So when is buying the product only and all about the price?

As some of you know, I am in the process of buying a river raft—yes, those big rafts that are used for running whitewater on the rivers. I have been looking for a deal since now is the season that many outfitters are getting rid of their used rafts, and the four big raft manufacturers know that this since is the “down season” they are offering some pretty good deals if someone is interested in buying one right now while winter is upon our doorsteps.

Now let me elaborate: There are two different types of rafts—those made from a material called hypalon, and those that are constructed of PVC and have plastic air bladders. There is a very split and opinionated ground regarding if hypalon or the PVC rafts perform better. (feel free to add your opinion! lol)

But besides this difference in basic materials, whitewater rafts are pretty much similar in choices of length, width and features (ie: Thwarts, D-rings, bow shapes, handle placement, etc, etc). So, since all other things are pretty much equal, my choice kind of comes down to material and of course, the best price I can find—new or used.

I guess this is kind of like anything we look at buying, right? Is price the real bottom line? When all the competing products and their accessories/features are pretty much alike and perform similar functions to the user’s (me) strict requirements—in this case, keeping me upright in the rapids—then the price certainly is the bottom line…

Just a thought I wanted to share—wish me well in deciding, and on the river!

--C. Cook