Boundary 100 vs Watermaster vs Clearwater

spiteful · Dec 19, 2024

I'm considering a new raft for floating around Washington and the Rockies. It will probably get most use on the S rivers, Yak, and Methow, though will also be taken over to the OP.

The NRS Boundary 100 is a new raft, similar to Watermaster or Clearwater, but with a frame. I'm interested in what others think about these on initial impressions vs the other two.

https://www.nrs.com/nrs-boundary-100-personal-fishing-raft/pp68

I'm also interested in anyone who has used both a Watermaster Kodiak and also an Outcast Clearwater and their thoughts on which craft they prefer.

jeradjames · Dec 19, 2024

Thread 'Another Competitor in the Single Man Raft World'

Nov 14, 2024

Looks pretty nice - not cheap, but it looks like a quality raft.

NRS Boundary 100 Personal Fishing Raft

Featuring an open-floor design, the Boundary 100 combines the maneuverability of a raft with the versatility of a kickboat. Oars and a micro-frame help anglers confidently navigate current and light whitewater, while the open floor lets anglers use fins to float flatwater or access the banks.

www.nrs.com

spiteful · Dec 24, 2024

I'd be curious to see the size of this thing deflated with the raft. That could be a downside compared to the others.

skyriver · Dec 25, 2024

spiteful said:
I'd be curious to see the size of this thing deflated with the raft. That could be a downside compared to the others.

It's nearly identical in size to the Commander, and just 14.5" tubes instead of 12". However, the Commander has the seat/platform air chamber so actually more material and more bulk than the Boundary.
I can fold the Commander into a very easy to move 54" x 19" roll. If I took the padded nylon seat out I could fold that 54" in half so it would be roughly 27" x 19" x anywhere from 8-12". Not a worry on the Boundary.
Which would mean it would probably squeeze into the small/IK NRS boat bag-

IK

26"L x 23"W x 11"D

1 & 2 person IKs

And easily into the Medium NRS bag-

M

40"L x 25"W x 11"D

9'-12'6" rafts, 14' & 16' cat tubes

I used to throw my rolled up Commander in the trunk of my 2005 Honda Civic commuter I had for a few years. The Boundary would be even easier to fold so more compact and then the frame would still easily fit on top, beside of that. It could also just be thrown in the back seat of any vehicle. And the 6' NRS Advantage LT Oar Shafts are only 48" with the blades removed so can fit just about anywhere.

I wouldn't worry about deflated packing. It may actually be smaller than the others.

Good luck!

spiteful · Dec 25, 2024

skyriver said:
It's nearly identical in size to the Commander, and just 14.5" tubes instead of 12". However, the Commander has the seat/platform air chamber so actually more material and more bulk than the Boundary.
I can fold the Commander into a very easy to move 54" x 19" roll. If I took the padded nylon seat out I could fold that 54" in half so it would be roughly 27" x 19" x anywhere from 8-12". Not a worry on the Boundary.
Which would mean it would probably squeeze into the small/IK NRS boat bag-

IK 26"L x 23"W x 11"D 1 & 2 person IKs

And easily into the Medium NRS bag-

M 40"L x 25"W x 11"D 9'-12'6" rafts, 14' & 16' cat tubes

I used to throw my rolled up Commander in the trunk of my 2005 Honda Civic commuter I had for a few years. The Boundary would be even easier to fold so more compact and then the frame would still easily fit on top, beside of that. It could also just be thrown in the back seat of any vehicle. And the 6' NRS Advantage LT Oar Shafts are only 48" with the blades removed so can fit just about anywhere.

I wouldn't worry about deflated packing. It may actually be smaller than the others.

Good luck!

Thanks! Pretty sold on it TBH. Looks to be a great raft, and NRS are a quality company. At only a few hundred more than the others, I feel it's priced pretty correctly given the frame and some of the other upgrades.

Thomas Mitchell · Dec 26, 2024

I have both an original Commander and a Clearwater that have gotten lots of use. Also owned a Catchercraft Freestone that was awesome with the lightweight frame.

Having sold my big Maravia that wasn't getting used, I've been very intrigued by NRS's recent focus on small fishing rafts. The reason I'll stay with Aire/Outcast is the construction method. Understanding there are trade-offs, I really appreciate the ease of repair with Aire and their separate inner bladder. A bit of Tear-Aid and you're probably able to get home. Not the case with the single-walled offerings.
Likely to happen? Maybe not. Massive pain in the ass if it does? Yes, given the limited access on the river I float the most.

I've patched the Commander multiple times and it's still going strong on its second set of oars after 10? years (can't remember that far back...).

I'll replace it soon 'just because' as I tell my wife.

I'd recommend making a matrix of the most important features/considerations across the boats you're thinking about and doing an honest cross-reference. Emotion and feelings can drive choices as much as rational assessment (at least for me).

spiteful · Jan 23, 2025

I went ahead and placed an order. Apparently early March is expected release, though they did mention they are willing to push that back if necessary. I'll try keep you all updated.