Every year we build a frame that incorporates some new ideas. For the past few years, we’ve built out NRS E-160s, which are great rafts, but this year we decided to try something new.

Last fall, we acquired an old 17.5’ Avon Super Pro. Since this raft has a layout that can carry a large frame, we wanted to try a frame set up that is all laid out on the same level.

To make the entire plane of the frame flat with the outer bars of the frame, we came up with a new inner frame cross bar system. This allows the boxes to hang lower and for the lids of the boxes to be slightly recessed.

Our goal was to have everything forward of the cooler all one plane. The very front bay would be a large, fixed hatch over a drop bag, the next bay would be a pair of split boxes. In the footwell there would be a large side box on each side.

Figuring out the details of how the boxes hang in the frame and still have clearances for a recessed lid as well as a handle system that would be functional, easy on the hands for carrying and yet still sit flush down in the frame system took some head scratching. We ended up making a box hanging/handle system using channel and PVC, which allowed everything to sit flush.

When set in the new frame cross bar system, this set up allows for the handles to be pushed down, sit flush and out of the way. It all worked out well for the flush to the frame concept we were after.

After adding a couple of sleep plates, it was time to go on the river to try things out.