Self Bailers vs Bucket Boats

We run two kinds of rafts in our whitewater rafting business. We have self bailing rafts and bucket boats. The Rogue Inflatable is an 18 foot, black and orange bucket style boat. This means that if water washes in, someone has to bail the water out. Usually this is done with a bilge pump or a gallon sized bucket. In the biggest water, a five gallon bucket might accompany the other two.

The self bailing rafts have a bottom that is laced on and inflated. As water washes in it easily flows back out as it seeks the lowest level. With the inflated floor, the lowest point is outside of the raft. The Maravia is a 16 foot, royal blue self bailer.

On the Rogue River, the Rogue Inflatable was designed to maneuver and handle winds with ease. As wind blows upstream (it almost always does) the floor lifts slightly and the only resistance to the wind is the side tubes. The Maravia on the other hand is a very light weight, sporty model. However in a heavy wind the self bailer has more surface area on the water so that there is more wind resistance, but less weight.

As you can tell, both boats have advantages and it just depends on the preference of the boatman. We like both models and use the analogy of blue jeans. The Rogue Inflatable is like a pair of Levi Jeans: sturdy, durable, look great and never go out of style. The Maravia is like designer jeans: well made, beautiful fit and feel, and you can get it in many colors.

The bottom line is no matter what boat style you prefer, just make sure you get yourself, your friends, and family out on the water, living the dream!

Oregon Whitewater Rafting