Looking down the length of the Upper Deck

River King frames each have a pair of Upper Decks providing lots of flat work surface or stowage surface for gear boxes, etc. - in addition to the large Lower Decks. You can sit or stand on the Upper Decks as well.

The Upper Decks are configured with 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 inch long Upper Deck Plates - by the width of the Upper Decks (14.5 inches) . These Upper Deck Plates composed of .25 inch thick King Starboard^tm slide onto the pair of structural aluminum T-beams (spars) that lie under each edge of the Upper Decks - along with a selection of long and short cross braces - to configure a frame for your specific needs.

The Upper Decks include utility holes along both the inboard and outboard edges - these can be used for positioning items like anchor cleats and pulleys or for tying down gear right where you want it. In this picture two elastic cords have been fastened to provide a handy hold down for the anchor line, keeping it off the Lower Deck.

To configure a typical River King frame, follow these guidelines:

a) Frames can be any of the following lengths in even foot increments (6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 ft.) but should not be longer than the length of the inflatable hulls less four feet. i.e. A minimum two feet of hull should be exposed at each end of the frame for best stability in rivers. For example the longest recommended frame length for 16 ft hulls would be 12 ft. These are general guidelines that can usually be adjusted for special requirements. (Which often come up.)  Call me to discuss.

b) Either a Short or long Cross Brace should be located at each end of the Upper Decks.

c) A Long Cross Brace should be located either at the end (typical) of the upper deck or within two feet of the end of the Upper Deck.

d) Oarstands should be located near the center of the frame for best rowing performance. (Within a couple of feet.) Oarstands can mount on either a Short or a Long Cross Brace.

e) Frames 6 ort 8 ft. frames only require two Long Cross Braces - one located near each end of the frame. Frames longer than 8 ft should have an additional Long Cross Brace located near the center of the Upper Decks in addition to the two Long Cross Braces, one at each end.

f) You can have as many Short  and Long Cross Braces as you need beyond the minimum number described above. 

* See the picture above. That's an 8 ft frame with two Long Cross Braces and two Short Cross Braces on each Upper Deck - that follows these guidelines.