Custom Aluminum Raft Frames: Why Going Custom Is Worth It

At Pintler Products, custom aluminum raft frames are made specifically for each individual’s river needs. Recreating on the river in a raft can take many forms and serve multiple purposes: whitewater, leisure, fishing, multiday adventures, education, and even research. While the idea of rafting can be a simple thought, actually getting your gear together and getting out there can seem daunting, especially once you realize the amount of gear required to do so. One crucial piece of equipment that is needed in order to use oars on your boat is a raft frame. Typically made out of aluminum, your raft frame allows you to mount seats, coolers, dryboxes, accessories, and your form of power—oars. There are a few avenues you can go when choosing a frame, one option is to buy a premade “standard” size raft frame sold by large rafting companies such as NRS or Down river Equipment. Another option is to source pipe and fittings yourself and go the DIY route. The final, and in my biased opinion, best option is to go through a custom frame shop and have one built specifically for you. 

This guide is here to walk you through the undeniable benefits of a custom frame that goes beyond the “big box” style of doing things. 

Is a Custom Frame Right for You?

Custom has a way of feeling out of reach for some people, especially for those that are just entering into a sport. Increased cost, lack of experience, and ease of decision are all reasons it can feel “simpler” to buy something that already exists. The truth is that when you choose custom, you are guided by people that truly know the sport and can help make decisions based on how the frame will be used. As a custom shop, Pintler Products is competitive on pricing and can guarantee that the money you spend will produce a better product that fits your needs, eliminating the potential trial and error of buying the wrong thing.

Improved fit

The fit of your raft frame to your raft is essential to how your boat performs on the water. Companies, such as NRS, manufacture frames that are catered to the boats they produce (NRS, Star, and Aire,) typically with options in 6” increments for width and 3-8” increments in length. Pick too short of a frame, and you don't have the space you need for your gear. Too long, and you end up with excess weight and potential harm to your raft. The width of your frame along with oar tower height will dictate the size of oars you need or are capable of running, which is imperative to your boats performance on the water. By creating a custom frame, we work off of the boat you own (or plan to own) regardless of manufacturer, and will make a frame that optimizes the usable space while ensuring an ergonomic and functional layout.

Seamless integration of accessories

Maybe you're new to the sport and want something simple, or maybe you’re a seasoned river rat that has owned every accessory money can buy. Regardless of your level of experience, a custom frame will ensure that there is a space for everything, either for now or in the future. I work hard to think of every detail when designing a frame. This includes future plans for your frame, current items you need to fit, and the design and install of personalized raft frame accessories. A custom anchor system designed for your frame is going to be smoother and less bulky than an add-on sold by other companies; a rod holder that contours your raft will keep your rods safer and will feel like a part of your frame rather than something you bolted on. Do you need to fit a specific size cooler or dry box? Need a perfect place to drop in some ammo cans? Have a dog that demands their own platform? Want to add a cupholder or guidebox that matches the colors of your raft? These are all things that can be accommodated when you choose to go custom with Pintler Products.

Making it your own 

One of the things I love most about making frames is that, although some designs end up having similar layouts, each frame is made for you as an individual or family. I offer powder coating in almost any color you can think of and have done custom foam in various colors for decking. The beauty of the design and build process is that you are working with someone who is genuinely excited to create something new and personalized. Have an idea for a new style of anchor system or a way to hang your hammock on your raft? I'll do my best to make it happen. The goal by the end of making a frame is for you to feel like you got exactly what you want and for me to be excited to show you the finished product.

Everyone has their own needs when it comes to their raft setup. A standard premade frame from a large company might hold your oars, but it won’t fit your exact gear, the specific needs of you or your family, and your individual style. With Pintler Products custom raft frames, the very first step is getting to know you. 

Built in Montana, for Montana Rivers and Beyond

I'm based in Missoula, Montana — the gateway to some of the West's most iconic river corridors. The Clark Fork, the Blackfoot, the Bitterroot. I float these rivers. I know the conditions, the gear, and what it takes to have a good day out there.

That shows up in every frame I build. When you're designing a setup with someone who's actually run the rivers, the conversation goes somewhere a catalog never could.

I ship accessories nationally and work with custom frame clients across the Mountain West. The shop is small, the wait list is real, and the frames are worth it.

Ready for your custom frame? Every frame starts with a conversation — Contact me today and let's build something made for you.