Riverboat Works - Salida, Colorado

Thom M.

I’ve now purchased form Riverboat Works multiple times. Great shop and fabricators. The owner and multiple staff were all knowledgeable, friendly, and gave practical answers to raft questions. Good for new buyers and experienced rafters alike. Their frames are on par if not better than bigger well known brands (with three letter names). Worth the trip. I live three hours away, but good communication made trips to the shop for ordering and pick up efficient and worthwhile.

Now that my raft and frame are set up, I’m bummed because I don’t have any reason to shop there…for now.

W

I recently purchased 2 River Sombreros. Had some trouble with the online payment system. Reached out and quickly heard back from Clint. He was super friendly and got me taken care of no problem. He even waived the shipping fee, which I didn’t expect at all! And, I received the Sombreros way earlier than anticipated. While I haven’t had a chance to use them on river yet, I can’t say enough about the customer service I experienced. Amazon is not a good deal, support small businesses with real people behind them.

Caleb W.

I wanted to give the one year update on the 14' RMR SBDS Trout Slayer hybrid fishing raft the RBW (Riverboat Works) crew put together for us. Having worked in various parts of the outdoor industry, I know it is valuable to provide honest end user reviews after extensive use. Though that often does not occur and I rarely do this. To be clear, we have no association with the RBW crew outside of just being a customer.

The raft, affectionately now called "The Blue Heron", floated the upper and middle Colorado, Arkansas, lower Blue and Roaring Fork several times. As well as the Smith, Big Horn, Missouri, North Platte, and 100 consecutive miles of the Green all in the last 12 months. Her maiden voyage was less than a year ago.

Our review is 5 stars all around. The boat has been durable, comfortable, very maneuverable and certainly facilitates the catching of fish.

The RBW suggestion to not include the diamond plate casting platforms turned out to be a good one. Not needed with the drop stitch floor and saves a lot of weight and money. You can always add them if needed.

The Wise Marine Chair that we installed on the stern, per RBW's suggestion mid-summer, is a point of jealousy from all of our fellow guides and river rats. I assume sales of that chair have spiked in the west recently. We have had years of frustration with breaking the cheap plastic seats often found on rafts. This chair definitely solved this issue.

Our decision of going with the largest dry box we could fit in the space, a Padz foam top, and no front seat also turned out well. We fish off of the box regularly as well as take siestas on top mid day. I believe the current record is a very comfortable 3 hour nap in 40F rain on the Smith River laying across this box. You can also easily strap a crazy creek or two on the box if back support is needed.

The quick release lean bars have been removed on longer trips, such as our 10 days on the Green. The bars were great for the A,B,C sections of fishing, then we took them off and left them in the truck before heading into the less fishy and more sporty Gates of Lodore sections.

Speaking of the lean bars, the rounded hip tubes are a must in my book. Anyone that has spent decades of life fly fishing from boats, knows that you do not want anything that could possibly snag your line. The RBW Trout Slayer design solves this. Another longtime frustration for us.

Not a frustration, is the stripping basket. it is obviously meant for fly line management, though that generally does not bother us. However, it has proven it's worth for water bottles, a rain jackets, puppy management, sunscreen, floatant, or a sandwich. Handy is the word.

We added little else except for our own 6 hand made rod holders placed in the RBW machined brackets because we prefer the flexibility of PVC and the length to store 10' rods rods with secure quick in/out access. Also a few amenities, like a homemade umbrella holder, stash spots for need to access things, and standard rope and anchor riggings.

We custom welded a trailer for the boat which has served us well. Though we have been through a spare tire or two already.

All in all, the RBW team did an outstanding job, were easy to work with given our very specific design requirements and changes, and delivered a product that should last for years in spite of our heavy use and abuse.

Perhaps considered a pricey package for some folks, you get what you pay for. I would highly recommend our exact setup for any professional or recreational western water rafter and/or fisherman.

Solid construction, well thought out, comfortable, functional, flexible, and maneuverable, and we have not been able to break her just yet.

Oh, and of course do not skimp on the best counterbalanced oars you can find.

Thank you to RBW.

Caleb

chris M.

Super knowledgeable and great customer service. They spent time over multiple calls to answer questions and make sure I had the right set up. As a first time rafter, they really made me feel good about the whole process.

M M.

Extraordinary knowledge of everything whitewater. Best prices,convenient,good selection,friendly staff.

John C.

Clint has done more than build a stout, quality oar frame for us. With us being new to rowing, he's been generous - taking time with us, listening carefully, and helping us make sensible set up decisions for our needs. We've learned a lot while working with him, and we are glad to have his support.

Priscilla B.

I didn’t personally use their services but I wanted to leave a review for their amazing customer service! I called inquiring about a raft for purchase and Clint was beyond helpful. He gave me a lead on a raft when he didn’t have to. I appreciate good customer service and it says a lot that Clint was willing to help me even though I wasn’t a customer. If their customer service is this great then I bet they are awesome! Check them out.

Daniel F.

They were busy and I ran in on them asking questions about finding some gear. Super helpful guy! I am from out of town and was looking for a kayak paddle not only did he point me in the right direction, but he gave me some great information as a newer paddler! Thank you man! Great place!