Choosing a Frame for Your Raft or Cataraft
Besides the boat itself,
the frame is obviously the most essential piece of equipment for a cataraft
and for a raft hauling
a lot of gear. As with boats, there are many frame options in terms of
style, function, quality, and performance. Here are a few points to consider
no matter which frame you choose:
| Q. |
How do I know if a frame will fit my boat? |
| A. |
There are two key frame measurements: “center-to-center”
and “flat length”. Calculate the “center-to-center”
measurement by taking the width (outer dimension) of your raft (this
is not necessary for a cataraft) and subtracting the diameter of one
tube. For “flat length”, measure longwise along the relatively
flat surface of a tube or pontoon; this measurement will indicate
how long your frame can be.
See our Inflatable Boat
Frame Sizing Guide for sizing for specific frames.
|
| Q. |
“Fixed” vs. “modular” frame? |
| A. |
Some frame manufactures design frames to accommodate a specific
arrangement of gear. In these designs, cross
bars and oar mounts
are in a fixed location. While these frames may come apart in sections,
their basic dimensions cannot be changed. Modular frames, like the
ones NRS builds, allow you to move your seat
bars, cross bars, and oar mounts. This allows you to adapt the
frame setup from play boat to gear boat with very little effort. Modular
frames are also easily broken down for transporting or storing.
|
| Q. |
Custom vs. ready-made? |
| A. |
Custom fabricators can take your boat’s measurements and other
specifications and construct a frame to meet your exact needs. Ready
made frames are available through some boat manufactures. NRS specializes
in a “combination frame” which, because of its modular
design, functions like a ready-made with customizable options. These
options include extra seat bars, special fishing components, and breakdown
side rails. NRS can supply frames to fit nearly every boat on the
market today.
|
| Q. |
What additional components can I add to my frame? |
| A. |
Raft frames generally can be outfitted for special activities. For
example, some designs incorporate features for fishing, like thigh
bars, swivel seats,
stern-mount seats, and anchor
systems (for catarafts
and rafts). You can
even get walking or running boards along the sides of the frame; these
are typically aluminum, diamond-plated steel, or marine-grade plywood.
These boards make it easier to step on and off the boat when loading
and unloading. Aluminum,
mesh, or marine-grade
plywood can also be used for different flooring set-ups in catarafts
or rafts.
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