Welcome to Mountain Buzz, the ultimate paddlers community. You are currently viewing our site as a guest which gives you limited access to most of our features. By joining our community (it's FREE) you will have access to post topics, send Private Messages (PM), respond to polls, upload content, connect with other paddlers and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free.
I'm planning on investing in a Jack's Daddy Cat (16.5' length and 25" tubes) this spring. I'm looking for some advice pertaining to what brand/type of frame I should put on it. I am looking for a good all-around frame that can double for day trips or multi-day trips. I am not really looking to do any serious fishing out this boat. I just need a good set-up to get gear and people down the river.
I have researched several manufactured frames; does anybody I have any experience using the NRS Universal Cat frame (66" x 120")? I liked this frame because you can change the set-up.
Also, I am looking into building a frame?
Any suggestions or either buying or building one? Any other frames suggested?
I've used NRS standard cat and universal frames on 16' tubes, and found them pretty versatile. I like the way I can shift cross-bars easily and re-rig for different kinds of trips.
I also built a two-piece 12' long frame for my 20' Jack's tubes, using NRS fittings and 1.25" schedule 40 pipe. Also very good for versatility and strength.
I have DRE frames on both of my rigs. One raft and one cat. I, too, seem to move things around a bit while I search for the perfect set up. Not sure I found it yet.
Just to give you more options, I always thought that the RecReTec frames looked well-made and well-priced: Cascade Outfitters Whitewater Rafting Equipment: Rec 72 Cat Frame=
That being said, I like DRE because they're local (to Denver more than Aztec, to be sure), they break down & are modifiable. They can make you a custom design as well, and they're good people.
__________________
"This is the reason why your headache didn't go away: That's actually pronounced analgesic, not anal-gesic. The pills go in your mouth."
Have you guys used a smaller rowing frame with one or two smaller cargo frames as an option for overnight trips? I saw these on the Madcatr website. If so, do you use a deck board over the top of one for passengers? It seems like a good idea for easier transportation (de-rigged) and offers more combinations for different runs (day runs vs. multi). Would suggest going with one of the bigger frames from either DRE or NRS?
My first private GC trip I used a standard 9' NRS cat frame on 16' tubes, with 24" trailer frames front and rear. The boat was way overloaded, but I managed it. I had rigged a solid aluminum floor, so I had a bit of air under the load on the flats at least.
The latest GC trip I did was with the 20'/30" Jacks El Tigre tubes. That time I had a 12' central frame (basically an extended NRS cat frame) with one 24" trailer and two 18" bow/stern trailers. Those were units with sloping floors to help punch a little, instead of the flat surface of my boxes hitting the waves. The 12' frame showed signs of flexing in big water, so I split it into two 6' sections. I have an 11" drop to the floor -- again giving me lots of air under the floor for the flats, even with a the heavier load this boat can carry.
I use a 5 hp Honda on the flats when the wind is up. Easy to rig. I also can and have run up to 18 hp of four stroke on it (Cat last fall) and it motors pretty well. But I rowed the entire Grand last year no problem. Well, actually, with the big tubes, there's more boat than boatman there, but I still like it a lot.
Generally, I really like the flexibility I have with the NRS-based frames, even though they may be a little heavier than some others.
I have used NRS frames on both my 16' cat and 14' cat for the past 10 years. They are light, durable, and highly versatile. I prefer the wider (72") width model over the 66" width to be sure that big coolers fit. You will be hauling a big cooler on your Daddy cat, yes? Throw in a flip seat bracket and tall oar towers and you will be stylin.
Linear Mode
