SB-95 9.5' ThunderCloud
Small raft. Fast lines. Very little interest in behaving like a big boat. The RMR SB-95 ThunderCloud is the smallest and sportiest raft in the RMR lineup. At just 9'7" and 72 lbs, its diminishing 20" tubes and progressive rocker create a fast, highly maneuverable whitewater raft built for experienced boaters who would rather carve through technical water than bring the whole crew.
Built to Play
The ThunderCloud isn't a downsized family raft. Its small footprint is the point. The 9'7" hull, diminishing tubes, and aggressive progressive rocker are designed to make the boat quick to turn, easy to reposition, and responsive when the line changes fast.
RMR built it for ripping in and out of eddies, working through boulder gardens, and taking advantage of the maneuverability that a larger raft simply can't duplicate. RMR Brand Ambassador Evans Morgan calls the ThunderCloud "the cheat code for steep creeks."
R1. R2. Go.
The ThunderCloud is especially well suited to R1 solo and R2 tandem paddling. There's room for up to three paddlers when needed, but its personality is centered around small crews and active boat handling.
That also makes the ThunderCloud a compelling option for experienced paddlers looking for a compact boat for remote runs. At 72 lbs, it's considerably easier to move and carry than a traditional full-size raft when access becomes part of the adventure.
Small Boat. Serious Water.
Don't mistake compact for timid. RMR designed the ThunderCloud for experienced whitewater boaters looking to turn up the adventure factor. The progressive rocker and diminishing tubes help the boat rise through features while keeping the hull responsive through technical moves.
It's a specialized little whitewater machine rather than the obvious choice for every paddlerβand that's exactly why it exists.
ThunderCloud Highlights
- 9'7" compact whitewater raft
- 72 lb boat weight
- 20" diminishing tubes tapering to 18.5"
- Progressive rocker profile
- Fast, highly maneuverable design
- Ideal for R1 and R2 paddling
- Room for up to three paddlers
- 5 air chambers
- 8 D-rings
- 2 carrying handles
- Patch kit, valve wrench, and storage bag included
ThunderCloud vs. Storm
Choosing between the ThunderCloud and the 10.5' Storm mostly comes down to what you want the boat to prioritize.
Choose the ThunderCloud when compact size, maneuverability, R1/R2 paddling, and technical whitewater are the priority. Its smaller footprint makes it the more playful and responsive of the two.
Choose the Storm when you want additional stability, more room for paddlers, and a more versatile small-raft platform. RMR specifically points paddlers looking for greater stability or comfort with more than two people toward the Storm or SB-120.
Compare the SB-105 StormTurn It Into a Tiny Oar Rig
The ThunderCloud doesn't have to stay a paddle raft. RMR offers a dedicated frame package for paddlers who want to turn the compact platform into a small oar rig.
The ThunderCloud frame package pairs the raft with RMR's 1-bay frame and low-back seat, giving paddlers another way to use the same small, maneuverable hull.
Build a ThunderCloud Frame PackageSpecifications
| Model | SB-95 ThunderCloud |
|---|---|
| Type | Compact self-bailing whitewater raft |
| Length | 9'7" |
| Width | 67" |
| Tube Diameter | 20" diminishing to 18.5" |
| Weight | 72 lbs |
| Air Chambers | 5 |
| D-Rings | 8 |
| Handles | 2 |
| Recommended Crew | R1 or R2; room for up to 3 paddlers |
| Included | Patch kit, valve wrench, and storage bag |
| Shipping | $75 flat-rate shipping to the Lower 48 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 9.5-foot raft too small?
It depends on what you want the boat to do. The ThunderCloud is intentionally small. Its compact size is what gives it much of its maneuverability and playful handling. If your priority is R1/R2 paddling and technical whitewater, that's an advantage. If your priority is carrying several people or lots of gear, a larger raft is the better choice.
Is the ThunderCloud better than the Storm?
Neither boat is universally better. The ThunderCloud prioritizes compact size and maneuverability. The 10.5' Storm provides additional stability, room, and versatility. Experienced paddlers looking specifically for a small, sporty R1/R2 raft are likely to favor the ThunderCloud, while paddlers wanting more all-around capability may prefer the Storm.
How many people can paddle the ThunderCloud?
The ThunderCloud is ideal for R1 solo and R2 tandem paddling. RMR states that it also has room for up to three paddlers, although paddlers prioritizing comfort and capacity should consider a larger raft.
Is the ThunderCloud a good family raft?
That's not its primary purpose. The ThunderCloud is a small, sporty raft intended for experienced whitewater boaters. Its compact hull trades some of the stability and capacity of a larger raft for increased maneuverability. RMR recommends looking at larger models such as the Storm or SB-120 when greater stability and family-friendly capacity are priorities.
Is the ThunderCloud good for steep creeks and technical water?
That's one of the boat's defining use cases. Its compact dimensions, progressive rocker, and diminishing tubes are designed around quick, responsive handling through technical whitewater and boulder gardens. RMR specifically positions it toward experienced and adventurous whitewater paddlers.
Can the ThunderCloud handle bigger water?
RMR designed the ThunderCloud as a serious whitewater play boat rather than simply a small recreational raft. Its rocker profile is designed to help it rise through features while remaining highly maneuverable. Its smaller size also means it won't provide the same stability as a larger raft, so paddler experience and appropriate judgment matter.
Can I put a rowing frame on the ThunderCloud?
Yes. RMR offers a dedicated ThunderCloud frame package using a compact 1-bay frame with a low-back seat. This converts the small raft into a compact oar-rig platform.
Can I use the ThunderCloud for overnight trips?
The ThunderCloud can carry gear, but cargo capacity is not what the boat is optimized around. Its compact footprint makes careful packing important. For trips requiring substantial camping equipment or multiple passengers, a larger raft provides considerably more usable space.
Is the ThunderCloud easy to transport?
Portability is one of the advantages of the small platform. At 9'7" and 72 lbs, the ThunderCloud is easier to move and carry than a typical full-size raft, making it particularly attractive when access requires carrying the boat into or out of the river.
What comes with the ThunderCloud?
RMR includes a patch kit, valve wrench, and storage bag with the ThunderCloud.
How much is shipping?
RMR lists $75 flat-rate shipping to the Lower 48. Calculated shipping prices cover shipments within the continental United States. For shipping outside the continental U.S., contact RMR at 888-785-1844 ext. 9.
California Proposition 65 Warning: This product is made of PVC and can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov .
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
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.Β No refund for used or worn merchandise. Refunds and canceled orders will be issued via company check for amounts over $300. Please allow 7 β 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.Β 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.Β
- 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.Β
- 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.Β
