Short answer: you can order a custom SOTAR raft through SOLWYRX Paddle Gear, and I'll personally help you design it. SOTAR hand-builds every boat in Merlin, Oregon. Pick a pre-designed build, or work with me on a fully custom one for solo trips, two-person trips, technical creeks or big water.
Three ways to get a SOTAR
1. In stock. Usually demo boats, like the 11' Lance I've got right now. All my demo boats are 20% off retail because they're used, regardless of condition. New boats on hand are regular price.
2. Pre-designed. Boats set up on my site with a selection of colors and features I've decided are worth offering. Choose a few customizations, press order, and it ships once SOTAR builds it, in about four to eight weeks. You don't have to make a ton of decisions.
3. Fully custom. Play with my Classic ST designer to get ideas for colors and sizing. Then place a custom order through the form at checkout, or email me with questions or exactly what you want. I help you design and outfit it, check everything, do the pricing, contact SOTAR and send an invoice. SOTAR builds it and ships it to you.
Best custom rafts for solo and two-person trips
| Raft | Length | Weight | People (SOTAR) | List price | Why I'd pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excalibur | 10' | 54 lbs | 1–2 | $3,400 | Solo playboat for technical creeks |
| Lance | 11' | 58 lbs | 2 | $3,800 | The best R1 and R2 crossover |
| Nugget | 11' | 55 lbs | 1–2 | $3,400 | R2 that packs as airline luggage |
| Argo | 12' | 60 lbs | 2–4 | $3,600 | R2 on steep creeks; light row setups |
| Ballista | 12' | 70 lbs | Up to 4 | $4,200 | Two people plus gear |
Specs and list prices from SOTAR, October 2026. Prices can change, so check the product page.
Creeks or big water?
For technical creeks, you want a shorter, lighter boat that turns quick, boofs well and is easy to carry around a portage. That's where the Excalibur, Lance, Nugget and Argo shine.
On bigger water, a longer boat tracks better and carries momentum through holes and waves. That's where the Classic ST, Strike and Tyee come in. If you run both, an 11 or 12-foot boat is the best middle ground for a lot of people.
What we'll figure out together
- Model and length for your rivers, flows and crew size.
- Setup: paddle or row, thwarts, foot cups on the Classics, and frame.
- Colors: start in the Classic ST designer.
- Outfitting: Sawyer oars and paddles, Oar Snubbers and rigging.
You don't need to know exactly what you want. Send me your run list and roughly what you want to spend, and I'll help with the rest. That's what outfitters do, and I do it over email, or in person if you're with me.
Quick answers
What's the best raft size for solo trips? 10 to 11 feet. The Excalibur or the Lance.
What about two people with overnight gear? 12 feet, like the Ballista or the Argo.
How long does a SOTAR take? Pre-designed builds ship in about four to eight weeks once SOTAR builds them. For fully custom boats, I'll give you a current estimate from SOTAR when we put the order together.
