I'm going on a rafting trip with 18 people and full packs. What size and how many rafts should I get for this?

Question

It's a four day trip down the Colorado River. Also, are there any good websites that sell inflatable rafts for a good price?

Answer 1

First...where on the Colorado? Have you secured access permits? Please check with the commercial trip sources for the section you plan to run. Rafts are priced based on 'durability'.  It's possible to buy used rafts from outfitters.

Answer 2

OK, time for a reality check.  Most of the Colorado River has very serious whitewater, and unless you are very experienced the trip will be exceedingly hazardous.  Most runs on the Colorado also require permits and have limited launch dates.  For instance, the Grand Canyon section requires permit applications months if not years in advance.  Even if you are doing the flatwater section bordering California/Nevada/Arizona you should read up on the trip and get someone with experience to lead it.

As for rafts, there are all sorts of different sizes and styles.  From 'Beaver Boats' holding 2 or 3 paddlers to Monster Rafts with motors carrying 16 persons or more.   There are rafts with oar frames and rafts for paddlers.  There are self-bailing rafts and there are 'bucket boats' that require the crew to bail out water that gets in.

Packs are not a good idea on most trips.  You would want waterproof 'Dry Bags' to stow your gear.  Everyone needs a white-water type Lifejacket (not a waterski jacket or one of those orange things...).  

At least one person on the trip should be a trained Whitewater Rafting Guide with Swiftwater Rescue certification and CPR/First Aid training.  Even for a trip that is mostly flat water you should still have one or more persons who understand the dangers and can give a safety briefing to your whole group.

Take a look at the following website for some idea on gear, prices and equipment.  Good whitewater gear is NOT CHEAP.  http://www.nrsweb.com/

Get someone with training or experience to help you organize a trip on class II or at most class III water to give you and your group at least some chance to gain the skill needed to prevent someone getting hurt or worse.  I'm afraid that you don't sound like you have the knowledge or experience to do this safely.  Even if your trip is all flatwater, the Colorado is a big river with powerful currents and can be very dangerous.  You need to take this seriously.

Answer 3

get 3 rafts that are each big enough for 6 people and all their supplies for the 4 days.

Answer 4

noahs ark for you lard ****