The AIRE 156R Self-Bailing Raft is a versatile pack mule that is ready to haul it all on your next multi-day river expedition. At just shy of 16 feet, this traditionally-shaped roundboat is big enough to handle the waters of the Grand Canyon or the Main Salmon, but is narrow enough to negotiate more technical sections as well. A healthy 11" of Bow Rise paired with a non-diminishing 22" tube design maximizes this boat's stability and packs a high-volume punch to waves in its way. With a 7.5 foot straight tube length, this boat can comfortably run a large three or four bay frame, and its rounded stern leaves plenty of room for a big ol' gear pile. If you're looking for a stable boat that can schlep all your gear with ease, than the 156R is the boat for you!
***Laced floor means the floor is pre-installed
Key Features:
Favorite rivers: Scenic and mighty class III-IV rivers
Ideal for: Up to a 9 person paddle team and multi-day rowing expeditions
Classic raft control and stability
Rapid, self-bailing, lace-in floor
Add up to 4 strap-in thwarts anywhere along the floor lacing for paddle teams
37 oz. double lacquer gray PVC on the chafe strip and raft bottom for extra resistance to abrasion
AIRE and AIRE Tributary boats are designed based on a component system with urethane chambers ("AIREcells") that are separate from the rest of the boat, rather than chambers that are formed by the welded seams of the outer material of the raft. While this makes the boat a bit heavier, there are superior advantages to this system:
Field repairs are much easier and effective, since you can access the air chamber by unzipping the PVC outer skin.
You can patch holes in the outer skin from the inside, making a more effective watertight seal and a less noticeable patch.
Leaks are extremely uncommon since wear and tear on the outside of the boat doesn't directly affect its ability to hold air.
In the event that you really cause some damage to the inner air chamber, you can pull it out and replace it; you're not stuck with a patch that is responsible for holding air for the rest of the boat's life.
Well taken care of, these boats last longer than any other PVC boat out there! They are a great investment for a private boater looking for a quality setup at non-Hypalon prices.
Pro Tip: AIRE Floors are laced in with rope. The "Unlaced" models do not come with the floor installed unless you request it at time of order. There is a $150 lacing fee - Please let us know at time of checkout if you would like the floor installed!
*AIRE will make AIRE-Branded rafts and inflatable kayaks in 9 different colors. Certain colors are stocked, and certain colors have a several week build time for no extra cost. Check with us if you want a custom color not listed on our site!*