Avanti Raft

Choosing the right Avanti raft size

The Avanti range is built on a simple idea: one versatile, reliable, repairable PVC raft, offered in nine lengths to cover every guided-whitewater use. Here the decision isn't about material — it's heat-welded PVC across the whole range — but about size. And that size is written straight into the model name: the number is the hull length in centimetres. The Avanti 340 measures 3.40 m, the Avanti 540 is 5.40 m. The longer the hull, the more paddlers it carries and the more buoyancy it gains; the shorter it is, the livelier and easier it is to spin through tight sections.

How many paddlers, for which river

The smart move isn't to grab the biggest hull possible, but to match three things: your real crew size (guide included), the width of the river and the paddlers' ability. A short raft threads through a narrow, winding river and forgives line mistakes; a long raft brings stability and volume on high flows and for larger groups. In practice, a slightly under-loaded raft beats a fully packed one: an overloaded hull sits low, loses responsiveness and tires the crew.

• The Avanti 290 (4 people): the smallest and most agile, made for narrow rivers, small-group beginners and intimate descents where nimbleness matters most.
• The Avanti 340 and Avanti 360 (mini rafts, 6 people): the compact format par excellence, highly manoeuvrable, ideal for technical runs, small groups and close supervision.
• The Avanti 380, Avanti 400 and Avanti 420 (8 people): the core of the range and the most common format on whitewater bases and in guided rental. The best balance of stability, capacity and handling.
• The Avanti 445 (10 people), Avanti 470 (11 people) and Avanti 540 (12 people): the large hulls, for big groups, strong flows and high-rotation commercial descents.

On difficulty, keep in mind that Class I to II runs suit free paddling and rental, while Class III and IV call for descents led by a qualified professional. To build or renew a fleet, our complete rafting range gives you the full overview of every model.

Why heat-welded PVC for versatile use

The Avanti is made of PVC for good reasons. This coated fabric combines light weight, toughness and easy upkeep — a decisive trio when a hull racks up trips, bank set-ups and handling over a full season. Its light weight makes carrying and launching easier; its repairability makes it a long-term ally.

• Heat-welded seams: the PVC panels aren't merely glued, they're fused with heat. The weld creates a watertight bond as strong as the material itself, with no risk of progressive delamination over time.
• Simple repairs: a scuff or small tear is patched directly with the right kit, no sanding required — a real advantage for a club or rental operator who needs a boat back in service fast.
• Controlled budget: quality PVC offers the best toughness-to-price ratio for equipping a fleet without blowing the budget, while still delivering solid longevity with regular care.

For even more intensive professional use and permanent UV exposure, our hypalon Raptor hulls take over; and for extra rigidity and tracking, the high-pressure floor of the Pulse rafts is the next step up. The Avanti remains the go-to versatile choice.

Self-bailing floor: the whitewater standard

On sustained whitewater, a self-bailing floor is essential: perforated, it drains shipped water on its own through the rapids, without the crew having to bail. The raft stays light, responsive and safe even when it gets rough. It's the standard for guided descents and rental, and the feature to prioritise as soon as the river comes alive.

The Avanti raft for clubs, rental operators and whitewater bases

The Avanti was designed for the professional whitewater world. An operator doesn't reason like a private buyer: what matters is equipment availability at peak season and cost over the whole lifespan. PVC's light weight speeds up rotations and carries; the heat welding withstands repeated handling; the repairability limits boat downtime. And because the range spans nine sizes, you can build a coherent fleet: mini rafts for technical runs and small groups, 8-seat Avantis for the bulk of descents, a few large hulls for big groups.

Every Avanti benefits from available spare parts and a repair workshop and after-sales service in France, in Oraison (04), to extend the life of the gear rather than replace it. We offer rates tailored to clubs, rental operators, water-sports bases and local authorities and are glad to advise on fleet sizing. Complete your boats' outfitting with our raft paddles, buoyancy aids, whitewater helmets, high-volume pumps and our raft safety equipment.

Care and UV protection for a PVC raft

A well-kept Avanti lasts through the seasons. The number-one habit on PVC is UV protection: the sun is the fabric's main enemy. After each outing, rinse the hull with clean water to remove abrasive sand and silt, then dry it completely inside and out before storing. Store the raft rolled or partly inflated, out of the sun, in a dry, ventilated, frost-free space — or under a UV-resistant cover if it stays outdoors. Avoid harsh solvents and cleaners, and regularly apply a PVC-suitable protectant to slow ageing. Minor injuries are repaired on the spot; for heavier work, our after-sales workshop takes over.

Why choose Aquadesign

A French brand and a family business, Aquadesign is one of the pioneering inflatable-raft brands in Europe. A whitewater and inflatable specialist since 1988, we design our rafts in France and have them built in our own factories, to demanding specifications. All our boats are CE-certified. This end-to-end control extends into service: in Oraison (04) we run genuine repair workshops and a spare-parts stock. Whether you buy through one of our partner dealers or direct, you enjoy the same brand know-how. The best proof of our expertise: Aquadesign is the official supplier of the World Rafting Federation (WRF).

Frequently asked questions about Avanti rafts