Cataraft

The cataraft: two pontoons, one frame, a different way to run rivers

Unlike a traditional raft, whose closed hull wraps around an inflatable floor, a cataraft is built from two independent pontoons (the tubes) joined by a rigid frame, usually aluminum. There is no floor: water flows freely between the two tubes. That architecture changes everything. A whitewater catamaran is lighter, has a minimal contact area with the water and is permanently self-bailing — no wave stays trapped on board. The result is a lively boat that spins fast, punches through holes and waves instead of being stopped by them, and carries heavy loads without bogging down.

Choosing the right cataraft

Your choice comes down to tube length, intended use and rigging. Our two models cover the most demanding programs:

• The El Reloy 14': the most versatile. Compact and responsive, it excels on technical whitewater and is easy to handle with a small crew or solo on the oars.
• The El Reloy 15': more length, so more load capacity and directional stability. Ideal for self-supported expeditions and big-water volume.

Criteria that matter

• Tube length: longer tubes mean more payload and tracking; shorter tubes make for a snappier, more agile boat.
• Diameter and rocker: good rocker literally lets the cataraft climb over waves and improves ferrying.
• Materials: high-tenacity coated fabric with reinforced seams and bonding — manufacturer-grade durability, far from fragile "double-envelope" boats.
• Rigging: an oar frame for expedition and fishing, or a paddle setup for whitewater crews.

Raft or cataraft: which one for which program?

Both craft share Aquadesign's inflatable DNA but answer different needs. The classic raft, with its floor and high volume, remains the reference for beginners, commercial descents and large crews; explore the full rafting range, from the versatile Avanti Raft to the rugged Hypalon Raptor Raft. The cataraft wins whenever maneuverability, wave-punching and gear hauling come first: demanding whitewater, oar rigs, multi-day expeditions, self-supported fishing and hunting, or safety support on a base. Less affected by headwinds and frontal waves, it tires the crew less in big water; in return, it carries gear on its frame rather than on a closed floor.

Frame assembly, rigging and care

The frame goes on and comes off in minutes: side rails, cross bars and mounts attach to the inflated tubes with straps and pins. This modular design makes transport, storage and portaging easy — a broken-down cataraft slips into a car trunk where a rigid raft would be a burden. You can then rig it with an oar station, a rowing seat, cargo bars for expeditions or a fishing setup. For upkeep, rinse with fresh water after every salt or silty outing, dry before storage, check straps and attachment points, and watch the pressure: heat (full sun, a car roof rack) quickly raises tube pressure and stresses the seams. Spare parts and repairs are handled by our repair workshop in France.

Why choose an Aquadesign cataraft

Aquadesign is a French brand, a family business and one of Europe's whitewater pioneers since 1988. We design and develop our boats in France and build them in our own factories, to our own specifications. Our catarafts are made to last: high-tenacity materials, independent chambers and pontoons, CE certification. In France, in Oraison (04), our repair workshop and after-sales service provide spare parts and technical expertise, whether you buy direct or through our partner dealers. Clubs, rental operators, water-sports bases and public organizations benefit from dedicated pricing and true manufacturer-grade durability. Round out your setup with our raft paddles, raft buoyancy vests and raft safety gear.

Cataraft frequently asked questions