New raft! (pics)

[oyster]

Just received my new Outcast 1400 and, (thanks to tips from the folks on this forum), the new custom raft trailer. I thought maybe some of you might enjoy seeing the thing come together.

After an eight hour round trip drive (well worth it even with gas prices) to T&W trailers, I arrived home to a half dozen boxes with the words "Aire" on the sides. My long day was just about to get longer!
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter016.jpg



A quick unpack of the boxes reveals that yes, "some assembly is required."
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter021.jpg



To avoid heavy lifting later on, I decided to put it together right on the trailer. Unfortunately I only invested in a hand pump, so some assistance might be required.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter024.jpg



In accordance with the local child labor laws, I try to give Cutter a break every once in a while from his job making fly rods so that he can perform some unpaid duties.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter009.jpg



Cutter was good for two or three pumps, and the rest was up to me and a cold Sweetwater brew.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter025.jpg



Now things are starting to shape up!
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter028.jpg



It took even longer to assemble the frame, but by the end of the night (early morning at this point) things were starting to come together.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter10.jpg



...a closer look.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftandcutter11.jpg


Next report will be from the water!:cheers:

Bill O.

_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[Troutseeker]

Bill, I'm jealous. Sweet ride!:cheers:

[Gatorbyte]

Nice Ride. I CALL SHOTGUN!!!

ps. I definitely don't want to be the one rowing when someone is on the wake board

[Drifter]

Bill,

Out of curiousity.....how much does it weigh? There is method to my madness. Thanks.

[leadoverdistance]

Caddy-lac!

Congratulations on the new ride. Make your first float on the Hiwassee!!! Great scenery, good water, and a fun time to be had on the oars. (Nice to see you got Cataracts with the boat!) The Hi rows like a big western river when they are running two generators, and is just the most beautiful place in the east.

Definitely need some pictures when you get on the water.....and despite my ravings I think it will be the lure of the Toccoa that will provide the background for them!

Well done

Paul

[oyster]

Thanks guys,
Funny thing is, when Shannen saw these photos the first thing she said was "our garage is a mess!"

Drifter,
It weighs 236 lbs., a piece of cake for three guys if the fish are big enough!;)

Paul,
I definitely plan to check out the HI. The Hooch and Toccoa are nearby but I also plan to visit the SoHo, the Watauga, Cumberland, White, Madison, Yellowstone, Green, etc., etc., etc., etc.:yikes:

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[Bigfishbryan]

Nice boat! James Buice has one just like that. You are going to love it until you have to drag it up the bank. I would suggest some type of winch on the front of the trailer to help pull it up onto the trailer. An electric winch would definently be the way to go. Also some rollers on the back would definently make things easier.

[Troutseeker]

If that's the same raft trailer that Warren made for me, it does have rollers
on the back, and a winch on the front.

[oyster]

Yep, three rollers across the back and a hand powered winch on the front.

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[leadoverdistance]

I think the floor packet takes a little longer to drain......? Once empty, it won't be too heavy. However, add tired limbs, a slippery trailer deck, and one beer ahead, and the handwinch will be more than useful.:D

Cheers

Paul

[cucarachafly]

Absolutely gorgeous! That's just like the one we fish the Blackfoot in out west. Just don't get stuck in the middle seat too often! Can't wait to see it floating down you know where!

BTW- has Cutter started my rod yet????

[Buck Henry]

Nice ride Bill! Let me know if you are looking for an extra deck hand. I spent 10 years in the Navy and still know my port from my starboard! :)

[Gatorbyte]

Nice ride Bill! Let me know if you are looking for an extra deck hand. I spent 10 years in the Navy and still know my port from my starboard! :)

Buck:

I'd be afraid you try to take it underwater. You submariners are a rare breed.

[S.Trutta]

Hmmmmm.....while your at it Bill why dont you throw in the Muskegon....that baby would be perfect drifting for fall and winter steelhead.....now I call shotgun for that one!!!!!!!


Rich

[oyster]

I think the floor packet takes a little longer to drain......?

The inflated floor is highest near the center line to prevent standing water. It is also laced in all of the way around so -supposedly, it drains pretty much instantly.

Bill O.


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www.oysterbamboo.com

[oyster]

Rich,

That sounds like something we definitely are going to have to give a try this year. Everybody else, there's always an open seat anytime I can get out. This week is a busy one for me, then I'm going to get it wet!

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[leadoverdistance]

The inflated floor is highest near the center line to prevent standing water. It is also laced in all of the way around so -supposedly, it drains pretty much instantly.

Bill O.


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www.oysterbamboo.com

Hey Bill, I meant the floor packet which holds the pvc bag isn't sealed.... I think Aire sells one with the sealed floor packet , but it is pretty pricey. I know your boat has an awesome floor, they are tight, and as you say, drain instantly from inside the boat. I was in one on the Ocoee, and it drained like a Colander! I have a Star, so am not that familiar with the Aires/Outcast, just from being around a few. I am interested to hear what you have to say about how it tracks and ferries.

Cheers

Paul

[oyster]

I got you now Paul. As soon as I get it wet I'll report back. You'll have to ask Buck how it tracks, since I'm going to be up front fishing!;)

Bill O.


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www.oysterbamboo.com

[Musselwhite]

Sweet rig! It looks like you will be needing a few extra bodies each time you take it out. I want to let you know that I am available any day for the next few weeks, as I am unemployed.

Musselwhite

[oyster]

I am available any day for the next few weeks, as I am unemployed.

Musselwhite

Around here we call that "full-time fly-fisherman".:cheers:

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[watkins]

Buck on the sticks? I don't know about that------ aghhhhhh give him a good cigar and he'll prob. be OK. ::ke: TRW

[James Buice]

Hey, that boat looks familiar LOL

Bill, how did ya like lacing that floor in...mmmm fun.

You'll love the boat! Congrats.

[oyster]

Thanks James,

I can't wait to try it out. By now I've resorted to pulling a "Rainbowlover" and rowing around in the front yard. I got wise and had the good folks at Outcast pre-lace the floor for me.

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[cucarachafly]

By now I've resorted to pulling a "Rainbowlover" and rowing around in the front yard.

Casting bamboo rods in the front yard at midnight and now trying to row your raft there! Now you're going to HAVE to move! ::ke:

[James Buice]

LOL. Great idea on the pre-lace deal. It only takes a few hours to do it, but if you get one stitch wrong, ya gotta pull 'em out and start from scratch.

Two things: Don't hook the winch onto a single D ring, use a three point harness system to put the stress on multiple D rings when you're pulling it out of the water. Also, make sure ya deflate it just a tad if you're gonna stow it in a hot place or it's sitting in the sun. That puppy will pop.

Let's float sometime.

J

[oyster]

Thanks for the great advice James. I'm always up for it if you want to float in company.

Bill O.


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www.oysterbamboo.com

[leadoverdistance]

Alright , One weekend and two days. no pics. Don't leave us hanging Bill!
The other thing important about a raft is transport...... Don't let anything rub, or it will make a lasting impression on your boat!

Cheers

Paul

[oyster]

Paul,

Would you believe I haven't had a single chance to get the thing wet. It's amazing how little fishing time there is for those in the fishing industry! Strangely, nobody wants to hear me complain.:rolleyes: Oh well, soon...very soon.

Bill


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com