There's no single right answer. It depends on how you want to paddle.
The basics
- Raft. Most modern rafts are self-bailing, so they're just called rafts. A non-self-bailing raft is a "bucket boat." You can paddle one or put a frame on it and row it.
- Cataraft. Two inflatable pontoons with a frame in the middle. It takes on obstacles differently from a raft, can slow or build momentum in its own way, and usually runs at a slower average speed.
- Inflatable kayak (IK). You sit in it and paddle. It's lighter and easier to handle, which makes it great for day runs. The boat feels smaller and the whitewater feels bigger: more technical in some spots, easier in others.
- Packraft. Light, packs down tiny, and paddles a bit like a kayak. It gets pushed around, but it's a ton of fun and great for surfing.
Example: SOTAR's Merlin series
The Rondel is an 8-foot inflatable kayak. It turns very easily (it doesn't track straight), braces through hits, is pretty stable, and can even catch air off a wave. Among the rafts, the Excalibur is the small one at 10 feet, the Lance sits in the versatile middle at 11, and the Ballista is the big one at 12. For R1, the Excalibur and Lance are great. SOTAR rates the Excalibur for one or two people, the Lance for two, and the Ballista for up to four with more room. See the SOTAR lineup.
Example: Go North packrafts
The Carver is one of the lightest in the lineup. It's playful, great for surfing, gets pushed around but is maneuverable, and has a personality all its own. The Stance is a similar style but bigger, punches through features well and is fairly stable. The Badger is the "Class III couch": stable, fun and an all-rounder. You can pack all of them with gear in the tubes. See Go North Rafts.
Every brand and model has its own strengths and weaknesses. Demo what you can, ask questions, and choose for the paddling you actually want to do.
Quick answers
What's the difference between a raft and a cataraft? A raft is one inflatable boat you paddle, or row with a frame. A cataraft is two inflatable pontoons with a frame in the middle. It takes on obstacles differently and usually runs at a slower average speed.
What is a bucket boat? A raft that isn't self-bailing. Most modern rafts are self-bailing, so they're just called rafts.
Why pick an inflatable kayak? An inflatable kayak is lighter and easier to handle than a raft, which makes it great for day runs.
What is a packraft good for? Packrafts are light, pack down tiny and paddle a bit like a kayak. They get pushed around, but they're a ton of fun and great for surfing.
