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Frame clarification
Posted by Michael Strahan on Dec 12 2005
Elk,
What I meant by my claim that ARK's frames are built for Alaska conditions is this. Most of NRS's frames incorporate a yoke system at the bow and stern that is a nightmare to try to put into a small aircraft. Those frames work great for most situations NOT involving airplanes, however the design isn't practical for most fly-out hunts. Additionally, the side rails and drop bars (the four bars that run the length of the frame) are one long piece each; ARK breaks theirs in half and sleeves them so you can get them in the airplane.
The only frame I know of that NRS makes that MIGHT work is their "Retro" frame. Here's the link:
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=1270&deptid=1053
The only problem I see with this frame is the curved drop bars. ARK has dispensed with this idea and gone with straight drop rails, suspended by short bars off the top of the main frame. This makes a tighter package that goes in the airplane much more easily. Having used both types of frames, I say this without hesitation.
Another issue to consider is that the ARK frames are built specifically with transoms in mind. Let them know you'll be running an outboard, and they'll make the frame to fit it. NRS frames are built primarily with whitewater in mind and therefore are not designed for outboards. Having done a lot of R&D work with outboards and catarafts, I'll say that the way the frame is constructed has a lot to do with it's ability to run with an outboard. ARK specializes in this.
So when I speak of a frame being designed specifically for Alaska, I'm not so much referring to performance issues on whitewater, but transport issues and the ability to run an outboard. In both areas the ARK frames are superior.
Regarding boat capacities for your hunt, you didn't mention two boats and hunters in the previous post; the additional info clarifies a lot. If you're used to going ultra-light with gear and food, you'll probably be okay at normal water levels. Without knowing the exact situation you're facing though, it's difficult to say whether it will work or not. You mentioned needing something you can carry. Are you talking about complete disassembly and long portages, or unloading and lining? In the former case you'd be better off with the Ocelot, but in the latter (if it were me) I'd still look at the Jag, if for no other reason than the Jag being more versatile later (I can hunt / fish with two people in a Jag much more comfortably than I can in an Ocelot). But that's just my personal preference.
Still, given the conditions you hint at, here are some considerations:
1. Shallow water. Anticipate having to drag your loaded boat. Depending on the river and water levels, this could mean dragging at the end of every pool for several miles, or even constant dragging / searching for deeper water. This means a lot of downstream channel searching, then wading back to the boat and dragging it to the channel. I cannot over-emphasize how much work this is.
2. Sweepers / strainers. If you're hunting a timbered area and the river is small, anticipate lots of wood in the river. This will probably be unlike anything you've experienced. On Idaho rivers, most of the trash has been cut / cleared out by previous parties. In Alaska you may be the only group on the river, and that responsibility will fall to you. Consider bringing a small chainsaw, and plan on doing lots of downstream scouting if the current is likely to carry you into something. You may find trees completely bridging the river, sometimes just around a blind corner. Unless you excersize due caution, you'll find yourself pinned on or under such obstacles, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. Be careful.
3. Sudden fluctuations in water level. Alaska rivers can change from boat-dragging nightmare shallows to raging, dangerous whitewater overnight. This is particularly true of glacial rivers where on warm days headwater glaciers melt. If you are many miles downstream, you can get hit by a rising surge of meltwater in the middle of the night. It melted in the last half of the day and took until after dark to reach you. Same thing happens with storms that occur well upriver of your location. Always tie your boat off well back from shore, and constantly monitor the water level.
Lots more to say on these issues, but you'll have to wait for the book! :-))
Well, hopefully this helps!
-Mike
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