Customize Your SOTAR
For complete control over your float
Every SOTAR is handmade to order, so you can change almost anything: size and shape, hardware, colors, logos, chafe, thwarts, valves and foot cups. Here's every option with SOTAR's specs and pricing.
Price list at a glance
SOTAR's published prices. I confirm final pricing with SOTAR when we put your order together.
| Option | SOTAR price |
|---|---|
| Wider (up to +3") | $300 |
| Narrower (up to −3") | No charge |
| Longer (up to +6") | $300 |
| Shorter (up to −6") | No charge |
| Bigger tube diameter (+1") | $300 |
| Smaller tube diameter (−1") | No charge |
| Fully custom original design | $800 design fee |
| Handle D-ring | $66 installed / $35 loose |
| Optional D-ring | $57 installed / $35 loose |
| 2" oval D-ring | $57 installed / $30 loose |
| 1.5" oval D-ring | $40 installed / $22 loose |
| 1" accessory D-ring | $30 installed / $17 loose |
| Handle | $57 installed / $30 loose |
| Logo setup (if artwork needs prep) | Up to $25 |
| Top chafe, material | $27 per sq ft |
| Top chafe, Liquid Lex | $22 per sq ft |
| Bottom chafe, material | $27 per sq ft |
| Bottom chafe, Liquid Lex | $22 per sq ft |
| Bottom wrap, material | $54 per sq ft |
| Bottom wrap, Liquid Lex | $44 per sq ft |
| Buckle thwart | $350 each |
| Lace-in thwart | $330 each |
| Foot cup | $100 each |
Crafting your boat blueprint
Design Modifications
Your rivers and loads are unique, so your boat can be too. Changing the shape and dimensions lets you add buoyancy for heavy loads, slim down to slip through tight canyons, or stretch out for more people and gear. SOTAR can make these changes on any raft, cataraft or kayak in the lineup.
Width
A wider raft adds buoyancy and stability for heavier loads, lowers the chance of flipping in rough water, and makes more room for gear, passengers and bigger frames.
| Change | Price |
|---|---|
| Narrower, up to 3" | $0 |
| Wider, up to 3" | $300 |
Length
A longer raft tracks better, especially in fast or technical water, and gives you more room for passengers, gear and larger frames on long trips.
| Change | Price |
|---|---|
| Shorter, up to 6" | $0 |
| Longer, up to 6" | $300 |
Need more than 6 extra inches? Step up to the next size boat in the lineup instead.
Tube diameter
Bigger tubes add buoyancy and keep the boat riding higher when loaded. They also protect better against waves and rocks for a drier, more forgiving ride.
| Change | Price |
|---|---|
| Smaller, up to 1" | $0 |
| Bigger, up to 1" | $300 |
Got a crazy design idea?
Go completely custom and have a pattern built from scratch, with every dimension up to you: length, diameter, width, rake, rocker and more. Original designs include an $800 design fee. The fee covers the consultation and dimensional changes. Add-ons like extra D-rings or chafe are charged separately.
Questions
Does the $800 design fee cover add-ons like extra D-rings or chafe?
No. The fee covers your consultation and the dimensional changes. Add-ons are still available at their normal prices.
If I only change the width and length, is that a fully custom design?
No. You only pay for the added width and length.
Do I get a discount for making a boat narrower, shorter or smaller in diameter?
No. There is no charge to subtract width, length or tube diameter, and no discount either.
How much does it cost to add length?
You can add up to 6" of length for $300, so a 14' boat can become 14'6". For anything longer, choose the next size boat in the lineup, like a 15' or 16'.
Securing your gear
Handles & D-Rings
D-rings hold everything to your boat: frames, oars, paddles, coolers, seats and gear. They need to be strong but flexible so they never puncture or stress the boat when things get tense. SOTAR lets you change the style and placement of your D-rings for specific frames, heavy gear loads, rescue boats or a winch system.
Three sizes of stainless steel D-rings
2 inch
Used on handle D-rings, optional D-rings and 2" oval D-rings.
1.5 inch
Only on 1.5" oval D-rings.
1 inch
Only on accessory D-rings.
What holds the D-ring on?
The patch: a large piece of boat material welded to the tube that secures the backing and D-ring. Its color can be customized.
The backing: several thick layers of material that secure the straight part of the D-ring to the patch and tube. Its color can be customized too. Patch and backing come in 16 colors, a great way to add highlights.
External bow, stern and straight section
Handle D-Ring
A carry handle and rigging point in one piece of hardware, which keeps your setup clean and saves weight compared to separate handles and D-rings.
- Works as a carry handle and a tie-down
- Keeps your raft setup clean and organized
- Saves weight by combining two pieces into one
- Tough 2" D-ring
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Installed | $66 each |
| Loose | $35 each |
External perimeter curve
Optional D-Ring
Usually placed on the outer bow and stern corners of rafts and the side panels of catarafts. The heavy-duty 2" ring is built for high-stress moments like a pin or flip, and is ideal for gear bags, covers and extra tie-downs.
- Built to hold up during a pin or flip
- Standard placement suits gear bags and covers
- Strong 2" ring for heavier loads
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Installed | $57 each |
| Loose | $35 each |
Anywhere you need it
Oval D-Ring
Standard on the outside of SOTAR's smaller rafts and on the inner panels of catarafts. Often added as extra rigging points, or used instead of larger D-rings to save weight.
- Used instead of optional D-rings on smaller rafts
- Great for custom rigging that needs more tie-down points
- Two sizes: 2" and 1.5"
| Price | |
|---|---|
| 2" installed | $57 each |
| 2" loose | $30 each |
| 1.5" installed | $40 each |
| 1.5" loose | $22 each |
Internal straight section
Accessory D-Ring
Rigging points for lighter loads on kayaks. On standard rafts they hold the buckle thwarts. You can leave them off if you'd rather have lace-in thwarts or no thwarts.
- Tie-down points for light gear
- Hold buckle thwarts on standard rafts
- Optional with lace-in thwarts or no thwarts
- Compact 1" D-ring
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Installed | $30 each |
| Loose | $17 each |
External perimeter
Handle
Extra handles give you more secure grab points for carrying, launching, or climbing back in from the water.
- Reliable grip for carrying, launching and reboarding
- Can be added in multiple locations
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Installed | $57 each |
| Loose | $30 each |
Common hardware additions
- Rafts, handle D-rings: added on the outside of the center straight sections, between the existing handle D-rings, for carrying.
- Rafts, optional D-rings: added on the outside of the center straight sections, between the existing handle D-rings, for certain frames, two-piece frames or a perimeter line.
- Rafts, vertical oval D-rings: installed inside the bow and stern "E" and "B" panels at the 3 o'clock position for internal rigging.
- Catarafts and kayaks: additions are less common, but some customers swap optional D-rings for handle D-rings on larger catarafts.
Questions
Can a D-ring patch go over a seam?
It is not recommended.
Are the 1" accessory D-rings OK for heavy loads?
Not in an emergency. They are bar-welded on but single-backed, so they don't have the pull strength of the other D-rings.
Branding and graphic design
Logos & Graphics
Custom logo placement is available on every SOTAR boat, so you can show off your brand, company, team or your own artwork with durable, high-quality graphics.
How to get a logo on your boat
Step one
Send the artwork
Send files a graphic designer can easily edit, or extra processing charges may apply.
- Vector (preferred): .ai, .eps, .svg
- Pixel: .psd, .png, .jpeg at higher than 1200 x 1200
Say exactly where you want the graphic and how big.
Step two
SOTAR reviews it
Depending on complexity, number of colors and file quality, SOTAR may need to convert pixel images to vectors, adjust size and cropping, remove small unprintable details, and cut a stencil for each color. A $25 setup fee may apply.
Step three
You approve
SOTAR emails a proof showing any changes to your design and confirms where it goes on the boat.
Questions
Where can graphics go?
Almost anywhere on the boat.
How big can graphics be?
Any size within reason. SOTAR prefers not to put logos over seams or hardware.
What colors can a graphic be?
Any standard SOTAR raft color, or a custom color. For a custom color, be ready to mail a physical color swatch.
What if I don't have a high-resolution logo file?
SOTAR can convert, resize and clean up artwork to fit its printing limits. A $25 setup fee may apply.
Don't be like everyone else
Custom Colors
Give your boat a one-of-a-kind color scheme for your style or your brand. SOTAR has built more than 15,000 handcrafted inflatables, and almost every part can be colored.
What's a panel? A panel is one section of material in the tube. Each panel is a unique shape, cut individually from bulk raft material, and each can be its own color.
Rafts
- Each panel of the boat
- D-ring patches
- D-ring backing
- Handles
- Floor (top and bottom)
- Top chafe
- Bottom wrap / chafe
- Seam tape
- Thwarts
- Logos
Catarafts
- Upper outer panel
- Upper inner panel
- Bottom panel
- D-ring patches
- D-ring backing
- Handles
- Top chafe
- Bottom wrap / chafe
- End cones
- Seam tape
- Logos
Kayaks
- External side panels
- Internal panels
- Floor
- D-ring patches
- D-ring backing
- Bottom wrap
- End cones
- Seam tape
- Seat
- Logos
SOTAR material colors
RedBold cherry red that radiates energy.
OrangeCampfire orange that's impossible to miss.
YellowClassic sunrise yellow, bright and warm.
Lime GreenElectric neon green. Merlin and Rogue series only.
GreenVersatile, rugged green with a timeless look.
Dark GreenDeep evergreen that blends into the wilderness.
Light BlueCalm, refreshing sky blue.
Dark BlueDeep navy blue that commands respect.
TealRich, vibrant and cool as an ocean breeze.
GreyFoggy grey for a clean, minimalist look.
WhiteBright, crisp white.
BlackMidnight black: stealthy and strong.
TanEarthy desert tan, like canyon stone.Color matching with Liquid Lex
Liquid Lex coating comes in all the standard material colors, and SOTAR can also mix a new color to match a swatch you send. That lets you use colors beyond the standard options anywhere Liquid Lex is applied.
Questions
Is purple still available?
No. Purple was an older generation of urethane material that SOTAR no longer carries.
What colors does seam tape come in?
The same colors as the standard raft material.
Do valves come in colors?
No, valves only come in light grey.
Can I get a rainbow boat?
Yes. The chafe may not be able to match a rainbow pattern depending on the chafe, so check when ordering.
Tough on wear, easy on your ride
Top Chafe
Top chafe adds an extra layer of protection on high-wear areas on top of the tubes. It guards against abrasion from frames, paddles and constant gear loading, which extends the life of your boat.
Double-layered protection
Material Chafe · $27 per sq ft
Made from SOTAR's standard 40oz urethane raft material, which essentially doubles the thickness where it's applied. It's glued and heat-sealed in place, with seam tape around the edges for a secure, watertight bond. The strongest, most durable option.
Lighter, with grip
Liquid Lex Chafe · $22 per sq ft
A roll-on urethane coating applied in multiple coats. It leaves a slightly textured, grippy surface, which helps paddlers stay planted in wet, active conditions. It weighs less than material chafe and costs less per square foot.
Common top chafe layouts
Straight section (SS)
The most common upgrade, right under your paddlers or frame where wear happens most.
Into the "B" panels (SSB)
Covers the straight sections and the start of the rocker, where you shift gear around at shore.
All around
Continuous protection around the whole top perimeter against frames, paddles and gear.
Stern chafe
For stern frame and fishing setups with weight in the back. Say whether you want the floor valve in the bow or stern.
Cataraft top chafe
Straight-section top chafe on catarafts protects the tubes right under the frame, where wear and friction happen most.
Material chafe comes in SOTAR's standard colors. Liquid Lex comes in the same colors and can be color-matched.
Questions
Why choose Liquid Lex chafe?
It's ideal for paddle boaters: a tough, slightly grippy coating that improves traction. It's also the lightest chafe option and costs less per square foot.
Why choose material chafe?
It adds a double layer of heavy-duty 40oz urethane, glued and heat-sealed with seam tape, which essentially doubles durability where it matters most.
Which top chafe is more durable?
Material chafe.
Can I put top chafe in a custom location?
Yes. Describe it carefully or mark it on a line drawing of the boat.
Prepared for rocks, gravel and the unexpected
Bottom Chafe / Wrap
A bottom chafe or wrap adds a tough layer to the bottoms of your raft or cataraft tubes, shielding them from rocks, gravel, trailers and boat ramps. These protect the bottom of the tubes, not the bottom of the floor.
Bottom chafe
A protective strip about 12 inches wide (+/-) between the tubes and things like your trailer, the boat ramp or the riverbed.
Bottom wrap
Starts at the grommet strip on the inside of the tubes and runs almost to the bottom of the outer tube hardware. Much more coverage than a chafe.
| Material | Liquid Lex | |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom chafe | $27 per sq ft | $22 per sq ft |
| Bottom wrap | $54 per sq ft | $44 per sq ft |
Double-layered protection
Material chafe / wrap
Standard 40oz urethane raft material, glued and heat-sealed with seam tape around the edges. Doubles the thickness where applied. The strongest option.
Lighter
Liquid Lex chafe / wrap
Roll-on urethane coating applied in multiple coats. Tough and slightly textured, and it weighs less than material chafe.
Common bottom layouts
Straight section (SS)
The most common, where the tubes wear most.
Into the "B" panels (SSB)
Straight sections plus the start of the rocker.
All around
Full protection around the whole underside for rugged rivers.
Cataraft straight section
Bottom protection on cat tubes where wear is heaviest.
Questions
Which bottom protection is most durable?
Material chafe or wrap.
Does a bottom wrap protect the floor?
No. Bottom chafe and wrap protect the bottoms of the tubes, not the bottom of the floor.
Can I choose a custom location for bottom protection?
Yes. Describe it carefully or mark it on a line drawing of the boat.
Lock in. Dig deep. Paddle strong.
Thwarts
Thwarts give paddlers something to lock into for stronger strokes, and open up more ways to set up your boat.
$350 each
Buckle thwarts
Four straps on each side buckle to the 1" accessory D-rings included with your raft. Classic ST and Liquid SL rafts come with two buckle thwarts, and rafts 12' and longer also include enough accessory D-rings for a third.
$330 each
Lace-in thwarts
Three straps on each end lace down to the floor webbing, so thwart positions aren't fixed. Ask to swap buckle thwarts for lace-in when ordering.
No thwarts
For framed boats. Leave the thwarts (and optionally the thwart D-rings) off for a discount.
Two thwarts
Play boats. Standard on ST and SL rafts.
Three thwarts
Group boats. On 12'+ ST and SL rafts the D-rings for a third thwart are included; the thwart is extra.
More thwarts
Tour boats. If there's room, add a fourth or fifth.
Thwarts come in SOTAR's standard material colors.
Questions
Does my raft come with thwarts?
Yes. Rafts come with 2 buckle thwarts, and 12'+ rafts include the D-rings for a third.
Can I get lace-in thwarts instead of buckle thwarts?
Yes, no problem.
Do I have to have thwarts?
No. You can remove the thwarts and keep the 1" thwart D-rings, or remove both the thwarts and the D-rings.
Where you need them, when you need them
Valve Placement
Whether you have a hard floor with cutouts and need to reach your floor valves, or you want inflation valves at the bow and stern instead of the sides, valves can be moved to suit your setup.
Standard
Leafield D7
Replaced the C7 with faster inflation and deflation, a better clamping method, and an O-ring seal on the valve core to reduce leaks. Shorter internal profile than the C7. Acetal (POM) plastic for strength and chemical and ozone resistance, and a seal that cleans itself as it works to reduce leaks from dirt.
Previous
Leafield C7
SOTAR switched from C7 to D7 valves on February 20, 2015. C7 and D7 boots aren't interchangeable, so replacing one means replacing the whole valve. Self-cleaning seal, hidden cap strap that won't snag, and easy cap replacement without removing the valve.
Special
Leafield PRV A6
A compact pressure relief valve that automatically releases excess pressure to prevent over-inflation, holding up to 2.5 PSI even in heat or heavy use.
Valve layouts
Five-chamber, standard
Standard valves
Floor valve at the bow. The tube valves are mirrored at the ends of the straight sections and the joining A panels.
Standard on Classic ST, Liquid SL and Strike
Three-chamber, standard
MicroStrike valves
Floor valve at the stern, with tube valves at the center of each straight section.
Standard on the MicroStrike
Five-chamber, custom
Bow & stern valves
Moves the valves up to the bow and stern.
Available on Classic ST, Liquid SL and Strike
Five-chamber, custom
Paddler valves
Placed so paddlers won't accidentally knock off the valve caps.
Available on Classic ST and Liquid SL
Five-chamber, custom
End-panel valves
Valves on the E panels at the bow and stern so you can reach both from one end.
Available on Classic ST and Liquid SL
Gear rigging
Floor valve placement
Make sure your gear never covers your floor valves, so you can top off the floor on the river.
Any boat
Questions
Is putting the floor valve in the stern instead of the bow a custom change?
No. That's a standard location.
Do valves come in custom colors?
No, only light grey for now.
What if I only move a valve 2 inches?
That still counts as custom, because the pattern has to be adjusted.
More support, wilder ride
Foot Cups
Foot cups give paddlers more leverage than thwarts alone. They keep paddlers locked in so they're less likely to slip or fall out when the raft hits big waves, and that stable base lets them put more power into every stroke. They add security without full foot braces, and can go anywhere for each crew member.
One size fits all · $100 each
Bar-welded, sewn and then hand-welded in place. Every foot cup is 6" wide x 4" high at the opening, and shoes are fine.
Standard location
Bow foot cups
A secure foothold for the front paddlers, where the boat sees the wildest action.
For your paddlers
Thwart foot cups
Mounted near the thwarts to give mid-boat paddlers a solid anchor for strong strokes.
For your guide
Stern foot cups
Solid footing for the guide to steer and call commands with confidence.
Foot cups come in SOTAR's standard material colors. Foot position is personal, so talk placement through before the build.
Questions
What size are SOTAR foot cups?
One size. The opening is 6" wide by 4" high.
Can I wear shoes in a foot cup?
Yes.
Can a foot cup be moved after it's installed?
Only by cutting it out and installing a new one, so settle placement before the build.
Make it yours
Ready to design your boat?
Pick a boat from the SOTAR lineup, tell me what you want changed, and I'll check the design, get pricing from SOTAR and send you an invoice. Not sure what you need? Send me your rivers, crew size and setup and I'll help.
Specs, options, prices and images courtesy of SOTAR, as listed in October 2026. Prices can change, and some options are only offered on certain models. Shipping is extra.