The Island Hopper 12-foot whitewater raft is a self-bailing inflatable river raft built for serious river conditions — Class II through Class V. Whether you're running a weekend recreational float, a multi-day camping trip, or setting up a frame-rig for guided commercial runs, this raft is engineered to take the hit. Reinforced where it counts, light enough to pack and strap to a car roof, and priced significantly below the comparable 12 foot rafts in the industry.
Self-Bailing Drop-Stitch Air Floor:
The removable 'Sport DS Curve' drop-stitch air floor is the defining feature of this raft. It inflates to a rigid 6-inch floor and self-bails automatically — water that enters from rapids drains through without pooling. Unlike closed-floor rafts that collect water and add dangerous weight in heavy rapids, the self-bailing design keeps you light and in control. The floor is removable for flat-water or lake use when self-bailing is not needed.
1.2mm PVC Bottom | Double-Layered Chafers:
Main tubes and thwarts use .9mm heat-welded PVC. The bottom runs 1.2mm — measurably thicker than competitors who use .9mm throughout. Double-layered frame chafers protect the tube walls where a rowing frame makes contact, preventing abrasion wear over seasons of use. Top and bottom chafers run .9mm. UV-resistant, oil-stain-resistant, and built to take repeated impacts from rocks, logs, and submerged obstacles without delaminating.
Frame-Rig Ready | Three Thwart Capacity:
Designed for both recreational paddle setups and full frame-rig configurations. The raft accepts up to three thwarts (two inflatable thwarts included). Interior D-rings provide anchor points for gear straps, cooler tie-downs, and frame feet. Exterior D-rings support a lifeline rope running the perimeter — standard safety equipment for Class III and above. Side tube length specs are included in the product specs for frame builders: 66 inches first seam to first seam, 90 inches second seam to second seam, 98 inches chafer length.
18-Inch Tubes | 12 ft x 6'5" Beam:
18-inch tube diameter provides the tube volume and secondary stability needed for aggressive whitewater. The 12-foot by 6-foot-5-inch platform gives enough interior space for a 4-6 person crew with gear, while the rolled pack size of 43 x 29 x 17 inches fits in a truck bed, on a car roof rack, or strapped to a river shuttle vehicle. No trailer required.
3-Year No Seam Blowout Warranty:
Every Island Hopper whitewater raft is backed by a 3-year limited manufacturer 'No Seam Blowout' warranty. Heat-welded seams throughout — no glued joints that fail from UV exposure or repeated flexing in cold water.
Product Specifications:
- Inflated Dimensions: 12 ft x 6 ft 5 in
- Tube Diameter: 18 in
- Air Floor Thickness: 6 in
- Deflated Size(rolled): 43×29×17 in
- Specs needed to add frame:
- Side tube length from the first seam to the first seam: 66″
- Side tube length from the second seam to the second seam: 90″
- Side tube chafer length (double-layered frame chafer section): 98″
Materials
Heat Welded PVC material, UV resistant, Puncture Resistant, Oil stain Resistant.
Material PVC thickness: .9mm for main tube & thwarts / 1.2mm for bottom / top & bottom .9mm chafers / 1.2mm drop stitch floor
What's included:
- Two inflatable thwarts
- Removable drop-stitch self-bailing air floor
- Interior D-rings for gear and frame attachment
- Exterior D-rings for adding a lifeline rope (rope not included)
Assembly:
- Main Sport Boat Tubes: SUGGESTED: 2 PSI /MAX: 3.6 PSI
- Air Deck Floor: SUGGESTED: 6 PSI/ MAX: 8 PSI