundle lets you choose your PhatCat, select either the one-bay rowing frame or fishing frame, and finish the setup with compatible RMR or Sawyer oars.
Which frame should I choose?
Choose the one-bay center frame if you want a minimalist rowing setup that keeps the PhatCat light and responsive. Choose the fishing frame if you want an anchor system and lean bar for a more fishing-focused configuration.
Can I still paddle it after buying a frame?
Yes. Adding a frame doesn't permanently convert the boat. The PhatCat can be configured for different trips depending on how you want to use it.
Is the PhatCat good for fishing?
Yes. Its compact size allows access to fishing water where a larger raft can be inconvenient. RMR's fishing-frame option adds an anchor system and lean bar for a more dedicated fishing configuration.
Can I take the PhatCat on a multi-day trip?
Lightweight trips are possible, but cargo capacity is limited compared with a conventional raft or larger cataraft. If carrying substantial coolers, dry boxes, passengers, and expedition gear is the priority, a larger boat will generally be a better choice.
Is the PhatCat easy to transport?
Yes. Transportation is one of its biggest advantages. At 63 lbs and under 12 feet long, it's significantly easier to move and store than many traditional rafts.
Why choose a PhatCat instead of a small raft?
Choose the PhatCat if low weight, an open cockpit, quick handling, solo or tandem use, and portability matter more than passenger and cargo capacity. Choose a conventional raft when you need more interior room, more paddlers, or substantial gear storage.
What comes with the PhatCat?
The PC-120 includes the inflatable boat, front splash net, front foot cups, repair kit, and valve wrench. Paddles, PFDs, pump, frame, oars, and other river equipment are sold separately unless specifically included in a package.
What warranty does the PhatCat include?
The PhatCat carries RMR's 6-year retail and 3-year commercial warranty on workmanship and materials, subject to the complete manufacturer warranty terms.
Shipping & California Proposition 65
$75 flat-rate shipping to the Lower 48.
Calculated shipping prices cover shipments within the continental United States. Call 888-785-1844 ext. 9 to arrange shipping outside the continental United States.
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
⚠️ Warning: This product is made of PVC and can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov .
SHIPPING
At this time, RM Rafts, LLC ships merchandise only to locations within the continental United States. The risk of loss and title for all merchandise ordered on this website pass to you when the merchandise is delivered to the shipping carrier. RM Rafts, LLC will select the most cost-effective shipping carrier at the time of purchase; you will be notified via email regarding the carrier and be provided with a tracking number and delivery instructions if applicable. All shipping prices are flat fees listed for deliveries within the Continental US only and will ship FOB Oak Hill, WV. Shipping and transit days are business days only, Monday through Friday. Depending on geographic location, most customers can expect their order in 4-7 business days. Local pickup is available in Oak Hill, WV by appointment only. Please contact sales@rockymountainrafts.com to arrange a local pickup. Payment in advance is required.
RETURNS POLICY
At RM Rafts LLC, we pride ourselves on providing you with a quality product. If upon receiving and inspecting your item you decide that you want to return it, you have 14 days from the date the shipment arrives to return it for a refund minus the shipping cost. Any additional fees associated with the purchase transaction will be deducted from amount of the refund. No refund for used or worn merchandise. Refunds and canceled orders will be issued via company check for amounts over $300. Please allow 7 – 14 days for delivery. Customers are responsible for charges associated with shipping of their orders. If you cancel your order after it has been shipped out, the appropriate amount will be deducted from the refund total to cover shipping charges. All returns should be shipped to: RM Rafts, LLC 2017 Main Street E Oak Hill, WV 25901 and must be accompanied by a Return Authorization number. For an RA#, please contact sales@rockymountainrafts.com.:
Please read carefully for conditions of refund:
IMPORTANT: Returned item should be unused, in the same box, and in exactly the same condition as you received it.
- Carefully unseal the shipping box by removing packing tape from front. Do not rip or damage shipping box.
- Please take a quick note how items are arranged in the box, and how the boat has been folded. You might need it in the event you decide to pack everything back in for a return.
- Unfold the raft on a clean surface, free of debris, sand or water. The use of a tarp or plastic is recommended.
- Inflate item for inspection. Do not throw away ANY items associated with shipping. Product must be returned in its original box.
- Carefully inspect the item and make sure you are happy with your purchase.