After running the wilderness section of the Chetco River last June I was inspired to design a new SOTAR inflatable kayak that could carry overnight gear. I also wanted a boat that would act more like a small raft rather than a traditional inflatable kayak. My friend Billy Miller paddled an Alpaca on our trip and I noticed some advantages to the larger and non-diminishing tubes.
Billy's Alpaca Packed Tight on the Chetco River
My first design goal was to make the boat as maneuverable as possible, so this inflatable kayak is shorter and wider much like modern hardshell kayaks. It has a blunt end that will make it better for running large drops and more predictable while running big holes.
The SOTAR ATV Inflatable Kayak
The second design goal was to design a boat that could easily carry several days of overnight gear. This was accomplished by choosing larger 12″ tubes for flotation and stability while loaded. The blunt ends also allow more interior space and therefore more volume for gear. The tubes are full size all the way around the boat, so gear can be packed in the ends of the boat and remain stable.
SOTAR ATV Drawing
We chose PVC for the material to make it less expensive, lighter, and easier to repair. To further reduce weight (and expense), there is only one air chamber for the outside tubes. This is not allowed on some permitted rivers, so SOTAR can make this boat with an extra valve and baffles upon request.
There are a few other advantages of this design. Since this kayak is designed like a raft, the fabric is cut in smaller pieces. It’s much more efficient to cut from the raw material, one of the biggest expenses in boat design. This boat is also designed to pack small for flying on airplanes or hiking into remote places. There are small d-rings inside the boat made for tying down dry bags and other gear. We’re also adding bomber handles to the bow and stern that will make it easier to portage, even with a full load of gear.
We’re working on a slightly larger design for bigger paddlers and longer multi-day trips called the ATV+. We’ll have more info soon!
