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AIRE Cub Self Bailing Raft
Overview
AIRE Cub Self Bailing Raft 10 feet 5 inches
The new AIRE Cub raft is somewhat like a scaled down version of the long-running Puma model, though the tubes stay full-diameter for more of it's length, allowing it to have similar payload capcity to the Puma. It's a foot shorter end to ten, with a waterline of just over seven feet. The width is also 4" less than a Puma at 5'2" and because of the tube design, the rocker measured from the underside is less. If you want a thwart or two, they run $379 each, and we would note that paddling any size raft with nothing to brace against is always tricky. So yes, you probably will want at least one thwart.
AIRE Cub Self Bailing Raft as good as a Puma in a smaller package
As with the Puma, a Cub will perform best with two or three paddlers rather than four. The 26” wide interior makes finding a rowing frame tricky and AIRE did not intend this to be an oar rig. With no thwarts, it weighs about 60 pounds and does not come with lift handles. There are two main air chambers, plus the floor. As with all AIRE and current Tributary rafts, any thwarts would attach to the floor lacing.
The Cub tubes taper from 18” to 15” at the very ends of the boat only, and there are three D-rings along each side plus one at each end of the raft. AIRE offers lots of colors, but it's best to call us to check what's available. Two main chambers plus the floor, like the Puma.
Although the price point is pretty high for a mini raft, if you need a R-2 or R-3 for hike-in trips on high gradient rivers, the fast bailing speed you get with all of AIRE's smaller models is a big plus, as is the low 61 pound weight (or 70 with two thwarts). Made in Idaho, with a no-fault ten year warranty.