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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
looking for recommendations on rafts and frames...im looking to carry two people a large dog in the rowers area and gear...i dont necessarily need casting braces...a frame where you can move seating around from two up front to one in front one in back would be good if possible...anyone got any ideas?

thanks


zack
 

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I purchased a 15' raft from Fishcraft down in Sisters, OR about 6-7 years ago. It has served me well. I believe the company is called Riverman now but not sure.

Basically it's a Star raft with an NRS frame. If I knew then what I know now I would have purchased them separately and constructed it myself. What I like about the raft is, it has a tunnel hull so the center of the boat rides high up out of the water reducing drag and gives you more of a feel of a cataraft.

I guess the big thing you need to think about is how you intend to use it mostly. This boat is wonderful for loading up with 2-3 guys and all the crap you need for a week on the river.

I originally purchased it for the family trips and extended fishing trips with friends. When I take the family out were talking 2 adults, 2 teenagers and a large lab and it's perfect for that when floating the Deschutes / Rogue / Salmon.

However it can be a bit big for the Yakima which is where I spend most of my water time and because it's a raft it has a fair amount of drag making if difficult if not impossible to anchor mid river in those big summer flows. I really need two boats.... Got to talk to the wife about that.

Check out the photos for an idea of the configuration.
 

· Long Lost Member
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I've got a cataraft that is narrow by cataraft standards. My NRS frame is fully adjustable, is 10' long and sits nicely atop the 14' maxxon tubes. The boat is only 32" between the tubes which is great for me and my small family. I can sit my two girls side by side up front while the misses is in the back reading a book. I've fished it with one big dude up front, me rowing and another big dude in the back. The boat handled pretty well but a tad sluggish as we were all 225# to 250# guys and had ample beer and gear.

Here is a thread on my cataraft. I really dig the Line-X covered fishing decks, have added storage boxes front and rear under the seats, changed my seat to a cooler for cold storage and it is fun.
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/showthread.php/66527-Big-Boy-Cataraft
 

· Travis
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202 Posts
I like that fishcraft, looks beefy with lots of storage. I have the OutCast and it has served me well. I take the frame out for whitewater rafting and enjoy it for me and two others fishing. Make sure to consider a trailer. I had one customized from a local horsetrailer company (flat bed with roller and huge winch). The trailer cost as much as the boat :)

best of luck, Travis
 

· Long Lost Member
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I too have fished out of Derek's StreamTech "Green Drake" and that is one impressive craft. I only rowed it about a quarter to half mile and enjoyed it. I should have gotten on the sticks sooner. Maybe Derek will let me join him again someday and I can let him fish for a while. I was amazed at the maneuverability that raft has, the rockered front and back make it turn on a dime. If I did not already have my cataraft I would consider one of those Green Drakes myself. Trailering that thing is a dream and due to the rocker it does not need a super long flatbed trailer either. Derek's setup is really nice. See if you can contact him to check it out or get photos.
 
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