"I was thrilled – these new models behave more like a rigid kayak – incredible. If the water had been warmer I’d have tried an eskimo roll. I was impressed by the details and solid construction."
Antonio Piro, Chief fire fighter at CNVVF (Italian Department of Fire Services, Public Rescue and Civil Defence), Administrator of 'Packrafting Italia', Testing a packraft from our new range on River Brenta in northern Italy, December 2015.
These (whitewater) boats in our range feature a sophisticated geometry with smart details for high performance packrafting. The Alligator 2S is part of the MRS StreamlineSL optimization. It is also with Internal Storage System (ISS) available! Please note the information and care instruction to the optional Internal Storage System (ISS).
Character and use
The general configuration of the boat, along with an exceptional robustness and racy design defines its packrafting potential. Extreme whitewater, remote wilderness expeditions and anything in between are all possible with the sturdy 3-kilo Alligator 2S.
This fully enclosed boat responds more like a kayak without compromising its versatility. The spraydeck is handy against rain, cold and splashes, and is a must for more turbid whitewater. The Alligator 2S expands the range of uses without restricting classic packrafting: combined trips on water and land. One can still transport bikes as well as paddle across fjords and mountain lakes. No less than twelve grab loops support secure gear lashing for touring.
Shape and construction
The classy look comes from the narrow, tapering geometry based on 27-cm main tubes – hence the name: Alligator 2S – 20 Seven. We think this is the optimal tube size to combine the benefits of agility and nimbleness while retaining comfort and stability.Â
The well-balanced rocker is especially refined, with a moderate bow upturn catching eddies effectively, while keeping the boat boof-able thanks to the small stern raise. The pointy, upswept nose climbs over or punches through waves and a relatively long waterline provides good speed and acceleration.Â
The packraf has a preinstalled soft mount for a removable fin/skeg for better tracking and increased speed. A small fin (mini skeg) is included in the delivery. A larger, more effective fin (Anfibio Skeg) can be chosen optional or purchased later.Â
Spray deck and Thigh straps
The deck features a cockpit which houses flexible aluminium poles that form the coaming rim. The paddler’s spray skirt is secured over the rim. The spacious hatch/cockpit almost feels like an open boat, so can be enjoyed without a sprayskirt in calm or warm conditions. Then, when needed, the seal is absolutely leak proof and secure, while opening reliably and effortlessly when you need to bail out fast.
A core feature in the Alligator’s handling are the padded and fully adjustable three-point thigh straps. Along with the boat’s close fit, the internal rigging helps it to responds and edge like a kayak, while still being easy to escape. The thigh straps are removable, thus an advanced feature and without them the Alligator paddles just fine.
Size and Fitting
At 132cm, the interior length suits users up to 195cm. If prefered, users can fit a spacer/foot brace such as an inflatable device,
foam pad, strap (loops provided)Â or any other bag.
Additional hull pressure and stiffness can be achieved with a hand pump (besides inflating with a nylon bag), so there is no need for longside bracing (tension against the bow and stern for rigidity) for added response and control in whitewater. However, the boat also works fine at regular, bag pressures.
The Alligator features a snug fit. Technical boaters will like the superior hip connection to the boat which greatly improves performance and response, especially in whitewater. However, the give in the air tubes won’t restrict bigger users. Tall persons bear in mind the narrow foot box won’t be suited to big boots.
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Design and manufacturing
The Alligator 2S is a collaboration between Anfibio Packrafting and MRS (Micro Rafting System). Combined with MRS’s manufacturing expertise and fabric know-how, our years of packrafting experience as well as feedback and testing results all helped refine the design of the final product.
Serial production takes place in the Far East with manufacturing carried out in small, hand-built batches. All MRS products have an extended three-year warranty.
Material and repairability
The Alligator 2S is made from urethane-coated nylon. The floor features an Aramid fibre for exceptional tear resistance – partly cut fabric cannot be torn by hand. The excellent adhesive qualities of the TPU coating makes the boat extremely durable, enhanced by a special treatment for a smooth, scratch-resistant finish. Being light, UV-tolerant, non-ageing and flexible at low temperatures, this packraft is a lot tougher than its weight and packed size would suggest.
In the unlikely event of sustaining damage, repairs can be done in the field with LifePatch, which bonds to the urethane surface extremely well. Small pinholes can be sealed with Aquasure, a liquid urethane sealant. Just any major damage, should they happen, can be repaired with spare fabric and contact glue at home or in our workshop.Â
