The main thing needed for rafting on catamarans is, of course, the vessel itself, but choosing one is not as easy as it might initially seem. Water tourists’ preferences depend on their overarching goals, as well as numerous nuances that ensure the vessel meets the desired characteristics. Before purchasing, it’s essential to clearly determine its purpose.
Main objectives:
- Relaxed recreational rafting
- River trips of varying difficulty levels
- Competitions
- Sailing excursions
- Fishing
The details and specifics of choosing a catamaran are numerous, such as the shape and volume of the pontoons, seating type, the structure of the frame and deck, passenger capacity, and many others.
Fishing vessel
Brief Selection Guide
Nowadays, it’s easy to find any type of catamaran for rafting: motorized, sailing, expedition, or sport models. However, such narrow specialization might not appeal to those who enjoy variety, as tourists often take on different kinds of activities. For instance, they might go on a challenging expedition in the summer, enjoy a leisurely float down a local river on weekends or holidays, and plan a relaxing, more laid-back vacation for the next season.
- Inflatable sailing models need at least to support a sail and provide stability, maneuverability, and comfort for the crew and their belongings. They are often equipped with a motor, enabling easy movement during calm weather.
- Sporting catamarans for competitions must exhibit agility, speed, and excellent handling. They also perform well in calm waters, and some models can even be fitted with a sail or motor. This versatility creates high demand for them, including from beginner water tourists.
- Expedition catamarans must correspond to the complexity of the planned route. Portability, water resistance, ease of assembly, and simple repair processes are especially crucial.
- Lake models are not well-suited for dealing with wind over long stretches without a current. As a result, tourists mount motors or small removable sails on them. Note that such vessels are unsuitable for navigating demanding rapids.
There’s no universal catamaran that suits every type of rafting. For this reason, water tourists often modify existing designs successfully. Let’s take a detailed look at the types of catamarans to make an informed choice.
Sailing Catamarans
Owning a personal sailboat can be expensive due to registration requirements, storage needs, and occasional transportation demands. An inflatable sailing catamaran eliminates all these issues. In addition to the obligatory pontoons and deck, its design includes sails, which vary in shape, size, and number. As a small vessel, it does not require registration with the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (GIMS).
Inflatable sailboat
They are easy to operate, which is why such vessels, previously associated solely with sailing sports, are increasingly becoming popular for recreational activities. You won’t be able to take them far out into the ocean, of course, but such tasks are usually not expected of them.
Features
Compactness. When packed, this collapsible vessel is small enough to fit in a car trunk. You can store it at home and transport it by any convenient means. Assembly takes just a couple of hours. Thanks to this feature, a traveler living in the central part of Russia can take their personal sailboat to any region with interesting routes.
Speed and versatility. A catamaran with a sail can cover significant distances, and its shallow draft allows for rafting in shallow waters and docking at virtually any shore. This is crucial for a recreational vessel since it has no cabin, meaning that campsites will need to be set up on land.
Price ranges from 70,000 to 150,000 rubles. The exact number depends on the class of the vessel, its equipment, and other features.
Variety of models. Among inflatable sail catamarans, you can find everything from small sporty designs meant for just one person with no luggage to roomy options with ample deck space for a family or group of friends.
Manufacturers
Several companies in Russia specialize in producing sailing catamarans, including the well-known St. Petersburg-based “Triton,” Novosibirsk’s “Kulik,” as well as Moscow’s “Verf Uspenskikh” (Uspenskikh Shipyard) and “Mastercat,” whose catamaran Prostor is still considered one of the most popular and sought-after options. The market is still small, but sailing expeditions are becoming increasingly popular among water tourists, so these vessels can also be ordered from other manufacturers of rafting equipment.
Domestic Sailing Catamarans: Triton 'Volk,' Valday-4, Triton 'Veter'
There are very few foreign firms in this niche. The reason is that in Europe, with its excellent road networks and shorter distances, yacht owners rarely face storage or transportation issues. Heavy-duty watercraft are commonly used for maritime recreation, while inflatable sailing catamarans are often seen as beach toys.
European vessels are characterized by their lightness, compactness, and maneuverability. Notable manufacturers include the Ukrainian brand “Ducky” and the Czech “MiniCat.”
How to Choose
In Russia, sailing catamarans are used not only for sport and recreation but also for expeditions, so choosing the right one depends on your intended activities.
- If you need a vessel for leisure activities, competitions, or simple trips, a beach catamaran is a good choice. Key characteristics include light weight, compactness, and speed.
- For more serious water expeditions on lakes or reservoirs, you’ll need a reliable and spacious catamaran that meets higher safety standards. Such a vessel will weigh more than a typical “beach” catamaran, but in return, it can accommodate a full crew with luggage or even be equipped with a motor.
Where to Sail
Sailing requires open waters. Consider vast locations like Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake, the picturesque Teletskoye Lake in the Altai region, or the many lakes in Karelia. While smaller, Karelian lakes are often interconnected by small rivers, offering countless interesting routes.
Catamaran Under Sail
For spectacular views, you can travel down major rivers like the Volga or Kama, and on the expanses of lakes and reservoirs, you might even feel like you’re at sea.
Flatwater and Expedition Catamarans
These are ideal for water adventurers who prefer a blend of relaxation, fishing, and scenic enjoyment without extreme challenges. Flatwater catamarans are perfect for simple to moderately difficult water routes, but they are not designed for extreme conditions. Their designs are basic by necessity.
Extended Journey
The “Kotuykans” from “Raftmaster” or “Taymyrs” from “Volny Veter” (Free Wind) are examples of large expedition catamarans. These multi-seat vessels are designed for long autonomous trips and have a high load capacity (up to 1,000 kilograms).
Features
Simple Construction. Expedition catamarans are easy to assemble and dismantle, typically comprising two pontoons and a frame, often complemented by a deck. The sturdy flooring allows for passenger and cargo accommodation without challenges in load placement. Additionally, the frame can be crafted on-site, and you can purchase a sail or install a transom, making a flatwater inflatable catamaran highly compatible with motors.
Capacity. Larger models are better suited for group travel. Their cigar-shaped pontoons offer stability and allow for easy deck installation. Paddlers can sit on included seats or even on backpacks. These vessels can accommodate passengers, with the capacity determined more by load capacity than by the number of seats.
Safety requirements are not overly strict; durable pontoon fabric and a sturdy, well-assembled frame are generally sufficient.
Who Makes Them
Almost every company producing water tourism equipment manufactures flatwater and expedition vessels. Larger models are less in demand, so they’re usually only available from well-known manufacturers. Another option is to commission a custom-made watercraft.
Cats for Extended Trips: Kotuykan, Taymyr, Baseg
The four-seater “Baseg” is very popular. Likewise, Volny Veter catamarans such as the “Valday” and “Taymyr” models are widely appreciated. Among rafting enthusiasts, the “Narodny” from “Raftmaster” and catamarans from “Ural-Expedition,” including ten-seater options, are also well-regarded. “Korvet” produces solid models: their “Plesy” line offers an excellent balance of price and quality.
In addition to established companies, there are many skilled individual craftsmen capable of crafting custom-made catamarans. Whether to trust a private maker with your expedition watercraft is a personal choice. A flatwater catamaran must be strong and reliable, so it’s essential to have confidence in the manufacturer. It’s safer to purchase from a trusted firm.
Price. A Baseg four-seater can be purchased for 25,000–30,000 rubles (depending on the store and configuration). The Kokshaga catamaran costs about 25,000 rubles, while a Valday catamaran is around 40,000 rubles. Similarly, the six-seater “Narodny” will cost about 40,000 rubles.
How to Choose
Choose based on price, capacity, and trust in the manufacturing company. If your rafting experience is limited, it’s better to pay more for a high-quality catamaran from a well-known brand: such a vessel will reliably serve you for many years. Experienced tourists have it easier—they already know all the tricks and can save money by purchasing a little-known model, a used one, or even sewing one at home.
The most in-demand models are “quads.” They have an optimal size: not too small and not overly bulky. If necessary, these vessels can accommodate six rowers.
Where to Raft
Any region with rivers is suitable for rafting, but the difficulty category of the route should not exceed category 3. Some manufacturers (e.g., “Baseg”) list category 4 suitability in the specifications for their vessels. In this case, you must understand that the sporting excitement involves real risk.
River of 3rd Category Difficulty
Participants in category-level trips must have relevant experience, and items on the vessel should be securely fastened. It is not advisable to use decks so that, in case the vessel capsizes, people can emerge between the pontoons. Specific requirements also apply to seating: paddlers sit firmly in knee braces to prevent them from being thrown out by an impact.
If these requirements are met, flat-water catamarans are suitable for navigating rivers and obstacles up to category 4. However, for complex routes, it’s better to purchase a more suitable watercraft.
Sport and Touring Catamarans
As the name suggests, these catamarans are designed for water tourism with elements of extreme adventure. Since the vessel becomes not only a mode of transport but also a piece of sports equipment, it must meet various requirements concerning virtually all aspects.
Catamaran for Extreme Adventure
In extreme water tourism, several factors are critical: the fabric used to fabricate the inflatable pontoons, their volume and shape, the type of frame, the seating arrangement, and much more. Water enthusiasts often have differing opinions on these aspects, leading to heated discussions about certain catamaran design features.
Features
These catamarans are most commonly two- or four-seaters, as increasing the crew size affects the dimensions of the craft. A bulky vessel is more stable but less maneuverable—few are willing to sacrifice maneuverability.
Wide variety. There are numerous models of touring catamarans available. This makes the selection process more challenging but increases the chances of finding the perfect vessel.
Pontoon design. Compared to flat-water catamarans, touring models have redesigned pontoons—from the traditional “cigar” shape to what is known as the “camel.” The thickened bow and stern accommodate additional air reserves, create storage space for luggage atop the pontoons, and, to some extent, protect the rowers from water impacts.
Descending on a Sport Watercraft
Decking. Laying decks on the vessel is strictly forbidden during rafting on fast-flowing rivers—the space between the pontoons must always remain open. Even spare paddles for the catamaran are attached near the gondolas rather than at the center of the frame. This ensures that, in the event of a flip, the crew members trapped under the catamaran can surface without obstruction.
Rowers’ seating arrangement. These vessels are uniquely designed with highly functional seating, as water during extreme rafting ceases to be forgiving. The impacts of the catamaran against waves or rocks can be very severe, so the seating arrangement must ensure that rowers remain securely in place yet can quickly leave their seats if necessary.
For this reason, inflatable seats are usually not detachable but sewn into place. They are often complemented with side straps (knee braces) that fit over the knees and tighten, securing the athlete and allowing them to make any stroke without fear of falling out. This seating configuration is the most popular, but occasionally you might encounter the so-called “machine-guns,” which are tripod-mounted seats resembling a machine-gun mount. These also have supports but are far less common due to their complexity.
Major Manufacturers
Catamarans in St. Petersburg are made by the company “Triton,” and in Moscow by “Raftmaster.” Equally notable are Novosibirsk-based “Kulik,” Ufa’s “Ural-Expedition,” Perm’s “Aqua-Sport,” and Kazan’s shipyard “Corvette.” Overseas manufacturers are scarce, and nearly all of them hail from former Soviet states. The most renowned among them is Alexander Novikov’s Belarusian company—Belraft catamarans have been among the top vessels for extreme water tours and whitewater competitions for many years.
For Water Trips and Sports
Each of these companies offers a wide range of successful models, and their product lines are periodically updated with new developments. Positive examples inspire equipment manufacturers in other cities, providing modern water tourists with an abundant selection.
Price depends on the manufacturer, the design features, the materials used, and other factors. Starting prices are 45,000 rubles for a new factory-built two-seater and 70,000 for a four-seater.
How to Choose
Selecting a touring catamaran is a whole science. Knowledge must necessarily be reinforced with practice, as a vessel perfectly suited to one water enthusiast may be utterly disliked by another. Rivers also present their own requirements. For full-flow rivers with powerful currents, larger tonnage vessels are suitable, while maneuverable, lightweight, and high-speed catamarans perform excellently on slalom routes.
Because of this, experienced teams often own several watercraft with varying characteristics, enabling them to prepare for excursions of any complexity.
Where to Raft
Anywhere, from simple flat rivers to routes of the highest difficulty category. In this situation, choosing a rafting route depends less on the capabilities of the catamarans and more on the skill level of the crews.
Sport Catamarans
These are primarily designed for participating in competitions on slalom courses. The main difference from the types described above: maximum lightness and maneuverability, achieved in various ways.
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Features
Maximized Lightness. For example, reducing the volume of the hulls and using lightweight materials for construction helps lower the vessel’s actual weight, making it more manageable. For the same reason, rowers are positioned as close as possible to the catamaran’s center of gravity: on K-2 models, seats are sewn approximately in the middle of the pontoons, and on K-4 models, they are also centrally located but very close to each other, with the distance between the hulls also reduced.
Cargo Hold is not provided in vessels of this type, and they utilize a rigid frame. A vivid example is the “Blick” catamaran from “Triton.” It arguably has no serious competitors among models from well-known brands, though this is likely just a matter of time.
Low Load Capacity. All this does not mean that sport catamarans can’t be used for excursions: at a minimum, they can handle the rivers in Karelia, and with proper crew training, more complex routes can also be undertaken. However, due to their limited load capacity, sports models are less suited for long journeys, with tourists typically choosing more robust vessels for these purposes.
General Rules for Selection
For those skilled in rafting, choosing the right watercraft is not difficult. However, for beginners without knowledge of the matter or defined preferences, the task becomes much more challenging. It’s helpful if someone starts out in a tourist club or with more experienced friends—there, a catamaran will be provided, and all will be explained during training.
By the time training concludes, individuals will have enough experience to approach purchasing their first catamaran with adequate knowledge. For groups of tourists starting from scratch, however, theory will need to be studied independently. To simplify this process, renting catamarans can be a good option—many urban tourist clubs, which are often underfunded, offer this service.
Manufacturer. It’s best to choose a catamaran from a well-established brand, such as “Triton,” “Raftmaster,” or “Belraft.” These companies are highly regarded among rafting enthusiasts across the country, so the choice is guaranteed to be a good one.
izgotoviteli-katamaranov
Number of Rowers. It can sometimes be difficult to decide between a two-seater (catamaran-2) and a four-seater (catamaran-4) because both options have their pros and cons.
A four-seater, especially when loaded, feels heavier and less agile, meaning the rowers will need to exert more effort to manage it. The team may find it harder to synchronize their efforts, but when the crew achieves good coordination, they can easily overcome significant obstacles.
A two-seater requires perfect coordination between the rowers.
In general, if you’re in a group of like-minded individuals, it’s better to start with a four-seater: a heavier catamaran forgives many minor mistakes made by the rowers.
Catamaran Design is another critical selection criterion, as it determines the capabilities of each specific vessel. Important aspects include the design of the pontoons, the frame, and the seats.
Single-Balloon or Dual-Layer Floats. If you face a choice between a catamaran with internal compartments and a single-balloon design, go for a high-quality single-balloon model. I’ve discussed this topic in detail in the article Nuances of Tourist Catamaran Design .
Pontoon Volume. As for the optimal pontoon volume for a catamaran, it’s hard to recommend something specific. For rafting on Karelian rivers, a “Triton-2” would suffice, but for those dreaming of “white water,” it’s worth considering models like “Belraft,” “Sterkh,” or “Raftmaster.” However, personal preferences play a significant role here: some are attached to the nimble “Triton,” while others prefer the commanding presence of a 2TT. Some manufacturers, such as “Raftmaster,” offer additional overlays that increase the vessel’s tonnage if needed.
Rower Seating. How comfortable and secure a rower feels on the catamaran affects their safety and performance. Thus, it’s advisable to test seats and supports in advance.
Rowers on the catamaran in a kneeling position
Frame - This is another contentious topic. Frames are typically made from duralumin tubes, and the debates revolve around the assembly methods, which affect the rigidity and the structure’s ability to maintain its shape under load.
Catamaran frame details
The elements of a rigid frame are connected with bolts, which ensures quick response of the vessel to control movements. However, such a frame does not handle deformation well and is easier to break. Parts of a flexible frame are usually fastened with rubber twists—strips cut from car inner tubes. This construction absorbs impact energy very well, making the vessels more stable, but they respond to control paddles with some delay.
Conclusions
Choosing a catamaran is not easy; many nuances must be taken into account. The level of responsibility increases if you are buying an expedition, sports, or sailing catamaran, where the safety of the crew members, and sometimes their lives, depends on it. Experience with rafting builds up over time, and with it comes the understanding of which vessel is more comfortable to sit in, which is easier to control, and which one you truly want to buy.
