• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
4Corners Riversports

4Corners Riversports

Kayak, Raft, Canoe, SUP, Gear, Rentals, Lessons

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $99*
  • Rentals
  • Paddle School
  • Blog
  • Shop
      • Kayak / Canoe
        • Kayaks-HeaderKayaks
          • Whitewater Kayaks
          • Inflatable Kayaks
          • Pack Rafts
          • Fishing Kayaks
          • Touring & Rec Kayaks
          • Pedal Drive Kayaks
          • Kids Kayaks
          • Used Kayaks
        • PaddlesKayaking Gear
          • Kayak Paddles
          • Spray Skirts
          • Kayak Outfitting & Flotation
          • Kayak Fishing Accessories
          • Hobie Accessories
          • Rec / Touring Kayak Accessories
          • Inflatable Kayak Accessories
          • Kayak Repair & Care
        • canoesCanoes & Acc.
          • Canoes
          • Canoe Paddles
          • Canoe Accessories
          • Canoe Repair & Care
      • Raft / Cat
        • RAFTSRafts & Catarafts
          • Rafts
          • Catarafts
          • Fishing Rafts & Cats
          • Pack Rafts
          • Frames & Frame Parts
          • Oars, Paddles & Acc
        • river-straps-racks-trailersRafting Gear
          • Straps / Rigging & Accessories
          • Dry Boxes
          • Coolers
          • Biminis & Shade
          • Raft Pumps
          • Raft Repair & Care
      • SUP / Surf
        • SUPsStand Up Paddle Boards
          • Inflatable Paddle Boards
          • Rigid Paddle Boards
          • Whitewater Paddle Boards
        • SUP-AccessoriesPaddle Board Gear
          • Stand Up Paddles
          • SUP Fins & Accessories
          • SUP Pumps
          • Paddle Board Repair & Care
      • Apparel
        • Dry-wearMens Apparel
          • Mens Dry Wear
          • Mens Splash Wear
          • Mens Thermal Layering
          • Mens Casual & Swim Wear
          • Mens Footwear
          • Hats & Visors
          • Gloves, Pogies & Skull Caps
          • Kids Apparel
        • Womens-ApparelWomens Apparel
          • Womens Dry Wear
          • Womens Splash Wear
          • Womens Thermal Layering
          • Womens Casual & Swim Wear
          • Womens Footwear
          • Hats & Visors
          • Gloves, Pogies & Skull Caps
          • Kids Apparel
      • Safety
        • pfds-lifejacketsPFDs / Lifejackets
          • Mens PFDs
          • Womens PFDs
          • Youth PFDs
          • Rescue PFDs
          • Inflatable PFDs
          • Dog PFDs
        • SafetyHelmets & Safety
          • Helmets & Acc
          • River Knives
          • Throw Bags
          • Rope / Biners / Pulleys
          • First Aid & Emergency
      • Camp / Kitchen
        • camping-gear-kitchen-fire-waterGroup Gear
          • Camp & Kitchen
          • Fire Pans & Acc.
          • Water & Dishes
          • Tables & Chairs
          • Toilet Systems
          • Coolers
        • camping-gear-personal-sleeping-padsPersonal Gear
          • Paco & Sleeping Pads
          • Dry Bags
          • Gear Bags & Duffels
          • Pelican & Dry Cases
          • Headlamps & Lanterns
      • More
        • BooksGuides, Books & DVDs
          • Guide Books
          • Grand Canyon Books
        • water-bike-ski-racksTransport & Storage
          • Cam & Loop Straps
          • Yakima Racks
          • Cargo Boxes & Baskets
          • Transport & Storage
        • river-toysRiver Toys & Games
          • Speakers & Electronics
          • OneWheel XR Electric Board
          • OneWheel Pint Electric Board
          • River Tubes & Water Toys
          • Camp Games
          • Coozies & Misc Personal Gear
      • Manufacturers
          • 4CRS
          • Adidas
          • AIRE
          • Alpaca
          • Astral
          • Badfish
          • Black Diamond
          • Blue Sky Boatworks
          • Boardworks
          • Cambridge Welding
          • Canyon Coolers
          • Carlisle
          • Carlson
          • Carve Designs
          • Cataract
          • Chaco
          • Coyote
          • Dagger
          • Down River Equipment
          • DownStream River Gear
          • EcoXGear
          • FCS
          • Fireside Outdoor
          • GForm
          • Gear Aid
          • GoPro
          • GSI Outdoors
          • GTS
          • Hala
          • Harmony
          • Hobie
          • Hurricane
          • Immersion Research
          • Inland Marine
          • Jack’s Plastic Welding
          • Jackson Kayak
          • Katadyn
          • Kavu
          • Kelty
          • Kokatat
          • LiquidLogic
          • Lodge
          • Mad River
          • MPowerd
          • NRS
          • Onewheel
          • Outdoor Research
          • Partner Steel
          • Patagonia
          • Pelican Cases
          • Perception
          • Pyranha
          • RAM Mounts
          • Rivermaps
          • Ruffwear
          • Salamander
          • Sawyer
          • Scotty
          • Seattle Sports
          • Shred Ready
          • Snap Dragon
          • SOL
          • Stohlquist
          • Sweet Protection
          • Travel Chair
          • Watershed
          • Werner Paddles
          • West Systems
          • Westwater Books
          • Whitewater Designs
          • Wilderness Systems
          • WRSI
          • YakAttack
          • Yakima
          • Yeti Coolers
      • USED / DEMO
        • fishingkayaksUsed Equipment
          • Used Kayaks
          • Used Paddle Boards
          • Used Rafts & Gear
          • Used Paddles
          • Used PFDs & Paddling Gear
      • SALE
  • Info
    • River Info
      • Local River Beta
      • River Flows
      • River Permits
      • River Trip Checklist
    • Product Info
      • Buying Guides
      • Repair & Care
      • Size Charts & Fit Lists
      • Manufacturers
    • Blog
      • Product Reviews
      • Trip Reports
      • Events
      • All Blog Articles
    • Other
      • Wedding Registries
      • Price Match Policy
      • 100% Guarantee
      • 15% Off Accessories
  • Services
    • Rentals
      • Rentals @ Lake Nighthorse
      • Raft Rentals
      • SUP Rentals
      • Kayak Rentals
      • Canoe Rentals
      • Paddling Gear Rentals
      • Camp Gear Rentals
    • Paddle School & Instruction
      • Private Instruction
      • Kayak Instruction
      • Raft Instruction
      • Swiftwater Rescue
      • ACA Instructor Courses
    • Other
      • Gasket Repair
      • Consignment
      • Groover Cleaning
      • Spring Boat Swap
    • Contact Us
    • Shipping Rates
    • Product Policies & Returns
    • About Us
    • Sign In / Sign Up
    • Your Profile
    • Edit Profile
    • Order History
    • Logout
  • 0

Why buy an AIRE Raft?

February 28, 2018 by Matt Gerhardt

In our 35+ years in business, we’ve seen a lot of raft designs and brands in pretty intimate detail. We’ve also done repairs on a lot of rafts. All of this experience has led us to what we think are the best boats in the industry in AIRE Rafts, Catarafts & IKs. Here’s why:

Click here to browse all our AIRE Rafts, Cats & IKs

10 Year No Fault Warranty

Hands down, AIRE has the best warranty in the business. 10 years, transferrable, No-Fault Warranty. Seriously. We deal with AIRE on a daily basis, and out of all the companies we deal with, they are one of (if not the) best to deal with in terms of warranties.  Here’s the exact warranty from AIRE’s website (which can also be found here):

[quote style=”boxed”]What this Warranty Covers: The Ten (10) year no fault warranty covers retail purchases on all AIRE branded rafts, catarafts and kayaks against defects in materials, workmanship and user damage. This warranty covers the tubes, fabric, D-ring patches, AIREcells, valves and zippers to be functional and water worthy with the following stipulations: This warranty can be void if the boat is structurally altered, used commercially or is subject to stress beyond the physical limits of the fabric and/or accessories. This warranty does not cover cosmetic wear, abrasion, excessive UV damage, abnormal abuse, neglect and/or inappropriate storage.

The Period of Coverage: The boat is covered from the original purchase date for a period of ten years. When original proof of purchase is not available or if a warranty registration was never submitted, the date of manufacturing will be used.[/quote]

Dana running Black Rock on the Salt River, AZ in the AIRE Wave Destroyer 12

AIRECell System

At the heart of what makes AIREs so special, warranty aside, is the AIRECell construction. Think of it like a bike tube inside of a bike tire. While all other PVC raft manufacturers are using just a single layer of heavy-duty PVC fabric, AIRE is taking that same fabric, welding it together just like everyone else, but then putting a urethane bladder inside as the actual air holding membrane.

What advantages does this give? It makes them extremely easy to repair. Blow a baffle? Simply unzip the heavy-duty dual zipper and replace the bladder. Got a giant gash from running over something sharp? Replace the bladder, patch the shell and its effectively as good as new in regards to air holding capabilities! Need to do a small, simple riverside patch? Get to the bladder and tape it up with TearAid or AIRE’s repair tape, zip it back up, inflate and go! No waiting for glue to dry! Its a very versatile system from a repair standpoint.

Another advantage is the ballast floor. By design, the AIRE Cell system allows the floor to take on river water between the shell and the bladder to act as ballast for the boat. This aids in tracking and stability when things get rough by allowing the boat to “stick” to the water. It also helps on windy flat water days by allowing to boat to catch more of the sub-surface current and keep momentum. We often see AIRE’s passing other rafts on windy days.

The (very slight) disadvantages to this system are the minimal maintenance of the zippers, the occasional need to clean the floor out after lots of silty desert trips (still nothing compared to other manufacturers drop stitch floor designs…), and having to let the floor drain for a few minutes before loading it on a trailer. All that considered, we still think the gains far outweigh the setbacks of the AIRECell system.

Find out more about the AIRECell system here: http://www.aire.com/content/aire-floor-system.asp

Click here to browse all our AIRE Rafts, Cats & IKs

Made in the USA

AIRE Rafts, IKs and Catarafts are 100% constructed in the USA in AIRE’s factory in Meridian, Idaho. AIRE also sources as many products as possible from US sources.

Check out some of our favorite AIRE Products like the 136DD raft, Super Puma fishing raft, the Lynx IK, or the Sabertooth Paddle Cat.

Fishing the Animas River in the AIRE Super Puma

Tributary

Looking for a boat with the AIRECell system but without the price? Check out AIRE’s Tributary line! Tributary boats use the same AIRECell design, using Vinyl instead of Urethane. Tribs are also made over seas, come with a 1 to 5 year manufacturers warranty depending on the boat, and come in one color choice. We’ve been using these boats in our rental fleet for years, and while not quite as quality as a full AIRE brand boat, they work and hold up pretty darned well. Definitely a great choice for the boater on a budget! Some of our favorites are the Tomcat and Strike IKs, Trib 14′ raft and the little Trib 9.5′ paddle raft.

Click here to browse all our AIRE Rafts, Cats & IKs

Filed Under: Rafting, Reviews, River Running, Whitewater

Footer

Blog Posts

  • 2020 4CRS Holiday Sale Starts November 9th
  • Demo SUP, Rec Kayak, Raft & Gear Sale – Sept 23rd
  • Demo Whitewater Kayak & Inflatable Kayak Sale – Sept 2nd

Business Hours

Fall business hours:
9am to 5pm Mon-Sat
Closed SUN
SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
WEB & PHONE ORDERS SHIPPING DAILY

4Corners Riversports

  • 360 S. Camino del Rio, Ste. 100
    Durango, CO 81301
  • 970-259-3893
  • 800-426-7637
Newsletter Sign Up

4CRS © 2021

0
  • Shipping Rates
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
    • Kayak / Canoe
      • Kayaks
        • Whitewater Kayaks
        • Inflatable Kayaks
        • Pack Rafts
        • Fishing Kayaks
        • Touring & Rec Kayaks
        • Pedal Drive Kayaks
        • Kids Kayaks
        • Used Kayaks
        • Back
      • Kayaking Gear
        • Kayak Paddles
        • Spray Skirts
        • Kayak Outfitting & Flotation
        • Kayak Fishing Accessories
        • Hobie Accessories
        • Rec / Touring Kayak Accessories
        • Inflatable Kayak Accessories
        • Kayak Repair & Care
        • Back
      • Canoes & Acc.
        • Canoes
        • Canoe Paddles
        • Canoe Accessories
        • Canoe Repair & Care
        • Back
      • Back
    • Raft / Cat
      • Rafts & Catarafts
        • Rafts
        • Catarafts
        • Fishing Rafts & Cats
        • Pack Rafts
        • Frames & Frame Parts
        • Oars, Paddles & Acc
        • Back
      • Rafting Gear
        • Straps / Rigging & Accessories
        • Dry Boxes
        • Coolers
        • Biminis & Shade
        • Raft Pumps
        • Raft Repair & Care
        • Back
      • Back
    • SUP / Surf
      • Stand Up Paddle Boards
        • Inflatable Paddle Boards
        • Rigid Paddle Boards
        • Whitewater Paddle Boards
        • Back
      • Paddle Board Gear
        • Stand Up Paddles
        • SUP Fins & Accessories
        • SUP Pumps
        • Paddle Board Repair & Care
        • Back
      • Back
    • Apparel
      • Mens Apparel
        • Mens Dry Wear
        • Mens Splash Wear
        • Mens Thermal Layering
        • Mens Casual & Swim Wear
        • Mens Footwear
        • Hats & Visors
        • Gloves, Pogies & Skull Caps
        • Kids Apparel
        • Back
      • Womens Apparel
        • Womens Dry Wear
        • Womens Splash Wear
        • Womens Thermal Layering
        • Womens Casual & Swim Wear
        • Womens Footwear
        • Hats & Visors
        • Gloves, Pogies & Skull Caps
        • Kids Apparel
        • Back
      • Back
    • Safety
      • PFDs / Lifejackets
        • Mens PFDs
        • Womens PFDs
        • Youth PFDs
        • Rescue PFDs
        • Inflatable PFDs
        • Dog PFDs
        • Back
      • Helmets & Safety
        • Helmets & Acc
        • River Knives
        • Throw Bags
        • Rope / Biners / Pulleys
        • First Aid & Emergency
        • Back
      • Back
    • Camp / Kitchen
      • Group Gear
        • Camp & Kitchen
        • Fire Pans & Acc.
        • Water & Dishes
        • Tables & Chairs
        • Toilet Systems
        • Coolers
        • Back
      • Personal Gear
        • Paco & Sleeping Pads
        • Dry Bags
        • Gear Bags & Duffels
        • Pelican & Dry Cases
        • Headlamps & Lanterns
        • Back
      • Back
    • More
      • Guides, Books & DVDs
        • Guide Books
        • Grand Canyon Books
        • Back
      • Transport & Storage
        • Cam & Loop Straps
        • Yakima Racks
        • Cargo Boxes & Baskets
        • Transport & Storage
        • Back
      • River Toys & Games
        • Speakers & Electronics
        • OneWheel XR Electric Board
        • OneWheel Pint Electric Board
        • River Tubes & Water Toys
        • Camp Games
        • Coozies & Misc Personal Gear
        • Back
      • Back
    • Manufacturers
      • 4CRS
      • Adidas
      • AIRE
      • Alpaca
      • Astral
      • Badfish
      • Black Diamond
      • Blue Sky Boatworks
      • Boardworks
      • Cambridge Welding
      • Canyon Coolers
      • Carlisle
      • Carlson
      • Carve Designs
      • Cataract
      • Chaco
      • Coyote
      • Dagger
      • Down River Equipment
      • DownStream River Gear
      • EcoXGear
      • FCS
      • Fireside Outdoor
      • GForm
      • Gear Aid
      • GoPro
      • GSI Outdoors
      • GTS
      • Hala
      • Harmony
      • Hobie
      • Hurricane
      • Immersion Research
      • Inland Marine
      • Jack’s Plastic Welding
      • Jackson Kayak
      • Katadyn
      • Kavu
      • Kelty
      • Kokatat
      • LiquidLogic
      • Lodge
      • Mad River
      • MPowerd
      • NRS
      • Onewheel
      • Outdoor Research
      • Partner Steel
      • Patagonia
      • Pelican Cases
      • Perception
      • Pyranha
      • RAM Mounts
      • Rivermaps
      • Ruffwear
      • Salamander
      • Sawyer
      • Scotty
      • Seattle Sports
      • Shred Ready
      • Snap Dragon
      • SOL
      • Stohlquist
      • Sweet Protection
      • Travel Chair
      • Watershed
      • Werner Paddles
      • West Systems
      • Westwater Books
      • Whitewater Designs
      • Wilderness Systems
      • WRSI
      • YakAttack
      • Yakima
      • Yeti Coolers
      • Back
    • USED / DEMO
      • Used Equipment
        • Used Kayaks
        • Used Paddle Boards
        • Used Rafts & Gear
        • Used Paddles
        • Used PFDs & Paddling Gear
        • Back
      • Back
    • SALE
    • Back
  • Info
    • River Info
      • Local River Beta
      • River Flows
      • River Permits
      • River Trip Checklist
      • Back
    • Product Info
      • Buying Guides
      • Repair & Care
      • Size Charts & Fit Lists
      • Manufacturers
      • Back
    • Blog
      • Product Reviews
      • Trip Reports
      • Events
      • All Blog Articles
      • Back
    • Other
      • Wedding Registries
      • Price Match Policy
      • 100% Guarantee
      • 15% Off Accessories
      • Back
    • Back
  • Services
    • Rentals
      • Rentals @ Lake Nighthorse
      • Raft Rentals
      • SUP Rentals
      • Kayak Rentals
      • Canoe Rentals
      • Paddling Gear Rentals
      • Camp Gear Rentals
      • Back
    • Paddle School & Instruction
      • Private Instruction
      • Kayak Instruction
      • Raft Instruction
      • Swiftwater Rescue
      • ACA Instructor Courses
      • Back
    • Other
      • Gasket Repair
      • Consignment
      • Groover Cleaning
      • Spring Boat Swap
      • Back
    • Back
  • Questions
    • Contact Us
    • Shipping Rates
    • Product Policies & Returns
    • About Us
    • Back
  • Login
    • Sign In / Sign Up
    • Back
  • Your Account
    • Your Profile
    • Edit Profile
    • Order History
    • Logout
    • Back
  • Live Chat