Short answer: if you want one raft that does both R1 and R2, go 11 feet. It's small enough to handle alone in technical water and big enough for two paddlers. Go 10 feet if you'll mostly paddle solo, or 12 feet if you'll mostly paddle two-up or carry gear.
When people ask me about a raft for paddling solo (R1) or with one partner (R2), the conversation usually lands on two SOTAR lines: the Merlin series and the Rogue series. Both have boats that work for R1 and R2, but they're built with different priorities. Everything below is checked against SOTAR's own product pages and spec sheets.
The short version
- Merlin series: precision and play. SOTAR builds these around a continuous-curve hull for boofing holes, catching eddies and quick direction changes. The rafts run from a 10-foot solo boat up to a 12-footer with more room.
- Rogue series: range and value. Named after rapids on the Rogue River, these are SOTAR's lighter, more affordable boats for low-water rivers and creeks. Every Rogue has a raised mesh floor that bails fast, tapered bow tubes for more interior space, and a fabric SOTAR formulated to slide over rocks. SOTAR says the line pairs a cataraft's speed and tracking with a raft's versatility.
All seven rafts below use SOTAR's 35 oz Rezcoat urethane, and SOTAR lists a 5-year limited warranty for both series.
Merlin series
Excalibur, 10': SOTAR calls it an R1 playboat for technical whitewater, built for steep creeks, tight lines and Class IV. The continuous-curve design is aimed at big boofs and sharp eddy turns. 54 lbs, rated for 1–2 people.
Lance, 11': SOTAR's R1/R2 playboat. Compact enough for technical solo runs, with the room and stability for two paddlers, and light enough to shoulder on portages and hike-ins. 58 lbs, rated for 2 people.
Ballista, 12': one foot longer than the Lance for more tracking and space, with an offset continuous-curve hull. SOTAR pitches it for soloing steep lines, guiding technical drops, or running with a partner and gear while keeping the Merlin feel. 70 lbs, rated for up to 4 people.
The Merlin series also includes the 8' Rondel, a 24 lb inflatable kayak rather than a raft.
Rogue series
Nugget, 11': SOTAR's R2 boat for steep creeks, technical lines and Class IV drops. With the thwarts out, SOTAR says it packs small enough to check as airline luggage, which makes it the travel pick. 55 lbs, rated for 1–2 people.
Argo, 12': SOTAR markets it for steep creeks and high-volume water, and says it has more interior room than typical paddle cats. You can also put a simple row frame on it for two or three people. 60 lbs, rated for 2–4 people.
Tyee, 13': the all-rounder. It works as a quick R2 boat, a paddle raft for up to five, or a light overnight boat with a small oar frame. 72 lbs, rated for 2–5 people.
Rainie, 14': named after Rainie Falls on the Rogue, and billed by SOTAR as the raft that handles like a cataraft. Large tubes and a long waterline help it glide, and it works for day trips with a simple frame or multi-day trips with gear. 78 lbs, rated for 2–6 people.
Side by side
| Boat | Series | Length | Weight | People (SOTAR rating) | Built for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excalibur | Merlin | 10' | 54 lbs | 1–2 | R1 on steep, technical creeks |
| Lance | Merlin | 11' | 58 lbs | 2 | R1 or R2 play and technical water |
| Ballista | Merlin | 12' | 70 lbs | Up to 4 | R1/R2 with more tracking and room |
| Nugget | Rogue | 11' | 55 lbs | 1–2 | R2 on technical runs; travel |
| Argo | Rogue | 12' | 60 lbs | 2–4 | Steep creeks and high water; light row setups |
| Tyee | Rogue | 13' | 72 lbs | 2–5 | R2, paddle crews, light overnights |
| Rainie | Rogue | 14' | 78 lbs | 2–6 | Crews, rowing, multi-day trips |
How I'd choose
- Mostly solo and want to play: the Excalibur. If you'll bring a partner sometimes, the Lance.
- Mostly R2 on technical water: the Lance if you want the playboat feel, the Nugget if you also travel or hike in.
- R2 now, a crew or row frame later: the Argo or the Tyee.
- Distance and gear: the Rainie, or the Ballista if you want more room but still want a Merlin boat.
From my own boat
My current sponsorship and demo boat is an 11' Lance. I've run it R1, R2 and R3: on the North Santiam's Niagara section at 1,000 cfs, on the White Salmon including Husum Falls, and loaded down with gear on the Grande Ronde for up to 18 miles in a day. Watch the Lance video. That exact boat is for sale at 20% off as a used demo.
Every boat here is in my shop, and I can order any of them fully custom for you through SOTAR. Not sure which one fits? Email me and I'll help you sort it out.
Quick answers
Is a 10-foot raft big enough for two? It can be. SOTAR rates the 10' Excalibur for one or two people, but it's really built for solo paddling.
Can I R1 a 12-foot raft? Yes. It turns slower solo, but the Ballista is a solid pick if you R1 and want room for gear.
What's the best all-around size for R1 and R2? 11 feet. The Lance if you want to play, the Nugget if you travel.
