Warmth issues aside, I’m wondering if anyone has experience with what level of whitewater necessitates either a deck/spray skirt or a self bailer? I’ve been using a self-bailing Alpacka for a few years, and have been wondering if it’s overkill for the mostly low water Class 2-3 rivers I run. The biggest waves I’ve run in it have been low water Main Salmon trips, most trips I do have less big water.
I’m sure I’d have to empty a non-bailing/non-decked boat after a few (most?) rapids, but I wonder if the significant (1-2 pounds?) weight savings would be worth it. Even more weight would be saved with the new Caribou (probably closer to 3 pounds). I have little intention of running Class 4 water in my boat…
Thoughts/experience?
