Rocky Mountain Rafts

What Rocky Mountain Rafts does

Rocky Mountain Rafts (legal entity RM Rafts, LLC) is a West Virginia-based manufacturer of commercial-grade inflatable whitewater watercraft founded in 2011 and headquartered in Oak Hill, WV. The company designs and produces self-bailing and drop-stitch floor rafts (9.5' to 18'), cataraft tubes, inflatable kayaks, and river tubes, with a portfolio spanning performance whitewater models (Storm, Peak series) and gear/fishing-oriented platforms (SBDS, Flow Series). Core construction uses UV-resistant PVC with triple-welded seams, radio-frequency welded D-rings and handles, and either I-beam or drop-stitch floor technology; aluminum frames are hand-crafted in Fayette County, WV using 6061 T6 anodized aluminum with Hollaender Speed-Rail fittings, with professional-grade Leafield D-7 valves across the raft line. The CatPhish cataraft is co-developed with Tight Inflatables, and select fishing packages integrate Kodiak Components motor mounts for river-to-lake crossover use.

The company serves three primary customer segments: private/recreational boaters seeking durable personal watercraft, commercial outfitters running guided whitewater and fishing operations, and anglers/fly fishermen using purpose-built fishing raft packages. Revenue is generated through three channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify-based website (free shipping to Lower 48 on most boats), a nationwide dealer network positioned near major river systems for local sales and demos, and a B2B wholesale program for commercial outfitter fleet purchases. Pricing spans $195 river tubes to $5,499 expedition rafts, with purpose-built fishing packages (Roll-Cast, Double-Haul, CatPhish) ranging $3,344-$4,346. Sub-brands include RMR Angler for fishing, Buoy Watersports for flatwater/touring kayaks, and Flow Series for lightweight entry-level rafts. RMR markets 3-6 year warranties (longest in the segment on the PK-134 Peak), Klarna financing on premium packages, and a blemished/used inventory channel at 10-25% discounts.

The business is privately held with no external funding rounds disclosed, operates with 1-10 employees, and ships exclusively from its Oak Hill, WV headquarters. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. Distribution is US-focused with limited international demand and dealer pickup restricted to the Lower 48.

Name

Rocky Mountain Rafts

Legal name

RM Rafts, LLC

Website

https://rockymountainrafts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Rocky Mountain Rafts is a West Virginia-based manufacturer founded in 2011 that designs, builds, and sells commercial-grade inflatable whitewater rafts, catarafts, kayaks, and fishing packages direct-to-consumer, through dealers, and via wholesale to outfitters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Inflatable Whitewater Watercraft Manufacturing

NAICS

Boat Building (336612), Boat Dealers (441222)

SIC

Fabricated Rubber Products, Nec (3060), Fabricated Structural Metal Products (3440)

akta.pro primary industry

Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) & Inflatable Leisure Craft Manufacturing (IMAJAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Sports Equipment Retail (Wake, Ski, Tow, Tubes) (CRAMAIAC), Kayak & Paddle Fishing Specialty Retail (CRAMALAF), Paddling & Packrafting Gear Retail (CRAMAAAL)

Keywords

• Whitewater rafts
• Inflatable kayaks
• Catarafts
• Fishing raft packages
• Aluminum raft frames

Headquarters

HQ city

Oak Hill

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Primary revenue stream through their Shopify-based website selling rafts, kayaks, frames, and accessories directly to consumers
2. Wholesale/Outfitter Sales: B2B wholesale channel for commercial outfitters, supporting large fleet purchases with volume pricing
3. Dealer Network Sales: Sales through independent dealer network across the country, allowing customers to purchase from local gear shops near major river systems

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rocky Mountain Rafts designs and manufactures commercial-grade whitewater inflatable rafts, catarafts, inflatable kayaks, and river tubes, along with aluminum raft frames and fishing-specific equipment packages. Products are built using UV-resistant PVC with triple-welded seams, radio-frequency welded D-rings, and I-beam or drop-stitch floor technology, and are sold direct-to-consumer through the company's website, a nationwide dealer network, and a wholesale program for commercial outfitters.

Product overview

Rocky Mountain Rafts (RMR) is a manufacturer of commercial-grade whitewater inflatable rafts, catarafts, and kayaks established in 2011. The product portfolio centers on self-bailing and drop-stitch floor rafts in multiple sizes (9.5' to 18'), from the compact ThunderCloud and PhatCat for day trips and R1/R2 paddling, to large expedition-class rafts like the SB-160 and SB-180 for multi-day wilderness trips. The lineup includes I-beam floor models (Storm, Peak series) optimized for whitewater performance and drop-stitch floor variants (SBDS series, FLWDS series) designed for fishing and gear transport. The company also produces cataraft tubes (CT series, CatPhish), inflatable kayaks (Taylor and Animas series), and river tubes. A dedicated RMR Angler sub-brand offers purpose-built fishing packages (Roll-Cast, Double-Haul, CatPhish bundles) with matching aluminum frames and motor mount options. Frames are hand-crafted in Fayette County, WV using 6063 T6 anodized aluminum with Hollaender Speed Rail fittings. The company sells direct-to-consumer via its website and through a dealer network across the U.S.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RMR Angler: Specialized fishing-focused product line featuring fishing rafts, frames, and accessories designed for river fishing adventures
• Buoy Watersports
• Flow Series

Products and services

• SB-95 ThunderCloud 9.5' Self-Bailing Raft A 9'7\" (72 lb) compact self-bailing raft with 20\" diminishing tubes and progressive rocker for sporty whitewater performance and eddy carving. Targets solo paddlers and small-group whitewater enthusiasts.
• PC-120 PhatCat 12' Self-Bailing Raft Versatile 12-foot raft with 23\" pontoons for easy tracking on Class II-III rivers and stability on big-water Class III-IV runs, featuring splash net and foot cups.
• SB-105 Storm 10.5' Self-Bailing Raft 10.5-foot self-bailing raft designed for ease of handling and portability, storable in a trunk or strapable on a roof rack.
• SB-120 12' Self-Bailing Raft 12-foot self-bailing raft with 18\" tubes providing close-to-the-water performance for family or group trips on any river.
• SBDS-120 12' Drop-Stitch Raft 12-foot drop-stitch floor raft offering close-to-the-water experience with enhanced fishing and gear-hauling capability.
• SB-130 13' Self-Bailing Raft 13-foot self-bailing raft suitable for fishing, paddling, overnight trips, and varied whitewater conditions.
• SBDS-130 13' Drop-Stitch Raft 13-foot drop-stitch raft featuring fully encapsulated, laced-in drop-stitch floor for fishing, gear boating, and multi-day river trips.
• FLW-132 13'2\" Flow Series Self-Bailing Raft 13'2\" x 6'4\" Flow Series raft built from lighter-weight material with permanently attached floor and smaller chafe material, offering an affordable price point.
• FLWDS-132 Flow 13.2' Drop-Stitch Raft Most cost-effective drop-stitch raft in the Flow Series, with all the advantages of drop-stitch flooring for fishing and gear transport.
• PK-134 13.5' Peak Hybrid Raft Hybrid 13.5-foot raft with 19.5\" diminishing-to-16.5\" tube section, room for up to six people, and a 6-year retail warranty.
• SB-140 14' Self-Bailing Raft 14-foot self-bailing raft that serves as a versatile platform for paddling or adding frames, suitable for day trips or extended overnights.
• SBDS-140 14' Drop-Stitch Raft 14-foot drop-stitch raft with fully encapsulated, laced-in drop-stitch floor for multi-day river trips with maximum gear capacity.
• PK-159 15'9\" Peak Raft Ultimate high-performance raft with semi-diminishing tube design for stability through big spring flows.
• SB-160 16' Self-Bailing Raft 16-foot raft combining fishing trips and overnight camping with capacity for both activities.
• SBDS-160 16' Drop-Stitch Raft 16-foot drop-stitch raft with 2 thwarts and 16 D-rings for maximum comfort and capacity on extended river expeditions.
• SB-180 18' Self-Bailing Raft 18-foot raft designed for big water, extended trips, and hauling maximum gear.
• RMR Angler RLC-120 Roll-Cast 12' Fishing Raft Package Trailer-free fishing package purpose-built for two anglers, including 6061 Schedule 40 aluminum frame, angled oar towers, swivel seats, 6\" drop-stitch floor, and EVA standing traction pad.
• RMR Angler DH-132 Double-Haul Raft and Frame Fishing Package Fishing raft and frame package for anglers seeking a versatile drop-stitch option for varied water types.
• RMR Angler CF-140 CatPhish Cataraft and Frame Fishing Package Cataraft and frame fishing package built around the CatPhish CF-140, suitable for trout fishing, lake fishing with a motor, and family day floats.
• CF-140 CatPhish Cataraft Versatile cataraft designed for trout fishing, lake use with motors, and family day floats on any water type.
• CT-140 14' Cat Tubes 14-foot cat tubes with 3 air chambers, commercial-grade heavy-duty D-rings, and bomber construction.
• CT-160 16' Cat Tubes 16-foot cat tubes offering smooth, stable rides with plenty of gear room for both smooth flows and whitewater.
• RAR Rescue Cat Rapid Approach Rescue Cat developed with firefighters, rescue teams, and swift water instructors for extreme conditions and emergencies.
• IK-126 Taylor Single Inflatable Kayak Single inflatable kayak with triple-welded PVC and drop-stitch floor insert for a stiff yet comfortable ride.
• IK-152 Tandem Taylor Inflatable Kayak 2-person tandem inflatable kayak with roomy open deck and extra gear storage, featuring triple-welded PVC seams and drop-stitch floor.
• IK-123 Animas Single Inflatable Kayak Single inflatable kayak with I-beam floor and center baffle for dependable performance and tracking on whitewater.
• IK-144 Tandem Animas Inflatable Kayak Built-for-two tandem inflatable kayak with I-beam floor providing stability, tracking, and durability for river adventures.
• RTR-44 Regular River Tube 44\" 44-inch regular river tube designed for whitewater and relaxation scenarios with RMR's durable construction.
• RTR-48 Regular River Tube 48\" 48-inch regular river tube offering the same quality construction as single tubes with double the relaxation capacity.
• RTD-44 Diminishing River Tube 44\" 44-inch diminishing river tube designed for whitewater and relaxation scenarios.
• RTD-48 Diminished River Tube 48\" 48-inch diminished river tube offering enhanced performance for river adventures and relaxation.
• DRT Double River Tube Double river tube carrying two people (or a person and dog or cooler) with the same quality construction as single tubes.
• RMR Angler Fishing Frames (FF95, FF105, FF120, FF130, FF132, FF140) Precision-built fishing frames with modular components, elevated casting platforms, adjustable seating, and multiple rigging options for various raft sizes.
• RMR Anglers Motor Mount Custom motor mount for the Rollcast frame, designed around the Kodiak Components seat bar, transforming the RLC-120 Rollcast into a river-to-lake crossover craft. Fits all RMR 12'-16' rafts.
• RMR Raft Frames (1-Bay, 2-Bay, 3-Bay, 4-Bay) Hand-crafted aluminum frames in various sizes for different raft models, made with 6063 T6 anodized aluminum and Hollaender Speed Rail Fittings, available with poly decks and seats.
• RMR Crew Paddles Durable paddles built to handle river trip demands in exclusive RMR color combos, responsive yet tough enough for rocky rivers.
• RMR Oar Oars manufactured from 1 7/8\" double-wall hardened aluminum with shaft, sleeve, and blade included, strong for rocky rivers yet light and responsive.
• Blow-Pro Raft Blower 1600-watt, 50 m/s, 110v raft blower for inflating rafts to 2.95 psi or deflating for transport.
• Crash Pad Multi-purpose sleeping pad with 2\" foam for cold canyon overnights, providing warmth and RMR-standard durability.
• Buoy Watersport Soft Pack Cooler 20-liter soft-sided cooler ideal for day trips with heavy-duty waterproof zipper for beverages and food.
• PhatCat Frame Package Builder Complete frame package for PhatCat boats including 1-Bay Frame with Low-Back Seat made with 1-1/4\" Schedule 40 6063 T6 anodized aluminum, kick bar, custom oar towers, and premium tractor seat.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free shipping to Lower 48 on most boats
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Family Business ProgramminorOthersPartnership supporting USAFA families through the HelpUSAFAFamilyBusinesses initiative. RMR participates as a partner offering products and services to military families.
• Team RiverRunnerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiver conservation and advocacy partner supporting Team RiverRunner initiatives. Cross-promotional relationship with organization dedicated to river access and stewardship.
• American WhitewaterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational river conservation organization and primary advocacy body for whitewater sports. Partnership supports river access advocacy and conservation efforts.
• America OutdoorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade association for outfitters and guides. RMR partners with the organization supporting commercial whitewater industry standards and advocacy.
• Protect Our Rivers (American Rivers)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiver conservation partner supporting Protect Our Rivers initiatives. Alignment with national river conservation advocacy and watershed protection efforts.
• Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-specific trade association for Colorado whitewater outfitters. RMR supports commercial rafting industry advocacy in Colorado.
• New River ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional conservation organization focused on the New River watershed. Partnership supports river stewardship in the Appalachian region.
• West Virginia Rivers CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState river conservation organization advocating for West Virginia waterways including the New and Gauley Rivers, home to significant whitewater operations.
• Missouri CanoeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMissouri-based paddling organization supporting canoe and kayak access on Missouri waterways.
• Tight InflatablescoreTechnology or IntegrationCo-developed the CatPhish cataraft, a purpose-built fishing cataraft combining RMR's raft manufacturing expertise with Tight Inflatables' cataraft design. Joint product development for the fishing market.
• All Star RaftingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial outfitter using RMR boats for whitewater operations. Testimonial customer demonstrating product durability under commercial use conditions.
• Alaska Raft ConnectionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAlaska-based whitewater outfitter representing RMR in the Alaskan market. Local dealer/outfitter providing RMR products to customers in remote river destinations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• NRS (Northwest River Supplies): Largest US paddle-sports and inflatables retailer/manufacturer, selling rafts, kayaks, frames, and accessories with a deep dealer network and national footprint. Directly comparable because it occupies the same whitewater-inflatables category with overlapping products (rafts, frames, fishing gear) but at much broader scale.

Direct peers

• AIRE: Direct US-based competitor manufacturing inflatable rafts, catarafts, kayaks, and SUPs using similar PVC construction techniques. Closest product-line match to RMR in materials, category, and target customers (whitewater boaters and outfitters).
• Star Inflatables: US-based manufacturer of self-bailing rafts, catarafts, and inflatable kayaks with welded PVC construction. Comparable to RMR in manufacturing approach, product mix, and outfitter-focused commercial positioning.
• Outcast Boats: Manufacturer of inflatable fishing boats, pontoons, and frameless fishing rafts with PVC construction. Comparable to RMR in fishing-specific inflatable category, overlapping with RMR Angler line.
• Tributary Rafts: Whitewater raft manufacturer offering PVC rafts, cat tubes, and frames targeted at outfitters and recreational boaters. Directly comparable product portfolio and channel approach to RMR, though historically positioned slightly more toward the entry/outfitter segment.
• Hyside Inflatables: Manufacturer of PVC whitewater rafts, catarafts, and frames based in the western US. Directly comparable to RMR in product type, materials (PVC with welded seams), and target customer (commercial outfitters and private boaters).

Others

• Down River Equipment: Whitewater gear retailer and accessory supplier serving Colorado River outfitters. Comparable to RMR as an ecosystem participant serving the same outfitter customer base, supplying complementary gear (pumps, bags, straps) integrated with RMR boats.
• Sawyer Paddles and Oars: Manufacturer of oars, paddles, and frames for whitewater and drift boats. Listed as a supplier/technology partner for RMR fishing packages and represents the adjacent paddle-sports equipment category serving the same end customer.

Emerging players

• Kokopelli Packrafts: Packraft and inflatable watercraft manufacturer with growing DTC brand targeting backcountry paddlers. Comparable to RMR in inflatable-boat DTC e-commerce model and outdoor recreation customer overlap.
• Alpacka Raft: Specialized packraft manufacturer targeting backcountry adventure use with lightweight inflatable designs. Comparable to RMR in PVC-inflatable manufacturing and outdoor recreation target customer, though focused on a different (packraft) niche.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/rockymtnrafts
• Facebookfacebook.com/rockymountainrafts

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rocky Mountain Rafts