The sweep boat evolved from the big rafts used in the early days on the Mississippi.  Nearly a hundred years ago, the Sweepboat was refined for use along the Salmon River in Idaho to haul supplies and mining equipment down whitewater.

It’s a 23 foot raft capable of taking 6 passengers on leisurely tours. Giant oars called “sweeps” control the direction of travel. It is equipped with a small motor for keeping time schedules and combating upriver wind