Rowboat & Heavy Cargo Boat

The Fjord Explorer is the "heavy lifter" of the Alpacka fleet. It can be rowed or paddled, and is built extra-long and with added flotation to carry a passenger or heavy cargo (but be warned that it's a little cozy!). The Explorer includes breakdown oars, an oar frame, a removable skeg, and an elevated rowing seat. The Explorer is a multi-configuration boat loaded with features.

As a Rowboat: The Explorer features an aluminum oar frame weighing only 24 oz. that breaks down for packability. The raft comes with special oars that weigh 16 oz. each and can be joined to form a feathered kayak paddle, or shortened and used like canoe paddles. The oars break down into multiple pieces and can be stowed inside a backpack. The Explorer is easy to row; it is the fastest Alpacka raft, with a hull speed of approximately 2.5 knots.

As a Traditional Raft: Stripped of oars and oar frame, the Explorer becomes our largest traditional raft. The conversion process takes only a few minutes. The oars can be reconfigured into a kayak paddle, and the oar frame, skeg, and extra seat all removed. The result is a raft with greater internal volume and flotation than any of our other boats. We recommend this configuration for very large rafters or those who want to carry massive cargo, such as moose quarters, multiple large backpacks, or large loads of scientific equipment. For those running more technical rivers in the Explorer as a raft, we recommend a standard whitewater paddle, such as the Aqua-Bound Splat or Manta Ray four-piece paddle.