16' AIRE Lion Cataraft Rental – Expedition & Float Hunt Raft

Built to Haul. Built for Remote Alaska.

The 16' AIRE Lion Cataraft is a heavy-duty expedition raft built for hunters, anglers, and backcountry travelers who need serious carrying capacity on Alaska’s rivers.

Designed around large loads, excellent flotation, and multi-day expedition use, the Lion 16 is an excellent choice for moose hunts, caribou hunts, remote fishing trips, and extended river expeditions.

This 2018 AIRE Lion is outfitted with a large aluminum expedition frame, elevated rowing seat, cargo/storage area, side platforms, and trailer.

Specifications

Manufacturer: AIRE

Model: Lion 16 Cataraft

Year: 2018

Length: 16 ft

Tube Diameter: 27.5 in

Air Chambers: 4

Waterline: Approximately 11 ft

Published Load Capacity: Approximately 1,680 lbs

Maximum Recommended Frame Length: 12 ft

Construction: Heavy-duty PVC shell with internal urethane AIREcells

Propulsion: Oar powered

Trailer: Included

Serious Load-Hauling Capability

The Lion 16 was designed as a high-capacity expedition cataraft.

Its massive 27.5-inch tubes provide excellent flotation while allowing the raft to carry hunters, camping equipment, dry bags, coolers, food, hunting gear, and harvested game.

With a published maximum capacity approaching 1,700 lbs, the Lion offers substantially more hauling capability than many smaller recreational rafts.

For Alaska hunters, that additional capacity can make a major difference when you're floating into remote country with several days of equipment and potentially coming out considerably heavier than you went in.

Excellent for Alaska Float Hunts

The Lion 16 is particularly well suited for:

Moose float hunts

Caribou float hunts

Multi-day hunting expeditions

Remote fishing trips

Backcountry camping

Gear-heavy river trips

Transporting harvested game

Multi-day point-to-point river floats

For a traditional float hunt, hunters can arrange transportation to an upstream put-in, load their equipment, and work downstream toward a predetermined takeout.

Because the Lion is oar powered, there is no outboard motor or gasoline to haul, maintain, or troubleshoot during your trip.

Expedition-Style Frame

This isn't simply a set of inflatable tubes.

The raft is already configured with a substantial aluminum expedition frame designed to provide plenty of usable space for passengers and equipment.

The setup features an elevated rowing position, large cargo areas, side platforms, storage space, and numerous locations for securing equipment with rafting straps.

The open cataraft layout also provides flexibility when arranging bulky hunting and camping equipment.

Designed for Remote River Travel

Large-diameter tubes and a long waterline give the Lion excellent flotation when carrying substantial loads.

That combination makes it particularly useful for remote Alaska trips where equipment weight adds up quickly.

A typical expedition load might include:

Hunters + camping equipment + food + dry bags + coolers + hunting equipment + emergency gear + harvested game.

Proper weight distribution and secure rigging are extremely important when carrying heavy loads.

Why Choose a Cataraft?

A cataraft offers a completely different experience from a powered jet boat.

Instead of traveling upriver and returning to the same launch, a cataraft allows you to plan a true point-to-point river expedition.

Get dropped at your put-in, load your equipment, establish camp along the river as you travel, hunt or fish your way downstream, and finish at your predetermined takeout.

For the right Alaska river, it's one of the best ways to access remote country.

Rental Includes

16' AIRE Lion Cataraft

Aluminum expedition frame

Rowing seat

Cargo/storage box

Side platforms/decking

Trailer

Contact Alaska Wild Rentals before booking if you need additional equipment for your trip.

Important Capacity Information

The approximately 1,680-lb capacity is the manufacturer's published maximum capacity and should not be considered the recommended operating load for every trip.

Safe operating weight depends on river conditions, water levels, current speed, obstacles, weather, operator experience, cargo placement, and other factors.

Renters are responsible for selecting an appropriate river and determining whether their experience is suitable for the intended trip.

Alaska rivers can change rapidly due to rainfall, glacial runoff, changing channels, sweepers, submerged obstacles, and seasonal water levels.

Plan your route carefully, secure all equipment properly, wear appropriate PFDs, and never exceed your ability or the conditions.