Getting ahold of Alpacka

They've usually been prompt and very helpful. I'd give it at least until later Monday before a followup email.

Lots of packrafters here. Could we help?

I just sent them an email asking if they would put a deck on a Scout. I've heard they won't do it.

Anyone have experience decking out a pack raft by themselves?

Hmmm, I dunno! I suppose that really is a question just for them.

Can't see why not though.

Has always been prompt and helpful when I've called or emailed. Perhaps the team has been out on the water or in the woods for a few days. Or somebody just missed the email.

Still no reply from them. If nothing tomorrow, I guess I'll shoot them another email.

I've "heard" that they won't put a deck on a Scout. But I figure if someone is going to pay the money, why wouldn't they?

Contact Us

Alpacka Raft LLC
PO Box 1091
Mancos CO 81328
USA
Tel: (970) 533-7119
Shop Tel: (970) 382-1853
Fax: (970) 533-7139

I used other means and got answers. 1) No they won't attach a deck to a Scout and 2) which I think is total BS they won't sell me a Scout and a spray deck separately.

I guess a decked Scout is only for "special people".

Why do you want a scout? Because of the price? Or are you genuinely that small?

The Scout certainly is the bargain in the Alpacka lineup. If it had 5 more tie outs and a seat it would cost $850 like the rest of the regular rafts instead of $525. The seat by itself sells for $50 and you could easily add the missing tie outs ($5 each from Alpacka plus a few dollars in glue), so there shouldn't be a $325 difference….maybe $150.

With that said, you can end up regretting a great deal if the boat simply doesn't fit. I haven't sat in a Scout, but it's gotta be tiny. I'm a slim guy with a 31" inseam (I'm 5'11, 160 lbs) and my Yukon Yak doesn't have any extra space. From my PFD thread, I recall you're a similar size. At first I thought the Yak was maybe a little too small, but having sat in it more I think it's the right size. I'm sure the Alpaca model would be too short for me though and the Scout is a couple inches shorter than that. Unless you have a 26" inseam, your knees are going to be popping up out of the Scout, so a spray deck wouldn't work anyways.

If you're willing to get a little adventurous, you could simply make your own spray deck for a Scout. A non-removable deck wouldn't be that hard. Slap on a big piece material with the right PU glue, cut a hole in it for you, then cut a slit or two and slap velcro in there so you can open/close the deck. Lastly, improve the skirt area by adding some fabric so it comes up your ribs and has bungie cord. You also might want a little floating chamber to prevent puddling on the top, but this is easy too with some heat sealable fabric and an iron.

If you're trying to do this cheaply, ask them for an extended length Scout, if they'll do that. If not, look at used rafts or a Flyteweight raft. The FlyteWater raft looks to be quite durable and it has lots of tie outs for 3.5 lbs. If you're going to make your own spray deck, maybe start with this boat as it would be a larger size.

Pretty much yeah, it's over costs. As for used boats, I've tried pack rafting.org and it seems that people on there list their boats and then forget about the listing. As for the right size for me, I would probably need a Yak. 6', 32" inseam.

I guess trying to get a decked Scout was just a way to try to justify the whole want over need thing.

At 6′ you would totally destroy a decked scout if you could keep it from flipping over. Not really made for anything but replacing a sleep pad for river crossings.

I bought my alpacka on the packraft forums for $650, it is an alpacka original, it is tiny! If you are really just concerned about budget, save yourself a couple pounds and get a flyweight rafthttp://flyweightdesigns.com/products.aspx