Our trailer...
Community and industry supporting the project.
The need - WKU has a WaterMaster Bruin raft designed for fly-fishing. It is a versatile tool, but I found it was challenging to transport with the vehicles I had access to use. To increase our ability to use the raft and get more people on the water, I went looking for a raft trailer.
Purpose-built raft trailer - After extensive research, I concluded that one of the best raft trailers available was made by Leo at Montana Raft Frames outside of Missoula, MT. Via our WKU Fly FIshing Montana program, I've seen a lot of gear used by professional guides. The gear they choose has to hold up day in and day out in challenging conditions. Leo's raft trailers were purpose built for these demanding conditions. While I would have preferred to purchase a trailer from Leo, I found that the shipping charges to get a Montana Raft Frame raft trailer across the county would put us over budget. What to do...?
Modify a trailer - I decided that an alternative option would be to find a used trailer locally and have it modified to meet our needs. We ended finding a used, double personal watercraft trailer built by Yacht Club. After removing the bunks and extra PWC-related parts, the next step was sourcing some steel and fabrication work to modify the trailer.
Warren County Area Technology Center - A colleague in the WKU Engineering Technology Manufacturing program told me about the Warren County Area Technology Center and the training opportunities they provide local high school students. I contacted Rex Cundiff, the welding instructor, about our raft trailer project and asked whether he and his students could lend us a hand. He agreed to help us with the welding/fabrication portion.
Castlen Steel - We were able to get the steel tubing we needed to reinforce the trailer frame from Castlen Steel. They were great to work with and went out of their way to help us; they even delivered to the WCATC.
Clayton M. & Logan T. (SWHS class of '24)
Brandy K. (BGHS class of '24)
Aiden S. (BGHS class of '25) & Diego L. (WEHS class of '24)
Masters' Supply, Inc. provided the properly spec'd galvanized pipe for the roller bar assembly which will help get the raft on/off the trailer.
With the frame reinforcement completed, and while it was still in the shop, I contacted Castlen Steel and the WCATC to see if fabricating a removable, modular, two-tiered rack system was a possibility. This system would provide additional versatility to carry one or two levels of canoes, kayaks, etc. in addition to the raft. Both organizations were on board with helping us do this. WCATC completed the fabrication work after Castlen Steel delivered the steel tubing.
Rex Cundiff's concern for his students and their learning was evident throughout my interactions. He wanted them to be successful now and in the future, "As an instructor, I focus on equipping my students for their futures. As a trades person, I fully believe that work ethic, personal character, and attention to details are the key to professional success, no matter the vocation."
When the WCATC fabrication work was done, the fine folks at Final Finish in Morgantown provided the 'new' trailer a great paint job.
The next step was to determine what decking to install. This would serve as the resting surface for the raft. It needed to be solid, durable, resistant to water, and slick enough for the raft to slide on/off of the trailer. There are several options being used in the industry, all with disadvantages and disadvantages.
The team at DIXIEPLY Nashville told me about a PVC sheet material from VERSATEX Building Prodcuts. Working together, VERSATEX Building Products, DIXIEPLY Nashville, and Benthall Brothers, Inc. - Bowling Green provided us with two sheets of 3/4" 4' x 12' PVC.
Raymond Poff, WKU (left) Michael Moore, Benthall Brothers (right)
Uncut sheets delivered.
Ripping 12' sheets
Ripped to width
Cut, routed, and mostly attached to the frame. Still need to add additional fasteners.
This has been a pretty slow moving project that I work into my schedule when I can. It's getting close to completion. Here are three key steps left:
1) Finish fastening the VERSATEX sheets to the trailer frame. It is probably fine as it it, but I'd rather take some extra time now and not have to fix it later.
2) Mount the BoatBuckles. IMMI, a safety product company, manufactures a retractable strap and hook system widely used in the boating industry. Many fly-fishing guides use these to secure their drift boats or rafts on trailers.
3) Rewire the trailer and install new lights. While researching best practices for boat trailer wiring, I found many positive comments about Greg's Marine Wire Supply company. They were very helpful when I contacted them and got us set up with the materials we need. We'll be using tinned marine primary wire, heat shrink pre-insulated adhesive butt connectors and dual-wall adhesive heat shrink to cover the connectors.
This past fall WKU was awarded a grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Outdoor Fund. This money is to help us finish our trailer project, improve the outfitting of our rafts, and acquire additional equipment. We'll post more about this grant in the future elsewhere on our site. We're appreciative of the support and look forward to doing good things with their investment in our program.
