Ferrari Précontraint® PVC is a patented outer fabric developed exclusively for AIRE. No other manufacturer can source our exact PVC formula. The fabric’s 1670-denier high-tenacity polyester base is tensioned in all directions during coating, creating a light, tear-resistant, and dimensionally stable shell.

Because the base fabric is pre-stretched under tension before and during coating, it resists deformation when inflated — producing a noticeably stiffer, more responsive boat with minimal flex or stretch over time. This consistent tension across the fabric helps maintain precise shape and trim, improving both handling and long-term performance.

Ferrari applies 70% of the PVC coating on the exterior and 30% on the interior for extra abrasion resistance, then finishes it with a UV-blocking acrylic lacquer. Our AIREcell System allows the use of non-airtight 37 oz. PVC, which is stronger and more puncture-resistant than traditional airtight materials.

All AIRE boats use our exclusive AIREcell Construction — an inner urethane air bladder housed inside a tough outer PVC shell. This dual-layer design delivers unmatched durability, performance, and repairability. Each AIREcell is independent, so if one chamber is ever compromised, the others stay fully inflated. The result: a boat that’s stronger, safer, and easier to maintain.

Unlike many inflatables that rely on chemical adhesives, AIRE boats are thermally welded — not glued. This manufacturing process eliminates the use of solvent-based glues, creating a cleaner, healthier workspace for our employees and a more environmentally responsible production method that aligns with our commitment to quality and sustainability.

No glue — every seam is thermally welded. Thermal welding fuses fabric panels into a permanent bond, eliminating weak points caused by glue, ensuring consistent strength, and reducing environmental impact.

All AIRE boats are designed, welded, and assembled in Meridian, Idaho, USA. Every raft, cataraft, and kayak is inflated and undergoes a minimum 48-hour air test to ensure consistent quality and performance before it leaves the factory.

At the heart of every AIRE boat is our signature AIREcell System — a dual-layer construction that pairs a rugged, welded PVC outer shell with an internal urethane air bladder. The outer layer provides abrasion resistance and structure, while the inner bladder holds the air.

This design not only makes AIRE boats uniquely durable and easy to maintain, but it also creates a stiffer, more responsive boat compared to standard single-membrane designs. The added structural integrity of the dual-layer system helps each boat maintain its shape under pressure, improving handling and performance on the water.

If an internal chamber ever fails, you can simply unzip the shell, access the bladder, and repair or replace it in minutes. No curing time, no permanent damage — just a reliable, serviceable system built for decades of use.

Beyond its repairability, the AIREcell construction adds real performance benefits. The dual-layer system creates a more rigid, responsive boat than standard single-membrane designs, maintaining its shape under pressure for precise handling and control.

The floor design also allows a controlled amount of water to enter between the shell and bladder, creating natural ballast. This subtle weight helps the raft track smoothly, hold its line through waves, and stay anchored to the current in turbulent water. On calm or windy days, that same ballast keeps momentum steady — an advantage you’ll notice when other rafts start drifting off course.

AIRE offers a 10-Year No-Fault Warranty on all AIRE-branded rafts, catarafts, and kayaks purchased for retail use. It covers defects in materials, workmanship, and accidental damage, including outer shells, AIREcells, valves, zippers, and D-rings. Cosmetic wear, UV damage, and misuse are excluded.

For commercial, government, or pro-purchase use, a 5-Year No-Fault Warranty applies.

• 5-Year Limited Warranty (Retail): Covers manufacturing defects on Tributary rafts, catarafts, and Strike kayaks.
  
• 3-Year Limited Warranty (Commercial): Applies to Tributary rafts and Strike kayaks in commercial use.
  
• 1-Year Limited Warranty: Applies to Tributary Tomcat, SPUD, Tater, and Sawtooth series kayaks.
  

All Tributary warranties cover AIREcells, valves, zippers, tubes, and D-rings for manufacturing defects.

Replacement AIREcells are covered by a 1-Year Warranty for manufacturing defects like split seams or valve weld issues.

AIRE-branded accessories are also covered by a 1-Year Limited Warranty for defects in materials or workmanship.

Contact AIRE Customer Service at (800) 247-3432 or an authorized factory service center for a return authorization. Customers pay for shipping to the facility; AIRE covers return shipping for verified defects. Start a claim on the Warranty Claim Form or register your boat on the Warranty Registration page.

• Regular Floor Pocket (RFP): Intakes water for ballast, improving tracking and stability. Great for paddle rafts and technical whitewater.
  
• Sealed Floor Pocket (SFP): Keeps water out for lighter handling and faster draining. Ideal for gear-hauling or silty rivers.
  All AIRE floors lace tightly into the raft collar for quick self-bailing and precise handling.
  

Inflatable kayak floors use double-stitched, webbing-reinforced seams and welded mesh bailing holes that drain quickly while adding ballast and stability.

AIRE paddle cats (like the Sabertooth and Mammoth) feature laced-in Superman mesh floors, made by coating each polyester strand before weaving for unmatched strength and instant bailing.

Between the Ferrari Précontraint® outer shell, welded seams, and internal AIREcells, AIRE boats are built for decades of river use. The modular design allows easy field repair, and the dual-layer construction protects against punctures that could deflate a single-wall raft.

We’re here to help with product questions, setup, and warranty service.

📞 Need help? Email info@aire.com or call (800) 247-3432 for expert advice.