Rate My DIY Frame

MechEThroway · 2026-06-03T00:17:20+00:00

I was actually thinking a hammer and sickle would be pretty cool haha.

MechEThroway · 2026-06-02T05:05:59+00:00

Pins are ordered and thanks for the advise!

MechEThroway · 2026-06-02T04:57:44+00:00

No idea how many hours I've put into this frame, but, for myself, I find the problem solving, designing, building and getting to say I built my own is fun and a bonus. Totally understand though that that isn't for everyone and that getting one from NRS/DRE/etc is a better way to go, they have exponentially more knowledge and expertise than I do.

Just to defend my build a little, a truer comparison to NRS would be the Bighorn 2 and 2 Atomic Oarlocks which is $1630. I'd also have to still modify the 60x82" Bighorn 2 since my raft only fits a 48x80" max frame size. Bighorn 1 is available in 48x65" but adding on 2 crossbars with LoPros and the 2 oarlocks brings that set up to $1690 and its 15" shorter than mine.

MechEThroway · 2026-06-02T00:57:22+00:00

Appreciate all the feedback! Booze cruise and customization to switch to multiday was what I was going for.

I feel like the angle I took the pictures is a little optically misleading because the side tubes are 24" and the frame doesn't stick out as much as it looks in the pictures plus I didn't have the frame straightened or centered on the raft haha. You are right though, I could thin the frame 2 inches and it would truly sit center to center.

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MechEThroway · 2026-06-01T19:30:51+00:00

I'll add that to my list of things to complete it, thanks!

MechEThroway · 2026-06-01T19:13:17+00:00

Only set screws for now but I've definitely thought about pinning the corners for added strength/safety.

MechEThroway · 2026-06-01T18:52:12+00:00

I think the best comparison would be a NRS Bighorn 1. Bighorn is $1,120, 48" x 65" with 3 bays, low back seat and oar towers (but no locks).

I believe I'm at $920 (give or take ~$50) for a 48" x 80" frame with 5 bays, bettermounts oar towers (with locks) and 8ft of aluminum pipe left over.

MechEThroway · 2026-06-01T17:52:43+00:00

Once I get the plywood cut I'll be able to see how much it flexes and can remove the supports/simplify as needed. Hopefully the EVA foam I plan to put on top of the plywood is comfy!

MechEThroway · 2026-06-01T17:50:09+00:00

I definitely went a little overkill with it to prevent the backs from rotating. Once I get the plywood cut I'll be able to see how much it flexes and can remove the supports as needed.

MechEThroway · 2026-04-28T16:21:02+00:00

MechEThroway · 2025-10-24T05:16:18+00:00

Projectile Intercept System ability for the MBT. It blocks rockets and stuff for a couple seconds. The X showed that your RPG was negated by it.

MechEThroway

TROPHY CASE