Key Features of Raft & Inflatable Boat Rowing Frames

NRS Raft Frames are the result of a dynamic evolution that began in 1972. Experimental research, thousands of river hours and heeding valuable advice from customers have been the keys to our success. Over the years, frame manufacturers have utilized materials such as wood, conduit, PVC pipe and steel tubing in the quest for a frame that is strong, lightweight and performance-ready. The NRS solution is top-grade aluminum-alloy pipe, our exclusive heavy-duty aluminum LoPro™ fittings and custom-made stainless steel U-bolts. Combining these components with superior design has produced the world’s leading, fully adjustable and customizable frames.

All NRS Frames are Modular

NRS Raft Frames assemble easily and quickly, forming a solid, stable rowing platform. Breaking down a frame for transport or retrofitting a gear frame into a sport-rowing frame is only possible because of the NRS modular design. Whether you are loading up a bush plane for an outback adventure, or storing your frame in an apartment closet, the sleek and simple design will accommodate just about any need. These strong and durable frames are made to be maintenance-free, rust-free and good for a lifetime of boating.

Why are NRS Frames the Best?

NRS has exactly what you need and want in a frame. With multiple sizes and complete adjustability, NRS frames will fit any raft and adapt to rowers of all types and sizes. An NRS frame is fully customizable to be the frame you need it to be, in the environment you need it for. NRS offers quality assurance and a fully backed lifetime warranty. We offer you premium frames at value pricing, supported by the experience of 40+ years of outstanding customer service.

How to Fit a Raft Frame

Determining Frame Width

Your frame should be as wide as or wider than your boat’s center-to-center measurement. Determine the center-to-center measurement by measuring the width of your boat and subtracting the diameter of one main tube (C = W - D). Order your frame that width or wider.

Determining Frame Length

The maximum length of your side rails is determined by the available flat area on your side tubes. The wear patch material usually extends the distance of the flat area. Most boaters purchase the longest side rail length possible to maximize the useful area of their frame.

NRS boat frames can be made to fit any inflatable raft or cataraft. We pride ourselves on making the most versatile inflatable boat frames available anywhere. If you have questions or special frame needs just give us a call at 877.677.4327.

Q&A: How to Choose the Right Raft or Cataraft Frame

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: Custom vs. ready-made?

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: “Fixed” vs. “modular” frame?

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 aluminium, 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.