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As inflatable rafts go, that one looks to be a smart solution because of the ability to inflate quickly without a pump. Ones that do require a pump will need electricity to power, which will probably be cut in the case of a hurricane or batteries that will need to be checked often. And still that will take a considerable amount of time to fill.
But Gideon, I think you are overlooking that inflatable rafts will not last very long in hurricane or flood torn waters with broken street signs, cars, wood, and many other nasty stuff. It’s only a matter of time before you puncture or slice a hole into it and now you are swimming in that junk.
I would stick to a hard shell kayak, canoe, or row boat. They will be much more durable and sturdy than an inflatable.
@Gideon, I jumped onto this thread to suggest the Rapid Raft, but you beat me to it! I agree with Henry’s point about the superiority of hard shelled boats, generally speaking (though it’s amazing the level of abuse big commercial river rafts can take without tearing; I wonder what material they’re made of). I think the advantage of the Rapid Raft is for situations where you may not practically be able to store a larger and sturdier craft— e.g., my office— but don’t want to have to rely on a pump, either. I don’t know how the Rapid Raft compares on price to a hard shell boat, but that might be another reason to get one. If you have preps for hacking your way out of the attic… maybe it’s not crazy to stash a Rapid Raft up there.
In any case, brekke mentioned kids, so whether it’s a kayak, the Rapid Raft, or something else, you might be needing multiple boats. Test deployments of the Rapid Raft taught my family that it holds one adult and one large dog. We ended up towing my partner across the river as he clung to a pool toy, which was physically challenging for me and for him, and emotionally challenging for the dog. Fortunately, the prepping purpose of this boat is to get ME across the river that runs through our city, as a matter of absolute last resort, since I’m the only one in the family who spends the day across the river from our home. I have a Plan A, B, and C ahead of the raft, but it gives me peace of mind to know it’s there.
Good morning Pnwsarah,
Ref commercial river rafts;
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Without generalizing,.. many models out there,.. they have some kevlar (anti-bullet vest) and nomex (anti-flame) composites making the raft’s hulls.
There are now compressed gas cartridge pumps. They are for commercial/industrial market; expensive.
During and immediately after any hurricane, it is dangerous and not prudent to work in or travel in flood waters. We see the exceptions during some rescues by boat. Governing word is “exceptions”. The preexisting wound that will not routinely heal could be related to infected flood waters aggrivating the otherwise healing injury.
Ref “multiple boats”; Our Zodiac (19 ft) can be / will be towing 2 large life rafts with augmenting supplies for Zodiac or passangers to include injured ones. Pregnancy is not an injury but we’ve had a young pregnant woman as a passanger once. This is NOT for hurricane evacs by water. It’s arrangement for wildfires.
I heartily agree! If flash-flood waters are so high that you need a boat, then they will probably be strong enough to push you around pretty good. It’s hard to control a raft in fast water.
Unless you have solid river-running skills, it would be dodgy. And if you do have swift-water experience, you’ll know stay out of the water if you can possibly help it.
On the other hand, I’m impressed with the amount of thought and research and supplying that you’ve already done! I’m inspired!
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