Things You'll Need:
- Carrying bag
- Tie-down rope
- Tarp or raft cover
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Step 1
Replace all valve caps, whether you are transporting the raft inflated or deflated. This prevents wear on the valve stems and helps keep small debris from entering the chambers.
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Step 2
Remove any debris from the boat before moving it. Even a small amount of sand can be caught up in a tiny pocket of swirling air as the boat is being towed, so keeping your raft clean of even things that may seem benign is best. This will help prevent premature wear on the fabric and punctures.
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Step 3
Keep a self-bailing floor flat during transport. Tipping it up can cause the holes and release valves to catch air and become worn or broken.
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Step 4
Bleed off a small amount of air pressure if you are traveling into warmer temperatures or a higher altitude. These atmospheric changes lead to the air expanding in the raft and can cause it to rupture.
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Step 5
Pad equipment that is being transported inside the raft. Double-check for any kind of sharp or abrasive edges that could lead to punctures or wear on the fabric of the raft.
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Step 6
Transport your inflated river raft on a solid, flat trailer bed with a roller at the unloading end.
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Step 7
Transport your deflated river raft in a sturdy, protective bag designed specifically for the purpose.
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Step 8
Tie down your river raft with rope made of a soft, nonabrasive material. Cotton and hemp ropes work well, while other materials may rub and cause thin spots on the fabric.
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Step 9
Use only the built-in tie-down pegs on your boat to secure an inflated raft to a trailer.
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Step 10
Cover your raft with a raft cover, tarp or large piece of heavy-duty fabric during transport in order to keep any debris from landing in the raft and to help distribute the weight of the tie-down ropes if you must strap them down over the sides of the raft.
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Step 11
Secure any items that may be loose inside the raft or that can be easily jostled out of its current location. Even if you are transporting your raft deflated, you'll want to be sure that no other gear can slide into the bag, causing the raft to puncture or rip.
