To Steelheader69 and other Cat owners

[Tanner]

I am currently looking to expand my fleet to include a cataraft. I have been looking at websites such as Wing, Sotar, NRS, Aire and Hyside. I did a search on this BB and found a response to a post from you regarding catarafts. You said you could hold four people no problem. I would really like to know how your frame is configured to seat 3 people and an oarsman. I have a wife and 2 boys and we are planning to do some 4 and 5 day floats on the John Day river and possibly the Deschutes. I need to be able to haul 4-5 days worth of light camping gear and food and 3 people and myself. Any recommendations on frames etc. What do you think of Momentum inflatables.
Thanks, Tanner

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Work is for people who have an expensive fishing habit to support.

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

O's will be licking his chompers on this one. Probably an email to him would be more effective for exact details, plus he likes to prankcall people so beware of deep, heavy breathing, and a voice that sounds like RuPaul. Of course, he won't reply until tomorrow morning.

[Steelheader69]

Ok, first off, when I had 3 plus oarsman I had three sitting up front and myself in oarsman's frame. I'm in process of having Os make me a cat frame where I can put two up front (which I normally do when I'm fishing) me in middle and one in back of me. Now, my BIG suggestion for you. I have a 16ft Aire. But for what you want to do and how many people you want to use I'd have to suggest you getting an 18ft cataraft. It sounds big, but for a multiday float with 4 people you'll need the room for people and gear. My 16ft is designed for about 3 people with lots of gear. The 4th would overload. You wouldn't have any room. I'd say go with a multi module frame. First have your rowers module. Then a module up front for passengers. Then, a rear module for passengers in front with storage in back. This sounds like alot but actually it's quite doable. I have friends who use their cats ONLY for whitewater multiday floats and this is how they set their's up. You really need to sit down and have a design made that's well suited for your needs. You need to decide if you want it fishable or just a carrier at this point. When I whitewater my big cat I take all fishing attachments off and set it up for a load. It's hard to have it set up for both. Os can definitely help you with the frame part, I have alot of ideas in my head. In fact, Os when you read this, we need to get together to get some designs on paper. I have too many to put on here.

I'd personally tell you, that if you can afford it, go with a Wing. But, you can get away with an Aire. I've had mine for years and have had no problems at all with it. It's a first line Aire from about 10/12 years ago and Os can testify that it still is holding up. Just not as puncture proof as a Wing.

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You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

[Osprey]

Hey Tanner,good to see you are ready to make the jump
In response to you're question on Momentum tubes ,you must have stopped by Andy & Bax,I beleive these tubes are Hypolon which holds up better to UV but has a lower punchure resistance than PVC tubes,( heavy too )if you can afford it go with a set of Urethanes.
As far as size goes ,I think you can get by with a 16" as long as you get a good diameter on them at least 24" tubes,I would recomend going with a moduler frame set-up, this will give you a ton opions.
in case you decide to fish with just 1 buddy.
If you want more info drop me a line and I'll try and help more....Os

Once you row a cat you won't go back

[This message has been edited by Osprey (edited 01-30-2001).]

[Steelheader69]

Hey Tanner, you still looking for a cataraft? If you are, I have a line on a 16ft Aire Ocelot (it's just like mine, the first editions were called Ocelots, now the 16ft'rs are called Jaguarundi's). I get a few different newletters from Whitewater newletters and someone has one listed. It has the frame package, oars, tubes, misc. and bonus it has a raft trailer to boot. All going for around $2200. That's a good deal. If you're interested shoot me off an email. He lives up here in WA so you'd have to come here to pu.

Thought I'd let you know.
Jerry
PS. You can convert the frames to fish with also. Ask Os about mine. It's functional and fishable. I'm going to have a new one made eventually. But it can be done. This way if you have a fishing frame built/bought you have a whitewater frame for just "float trips".

Good luck...

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You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.