Dave Inks
WaterStrider® Boats

Dave Inks WaterStrider® Boats Dave Inks WaterStrider® Boats Dave Inks WaterStrider® Boats
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    • Home
    • Boat Descriptions
    • Store
    • Tutorials
    • Dave's Unique items
    • About Us

Dave Inks
WaterStrider® Boats

Dave Inks WaterStrider® Boats Dave Inks WaterStrider® Boats Dave Inks WaterStrider® Boats
  • Home
  • Boat Descriptions
  • Store
  • Tutorials
  • Dave's Unique items
  • About Us

Why Choose WaterStrider Kickboat Rafts

"The Original" WaterStrider Inflatable Raft

"The Original" WaterStrider Kick-Boat/Raft is made of red PVC and was written up in Field and Steam as the Best of the Best,

 and is still the best. 

 

It has stood the test of time for fishing rivers and lakes in areas all over the world. 


 "The Original" reflects the legacy of Dave Inks - a true innovator who shaped the sport.  Built for adventure, designed for performance, and trusted by anglers who know the water. 

Weight and Dimensions

Water Ready

Boat, Oars, Back Rest, Stipping Aprom,

 and Foot Strap

20.9 lbs.


Storage Dry Boat Bag  1.5 lb.

K-Pump  2.0 lbs.

Fins  2.5 lbs.

Patch Kit  .5 lbs.


Total Weight Shipped  27.4 lbs 


Length  238 cm  or  7.8 ft   

Width  125 cm  or  4.1 ft 

A Raft That Will Last

WaterStrider packages all come with Free shipping and includes  three piece oars, back rest, stripping apron, fins, K-Pump, patch kit, foot strap and a packable boat storage bag.


All WaterStider boats are under 8 feet long which in most states do not require a license or permit.


Be prepared to reach those remote destinations with ease making every adventure an unforgettable jouney. 

WaterStrider inflatable boats are maneuverable, durable, travel friendly, safe and portable.

International Orange - TPU

The Orange International WaterStrider inflatable kick-boat/raft is our high visual model for safety and to keep track of others. 

Some might prefer the Gray International.

Both are made of TPU 420 D fabric that is double coated and has many advantages including wear, high elasticity and tensile strength of 70 MPa. 

The TPU Waterstrider is the same construction that has made WaterStrider the best of the best since 2005.  Our Boats are highly manuverable and very portable and travel friendly.

 Complete with 3-piece Oars, Fins, K-pump, inflatable Back Rest , Foot strap, sStripping Apron, Patch Kit, packable boat Storage Bag, D-ring in front and D-rings for tying down gear in the rear. Behind the seat there is large area for gear.

Orange black - Dave Inks Waterstrider kick boat

Weight and Dimensions

Water Ready  

 Oars, Back Rest, Stripping Apron and Foot Strap

19 lbs.


Storage Dry Boat Bag  1.5 lb.

K-Pump  2.0 lbs.

Fins  2.5 lbs.

Patch Kit  .5 lbs.

Total Weight Shipped  25.5 lbs  


Length  238 cm  or  7.8 ft   

Width  125 cm  or  4.1 ft


A Mobile Boat

Fishing on rivers will always present some difficult twists or bends, trees or debris blocking your way.  


You might have gone down the wrong tributary or ended up in a dry gulch.  


With the Waterstider Boat, that is not going to be a concern. The boat is easy to carry and travel where you need to be.  There are easy ways to carry the boat such as on your shoulder or simply walking and using the open floor design.

waterStrider best one man raft for fishing

International Gray - TPU

The International Gray is a classic  boat. It's TPU 420 D  fabric is double coated and has many advantages including wear, high elasticity, and good physical properties.  


TPU has a tensile strenth of 70 MPa, making it a strong and long lasting material.


 Complete with 3-peice oars, Fins, K-pump, inflatable Back Rest , Foot Strap, Stripping Apron, K-Pump, Patch Kit, packable Boat Storage Bag, D-ring in front and D-rings for tying down gear.

Waterstride fishing boat filled with air

Weight and Dimensions

Water Ready  

 Oars, Back Rest, Stripping Apron and Foot Strap

19 lbs.


Storage Dry Boat Bag  1.5 lb.

K-Pump  2.0 lbs.

Fins  2.5 lbs.

Patch Kit  .5 lbs.

Total Weight Shipped  25.5 lbs  


Length  238 cm  or  7.8 ft   

Width  125 cm  or  4.1 ft


Dave Inks Waterstrider heavy duty fly fishing boat

A Definite Favorite

For years the Gray WaterStrider has been a favorite.


 It easily blends into the enviroment and the classic gray with black accents will never go out of style.  


Only 19 pounds, you can carry it  anywhere when the moment calls. This is one tough boat.

fly fishing boat

Traveler Green - TPU lite

TheTraveler Green WaterStrider TPU single coated inflatable Kick-boat Raft weighs 17 pounds. 


Dave wanted a boat that he could travel with and this design does just that.  He was able to pack this raft in a suitcase traveling internationally.


 Complete with 3-peice Oars, Fins, K-pump, inflatable Back Rest , Foot Strap, Stripping Apron, Patch Kit, K-Pump and packable boat Storage Bag. 

The material is TPU 420 D  fabric single coated which makes this boat  light, yet has many advantages including wear, high elasticity, and good physical properties. 

 

For a limited time this package comes with an extra storage bag.

fishing in New Zeland

Weight and Dimensions

Water Ready  

 Oars, Back Rest, Stripping Apron and Foot Strap

17 lbs.


Storage Dry Boat Bag  1.5 lb.

K-Pump  2.0 lbs.

Fins  2.5 lbs.

Patch Kit  .5 lbs.

Total Weight Shipped  23.5 lbs  


Length  238 cm  or  7.8 ft   

Width  125 cm  or  4.1 ft


Lite weight fishing boat

Designed for Traveling

This Traveler WaterStider Kick Boat was desinged for traveling. 


The boat can be packed away in a suitcase as seen here when Dave spent 30 days in New Zeland.


This boat is perfect for lakes, ponds and easy rivers.  Dave reccomends this boat for Class I or Class II rapids.


Have fun and enjoy this WaterStrider Boat for a great fishing experience.  

Inflatable Boat Types and Care

WaterStrider Raft

WaterStrider Vision

   Dave’s goal and vision was to create a boat that could easily be used whether backpacking into a special place, packed in a suitcase when traveling to New Zealand or going to and from the water’s edge.  Depending on your preference, the Waterstrider design is the same.  The material is the only difference.  

   Crafted from over 40 years of Dave's fly fishing experience.

Types of Material for Inflatable Rafts

The two main fabrics for inflatable rafts/boats are TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).  Each has their own unique advantages and applications.

 

TPU meets consumers who have higher requirements for environmental protection, high performance, and comfort. It is highly flexible; retains its shape even under stress and is your lightest option which makes it perfect for traveling, backpacking, easy carrying, and great for many types of equipment. 


PVC is suitable for those who seek affordable and tough, durable, and offers more rigidity, making it suitable where flexibility is less important. PVC rafts/boats are going to be heavier and won’t pack down as small and not desired for walking long distances. 

WaterStrider Raft Weights

TPU rafts are approximately 14 to 17 lbs. 

PVC rafts are approximately  24 to 30 lbs. 


Recommended Instructions when Inflating Rafts

TPU or PVC. Each air chamber should be filled by alternating back and forth to keep equal pressure on the baffles. With TPU, back out some air a bit and be careful not to over inflate. If you are used to a PVC boat, you need to pay attention to the air pressure limits as it is easy to over inflate. 

TPU medium weight .5 to 1 psi, TPU heavy weight 1.0 to 1.5 psi, and PVC 1.5 to 3. 


NOTE: Long exposure to sun and high temperatures can increase air pressure in packraft seats, leading to overinflation. Overinflation can damage seams or worse, pop the seat. We suggest bleeding off air pressure or fully deflating in these conditions.


A TRIB aircap is recommended for monitoring the psi when inflating. These can be found on Amazon.  


Baffles and Chambers

Most inflatable rafts/boats have multiple baffles and chambers. If one portion of the boat leaks the other would stay full of air. Although it is not uncommon for a baffle to blow out, but it doesn’t affect normal use. Although every rafter should carry an approved life vest when using all forms of rafts/boats


Contact Us

Have a question or need help. Please watch our Instruction Videos.

Contact us at : [email protected]   406-550-1908  Hamilton, Mt.



TRiB airCap Pressure Gage Recommended for Inflatable Boats

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