Our Frames
Working with Whitewater Machine Works, I have developed some innovative cataraft frames. Our frames are really light weight, and are fully featured with an adjustable seat bar, scout rails, adjustable oar towers. They breakdown into a small package for transport. Since they are full breakdown, they are much easier and cheaper to ship than a welded frame. Weight on the day frame is around 30 pounds (bare). Another advantage is that they are modular and customizable. You can add an extra yoke or additional cross bars and extensions to suspend drop bags, dry boxes, coolers, or other gear.
Two Frames – One assembled and One broken down for travel
Here is a picture of one of our day frames packed for travel. This one has been used in Ecuador, Mexico and Guatemala on a variety of river from low-volume creeks to big-volume water. This frame (with extra yoke and extensions) has also been flown as baggage to Peru for a month long expedition!
Ready for Travel
Oars
I use the filament-wound oars from Cataract. The oars from Sawyer are also great products! I have experimented with the lighter carbon fiber oars and they seem to be an (expensive!) alternative to the aluminum and fiberglass oars. Carbon fiber oars tend to be difficult to obtain and the fit and finish is mediocre. In my experience, customer service from the small companies producing them leaves something to be desired. Perhaps they will improve in the future. Sawyer does offer a lightweight carbon fiber oar that looks good, but I haven’t tried them to see how they hold up in whitewater use.
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