How to Assemble an NRS Raft Frame

Our patented LoPro Frame Fitting makes the NRS raft frame system entirely modular and easy to assemble and adjust. This video walks you through the process of how to assemble an NRS raft frame and adjust it to suit your needs.

We’re demonstrating the assembly process with an NRS Bighorn II Raft Frame. You’ll need a ratchet wrench with a 1/2" socket. A tape measure and a rubber mallet will also come in handy.

The Bighorn II Frame includes two side rails, five cross bars (we’ll attach the Low-Back Seat to one of them), a universal seat mount, a foot bar and a pair of 8" oar mounts. A good place to start is to attach cross bars to the ends of the side rails. This gives you a rigid framework for adding the inner frame pieces. For each LoPro, insert a stainless steel U-bolt, add washers and locknuts, and tighten with your wrench. It’s best to bring the nuts down evenly, alternating between them until they’re snug.

Now you’ll add the other cross bars and foot bar. The cross bars will form bays for the cooler and dry box. When configuring these bays make them approximately one-half inch wider than the boxes, using your tape measure. This extra width gives room for the support straps used for supporting them.

Setting up the rowing compartment is next. You’ll attach the seat to the remaining cross bar. Locate the universal seat mount in the center of the bar. Tighten it securely with the included U-bolts, with a slight forward tilt to the mount. To prevent cross-treading the bolts when attaching the seat, it is very important to fully hand-thread all four bolts before putting the wrench on them.

Location of the seat bar, foot bar and oar mounts are going to be individual for each person rowing the boat. Don’t fully tighten the LoPros on the seat bar and foot bar at this time. Theoretically the oar mounts, the boat’s pivot point, should be in the center of the boat, but in the real world that’s not necessary.

When attaching the oar mounts, sit in the seat and spot them about at your knee level; you can tweak them later. Place the foot bar so that you can brace well and not hit your knees when rowing. That rubber mallet comes in handy here for nudging the bars in place. You can put your oars on without the blades and do a bit of “ghost rowing” to get a feel for further adjustments.

Tighten everything up and get ready to hit the water. Boat Safe!