If you're an angler who loves floating rivers with friends or family, the Flycraft Guide 3 Person Fishing Raft might just be the raft you've been looking for. In this in-depth review, based on my full-day trip down the New River in the Appalachian Mountains with my dad and brother-in-law, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Flycraft Guide—from performance and comfort to rigging options and value.
What Is the Flycraft Guide?
The Flycraft Guide is a 14-foot, 3-person inflatable raft designed for anglers looking for a compact, maneuverable, and durable alternative to traditional drift boats. Weighing in at 145 pounds and measuring 56 inches wide, it's rated for Class III rapids and can support up to a 3.5 HP motor and 1,200 lbs of total capacity.
Performance on the Water
The Flycraft Guide performed impressively on the water. Designed for river fishing, it’s perfect for controlled drifting rather than speed. Thanks to the included oars and anchor system, we could back-row and hold positions effortlessly, making it easier to fish efficiently.
I tested the Flycraft Guide with a Torqeedo 903 electric outboard (3 HP equivalent), and even with three people and full gear, it handled upstream currents with no issue. The torque from the motor allowed us to reach our fishing spots quickly and smoothly.
Maneuverability & Stability
Compared to other rafts like the NRS Approach 120 and Flycraft Stealth 2.0, the Flycraft Guide offers a balance of compact size and added room for a third angler. At 14 feet long, it’s slightly larger but still nimble enough to navigate between boulders and rock shelves commonly found in Appalachian rivers.
Despite its length, it was easy to control and turn, thanks to its responsive frame and high-floating design. Even in mild whitewater (Class II), the raft stayed stable and secure.
Comfort and Fishability
The padded, swiveling seats are a surprisingly valuable feature, allowing you to cast comfortably in any direction. Combined with thigh locks and leaning bars, the Flycraft Guide 3 provides a stable, versatile platform for both seated and standing casts.
We had three full-grown men—each over 6 feet tall and 200+ lbs—switching positions and fishing comfortably throughout the day. There was zero concern about stability, even when we had two anglers standing and casting.
Rigging & Gear Storage
Rigging the Flycraft Guide is refreshingly simple—perfect for fly fishing, where fewer snags mean more time casting. While the setup is clean and clutter-free, it’s also easy to customize. You can add motor mounts at the bow or stern, clamp-on cup or rod holders, D-rings and gear plates for securing equipment, and even mounting points for cameras or tackle boxes.
We brought along food, tackle, camera gear, and personal bags with room to spare—storage definitely isn’t a problem.
Durability & Build Quality
The Flycraft Guide is built tough. With reinforced sections at high-contact points (floor, corners, frame contact zones), the raft can take a beating. Inflatable doesn’t mean fragile—punctures are rare, and if they happen (typically from sharp panfish fins), repairs are quick with the included patch kit.
The aluminum frame is powder-coated for long-term durability, and after dragging the boat to and from the water, I’m confident it’ll hold up well over time.
Value of the Flycraft Guide
The Flycraft Guide Fish Package comes in at $6,700. The base model starts in the mid-$5,000s
While this isn’t a “budget” option, the value is clear when you compare it to traditional drift boats. It offers:
- Greater portability and storage options
- Room for three anglers
- Compatibility with both motors and oars
- Versatility across shallow streams and light rapids
Should You Buy the Flycraft Guide 3 Person Fishing Raft?
If you're a serious river angler looking for a premium inflatable fishing raft that can handle three people, offer great maneuverability, and remain comfortable all day, the Flycraft Guide is a top-tier choice. Whether you're fishing solo or with a couple of buddies, this boat offers the performance and flexibility to match any river conditions.
Read my review of the NRS Approach 120 or the NRS Slipstream 96.
