Achilles LSI-365 external frame

[jimandsue60]

Drowned Rat inspired me to create an external frame like river rafts use. I wanted a more comfortable seating system and a way to customize where I want different things mounted. I think this frame will give me places to add brackets, pole holder etc. The high pressure inflatable floor isn't great for add ons.

I received all the pieces parts today from NRS. Assembly was fairly basic. I bought some heavy duty plastic chairs manufactured by Tempress. I did install swivels on both chairs. I will wear my shut off bracelet as I expect I might launch myself I have some flexibility on where I can mount the chairs. I plan on having seating for 4.

I ordered the wrong D-Rings and just strapped the frame to the lifting handles till I install the correct D-Rings. The frame will break down easily by loosening 8 nuts. I will get to try it out this weekend in the Detroit River and Lake St Clair, Mi.

Jim

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Achilles LSI-365 external frame

NRS is the bomb! If I didn't have a aluminum floor I would definitely go this direction. I'm off in two weeks to cataraft and take a group rafting down the Kern. All of our gear is from NRS. They are soooo helpful and you can never go wrong ordering from NRS. I chucked my zodiac paddles and the larger bladed rafting paddles I bought were invaluable in the shallow estuaries we fished in Mexico. Cam straps, wind/sun shirts, booties, frame gear or anything else these guys sell is going to last. Looking forward to more pictures from your next adventure!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Achilles LSI-365 external frame

Great looking frame Jim, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It looks like you got one big enough that you can add on quite a bit before you run out of room. Let us know how it does on your sea trial.

 

[jimandsue60]

Re: Achilles LSI-365 external frame

The frame worked out great. We had it on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair near downtown Detroit this weekend. The seats were very comfortable and the swivel mounts worked out great. I felt very stable. I will be getting another two seats for when we have guests.

Our boat looked tiny tied up to our friends 46' Bertram. We even got to see the red bull air races on the river.

Jim

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Achilles LSI-365 external frame

It's a nice addition to the Bertram.

Did they have the Red Bull helicopter there doing stunts? I've seen some videos of it on youtube. They do some pretty crazy stuff.

 

[jimandsue60]

Re: Achilles LSI-365 external frame

We did not see any helicopter aerobatics, there were some people jumping out of the helicopter to land at the race site.

I decided to move the seat locations to both in the rear. I think it was more comfortable for Susan being seated further aft. We had a great time exploring and relaxing in the Tawas Bay area while staying at Tawas City State Park on Lake Huron Michigan.

Jim

 

[jimandsue60]

Re: Achilles LSI-365 external frame

Our friends took this photo of us trying to commander the 1000 foot freighter Burns Harbor Wow we look small.

Jim