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Rocky Mountain Rafts

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3K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  Robert Engleheart 
#1 ·
We just finished a frame for a Rocky Mountain Raft. Although I have not fished it yet, some friends spent a week fishing Montana and my old boss spent a couple days fishing the Yakima (the fishing was great for the former, less so for the latter) with this boat. Anyway, I hope to get it out soon to either the Yak or the Met now that it is finally dropping into shape, or even the Klickitat (hopefully all three).

It is a bit narrower, more like the Aire/Outcast lineup but the all-welded PVC rather than being glued like some of the other less expensive rafts is a nice feature.

We have this boat available as a rental or demo...contact me if interested.
 

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#5 ·
Very clean frame setup, nicely done. Say, do you have a good source for anchor line pullies? I seem to only be able to find cheapo home depot/lowes and very expensive sailing pullies ($20-30 EACH!). thanks!
I have good news and bad news...see the link below for a pulley source.

http://www.fisheriessupply.com/

The bad news (in your case) is we use the expensive $20-$30 pulleys because we like to use quality gear in our boats.
 
#6 ·
Just finished up my frame for my RMR 14' tubes. Now to get it on the water. Still need to fab/add a standing platform to carry a 2nd angler behind oarsman. Frame by KVI, Good folks and love the fittings, clean and pre-drilled.
 

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#7 ·
Nice, I have the same fittings on my cat and raft frames, but unless you are going to take it appart on a regular basis I advise using a bolt and nylock nut instead of the pins. Also on the corners along the side rails, once the fitting is in place I take out the set screw, make a small divit with a drill bit to get a better bite with the set screw, then glue the set screw in. This is done so the set screws on the corners do not wiggle loose during travel. I don't do this to the other cross bars because I periodically move them a bit to accomodate different setups.
 
#9 ·
I use blue Loc-Tite on the set screws, prevents screws from loosening but the screws can still be adjusted. One application of Loc-Tite will last for several adjustments and it comes in small tubes that easily fit in a repair kit.

I just ordered some Ronstan blocks (pullies in sailing speak) from West Marine. They were $10-30 depending on model. Will post a review once I get my anchor setups dialed. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...3&langId=-1&searchKeyword=538603#.UCEl6vaPWGM

Robert, I think your anchor arm/mount is going to rotate around the pipe it is clamped to. Looks like you have the NRS kit and it is designed to be used with their yokes which have two parallel bars, the lower of which would prevent rotation of the arm. You could easily address this by adding a crossbar between your curved drop rails.

Also, I have a Frontier Play box and have noticed that it flexes A LOT when sat on. I recommend you put some reinforcing aluminum sheet under the lid to keep the seat from ripping out. I regret my purchase of the FP box because for only $100 more I could have had a thicker, more durable box that doesn't flex and dent easily.
 
#11 ·
ShawnK, I'm looking for one this PM. Good hdw store in town has all those bits. BTW I found a source for pins, $0.68 ea. The frame is a work in progress, just trying to get it on the water before levels drop (soon). I want to add a standing platform to seat front angler on padded ice chest with feet on added platform, lean bar to keep him in. The elevated seat and another lean bar will slide to the back. Most waters I fish are less than Class III and the RMR tubes have a long waterline so I'm hoping they'll handle 2 anglers and me when desired. I'm talking the lower Sac, class II at best.
 
#12 ·
Robert, I think your anchor arm/mount is going to rotate around the pipe it is clamped to. Looks like you have the NRS kit and it is designed to be used with their yokes which have two parallel bars, the lower of which would prevent rotation of the arm. You could easily address this by adding a crossbar between your curved drop rails.

Also, I have a Frontier Play box and have noticed that it flexes A LOT when sat on. I recommend you put some reinforcing aluminum sheet under the lid to keep the seat from ripping out. I regret my purchase of the FP box because for only $100 more I could have had a thicker, more durable box that doesn't flex and dent easily.[/quote]

Ten80, thanks, I thought about that on the anchor. RE: The FP box, I agree. I actually put the seat mounting plate on the inside of the box lid, no way it'd hold otherwise. I'm not sure about use of the box for a seat, may shift it up front with etafoam pad to carry kids, or put in the back. They are cheap.
 
#14 ·
I've considered adding a third hinge and latch to my FP box to stiffen up the lid and make it a better seat. So far, it has held up fine with >200lb fellas sitting on it with an ethafoam pad.

Forgot to say that I like your front learn bar setup, should also serve as a fence to keep the kids on board. Did you make it yourself?

I have 14'x26" tubes (Aire Lion) that handle 3 anglers and a rower (~700-800lbs) fine in low water. My tubes only draw 6-7" water with that load, so I bet your slightly slimmer tubes should be fine with 3 average-sized dudes.
 
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