A raft is an inflatable boat. Catarafts and inflatable kayaks, or funyaks, also fit into the inflatable category. The key word is inflatable-they must be filled with air before they float.

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Rafts
Rafts can function as either paddle rafts or oar rigs. In a paddle raft, the passengers are active participants. Each person uses his or her paddle to move the boat forward, while the stern paddler steers. Paddle rafts tend to be lighter than oar rigs and can be quicker, faster, and maneuver better in small, rocky rivers or around tight corners. Paddle rafts can squeeze through places that may not be wide enough for oars. Paddle rafts are great for day trips, as they usually don't have the gear carrying capacity of an oar rig.

An oar rig consists of a frame that holds the oars and provides a place for the oarsman to sit. Oar rigs hold more gear than paddle rafts, so they are ideal for long wilderness trips. Only one person rows at a time, allowing passengers to sit back and relax.

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Catarafts
A cataraft is a catamaran type of raft, designed with two inflatable pontoons that connect with a frame. Without the frame, you will be left with two inflatable pontoons. A cataraft is rowed like a raft. These versatile boats can be used in whitewater as well as for fishing and touring around flat water.

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Inflatable Kayaks
These boats are part raft, part kayak. They provide the buoyancy of a raft, and the maneuverability of a kayak. Inflatable kayaks offer stability and comfort to neophyte kayakers. Some inflatables come with thigh straps for paddlers who desire to roll. Another benefit to inflatable kayaks is their portability. Deflate them, roll them up, and put them away until your next whitewater adventure!