[Robin]

I'm interested in getting a 12' 6" or 13' 6"Sotar Legend cat this fall from the sale, however, I'm only familiar with NRS frames and it doesn't look like one of those would fit this size cat. I'd like some suggestions for a two bay type of frame that would work on this size cat. I plan on using it for day trips, teaching young kids to row, and taking as an extra boat for hauling a bit of gear on multi-day trips. Thanks

 

[Avatard]

I'm interested in getting a 12' 6" or 13' 6"Sotar Legend cat this fall from the sale, however, I'm only familiar with NRS frames and it doesn't look like one of those would fit this size cat. I'd like some suggestions for a two bay type of frame that would work on this size cat. I plan on using it for day trips, teaching young kids to row, and taking as an extra boat for hauling a bit of gear on multi-day trips. Thanks

Nrs will fit with the drop rails. But why put a tank tread on a corvette. Instead look to madcatr, drl, canyon inflatables, or some of the frame makers in Idaho. You lose the adjustability of the Nrs frame along with about the 20# you save in weight

 

[Wavester]

Check out the Recretec 72 aluminum frame. That's what I have on my 13' Sotar, like it a lot.

 

[Roddy]

I recently bought a steel frame from Ron McClay, who makes or made frames for Payette River Equipment. He cranked out the frame in a couple weeks, it has fold down towers, it is powdercoated, and he can make various widths (between the tubes) for your preference. Compared to other frames out there his pricing is very reasonable. Ron is in Ontario, OR, so picking up the frame can be tricky. Avatard mentioned other excellent frame options, but either the timing or pricing didn't work for me.

 

[Robin]

DIY

After reading through many threads (Games with Frames..Speedrail fittings, etc.) I've been inspired to try my hand at making my own frame with a little help from a friend. However, I'm hung up on how much drop I should shoot for. I've come up with two lengths 8.75" and 11.25" any thoughts. Again, I will be using this to play on the water and carry light loads for overnights.

Lastly any thoughts on width of the frame? I've read many threads and can't seem to figure it out, I don't plan on running class V just rocky class IV, since that's closest to my home. Probably just wide enough to fit a small cooler?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Robin]

FYI

Legend tubes are 12'6" x 22.5"

 

[DRL River Gypsies]

My standard Gypsy frames are much closer to your 8.75" mark. 11.25" would put your bottom rails very close to your inside d-rings which would eliminate room for strap adjustment.

Also, most my Gypsy frames have a 36" wide floor width. I've done some wider to hold existing dry boxes or coolers, but you can get a 105 Canyon or 110 Yeti in a 36" wide frame and there are numerous 36" wide dry box options. Lately, I've been going narrower and narrower on my personal frames and really liking how they handle. 34" or even 32" would be fine, unless you have a specific box or cooler you want to fit in there.

Hopefully that helps a little!

 

[caverdan]

I would definately go with the shorter deminsion. The last thing you want is to end up with your floor too close or in the water once you load it down.

 

[Riverbound]

I have been shopping fro a new play cat and we have mostly non welded modular aluminum frames in my area as you know, most of the choices seem to be in WA or OR which turns into freight charges. The two places I have been shopping heavy for the frame and the tubes don't work together, the tube supplier seems to have we are god issues and I really don't want to pay double freight charges. My building skills aren't the best so I have to leave the measurements up to the pros I guess. I will be interested to see what you come up with

 

[cataraftgirl]

If your only option is NRS because of freight costs, then maybe the NRS sportcat frame might work. 6 inch drop rail. The stock frame is 88 inches long, but you might be able to get NRS to make them shorter for some extra $$. Just a thought.
NRS Sport Cat Frame 66"W X 88"L at nrs.com

 

[Robin]

Thanks River Gypsy, that info was very helpful.