Cataraft Chronicles Contents

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The following journal is a chronicle of the final test of my six month project to redesign the Kingfisher rowing frame. As you will see, the project was successful. All wood was eliminated from the structure of the frame and replaced with aluminum and/or marine grade polyethylene and several other design features were added. Four areas of use are now possible for the Kingfisher basic design instead of the one main previous use - river flyfishing.

These four areas now include the River King, Harbor King, Whitewater King and Flats King.

The Flats King version is the model with which I did the most thorough testing while the redesign process was underway. This is my journal of that test.

The Cataraft Chronicles, Table of Contents

Click on these links to jump to any chapter.

Chapter 1, Getting Ready . . . . . . Trip preparations, goals, from October '98 through March '98.
Chapter 2, On the Road . . . . . . The drive from Sandpoint, Idaho to the Florida Gulf coast.
Chapter 3, South Florida . . . . . . First sea trials reveal areas for improvement.
Chapter 4, A New Lower Deck . . . . . . .Major changes in the lower deck, this is hard work.
Chapter 5, Sea Trials at Hobe Sound . . . . . . . But it was worth it, now the boat performs.
Chapter 6-1, The Everglades Part 1 . . . . . . The first real fishing test.
Chapter 6-2, The Everglades Part 2 . . . . . . . More testing in Florida Bay, somebody's got to do it.
Chapter 7, The Red Quest . .. . . . . . Florida's panhandle - a redfish haven.
Chapter 8, New Orleans, Bright Fish, Big City . . . . . . . . Seeking the elusive redfish near New Orleans
Chapter 9, Bass Paradise in Texas . . . . . . . The Pettigrew Ranch, what an experience.
Chapter 10, Back to the Gulf Coast . . . . . . Just can't leave this place.
Chapter 11, Gulf Trip / Flats Craft Wrap Up . . . . . Some final thoughts and new directions.

If you have more questions, you can reach us at:

Mail and shipping:

River King Catarafts
Port Ludlow, WA

Telephone: 360.316.1170
Or, send us E-mail: info@cataraft.com