Top 3 Things to Know About the Self-Bailing Rafts Used for Ocoee White Water Rafting Trips
When joining us for one of our action-packed white water rafting excursions on the Ocoee River, you’ll be paddling along in our self-bailing rafts! These unique rafts are designed for whitewater use and are about 13 to 14 feet long, so they generally hold up to 6 participants plus a professional guide! If you are unfamiliar with this style of raft, here are the top 3 things to know about the self-bailing rafts used for Ocoee white water rafting:
1. Self-Bailing Rafts Bail Water Out Automatically
As their name implies, self-bailing rafts bail the water out of the raft automatically so that you don’t have to do anything about the water that splashes into the boat! Many folks assume that there is some kind of electronic pump in the boat, but it is actually much simpler than that! The “self-bailing” process is accomplished with drain holes that are situated along the top of the floor where the floor attaches to the boat’s perimeter (this floor is known as a self-bailing floor).
2. Advantages of Self-Bailing Rafts Over Bucket Rafts
The self-bailing rafts are much better for Ocoee white water rafting trips than bucket (or conventional floor) rafts, as water that splashes into bucket rafts stays there until it is removed manually using a bucket! Since self-bailing rafts float higher on the water and drain excess water automatically, they don’t get weighed down the same way that bucket rafts do. As a result, they are much easier to maneuver around the rocks and rapids of the Ocoee River! Also, once you reach the calmer parts of the river, all of the water will drain out so that your feet aren’t soaking in the water!
3. Details of the Self-Bailing Raft Design
The self-bailing raft features a floor that inflates and creates a rigid surface, much like an air mattress. There are several inches of extra fabric around the outside of the inflated floor where a series of holes are punched, and these holes sit several inches below the level of the top of the inflated floor. As the water comes into the raft, it instantly flows off the top of the inflated floor and down through the drain holes. While you’re challenging the largest rapids on our Ocoee white water rafting trips, the raft will take on lots of water but it will be able to drain within seconds!
About Our Ocoee White Water Rafting Trips
Now that you’re familiar with our self-bailing rafts, we’re sure you are ready to join us for the adventure of a lifetime on the Ocoee River! We offer several rafting excursions, including our Middle Ocoee Trip with 5 miles of continuous class III and IV whitewater and more than 17 major rapids! The whitewater flows through a deep gorge among the natural beauty of the Cherokee Forest, which really adds to the fun of the trip! If you’re craving even more action, consider our Full River Trip or the Upper Only Olympic Course!
Check out all of the information about our Ocoee white water rafting trips today to plan your rafting adventure! We look forward to seeing you!
