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I thought i need a little winter project so i bought a 14' used raft & now i need to frame for it. I already have the equipment for making a nice steel or aluminum frame for rowing.
I was wondering what the best tube diameter for the frame is coz i plan on building something where a passenger & i will sit on the aluminum tube on a mounted seat.
Plus, what did u do for the corners? And again, if u are to build ur own raft frame, what features or accessories would u add or put out? Rod holder, tie downs, coolers, or less weight? Anything?
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u may want to check the hollaender fittings. they come in different types & angles. the only disadvantage they bring is that they tend to rattle a little more than the NRS fittings.
it's fine to sit in the coolers as long as you suspend them from the frame. u may know that already but others set the cooler on the floor & just go with that. so, suspend the cooler & u'l be fine.
there may also be inflatable thwarts or those seats in your post. i removed mine & instead i placed some of my gear & coolers in their places. however, if they're not removable, just deflate them & place the cooler there.
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the outside diameter of the one i have is close to 1.9". right now, i am doing a rigid frame that wont break down easily. that's why for the corners, il let the side frame tubing to extend for, like, 1" beyond the cross bars. and i'l also let the seat bar mount in the rear area & cooler at the front. id also like 2 place a foot bar behind the cooler.
for u, i suggest u use a rectangular tubing w/ overlapping sizes. it's also a nice idea to mount a dry box under the rower's seat. but make sure ul get a box that u can properly size.
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Wow! as far as positioning the coolers & boxes.. My raft has 2 inflatable seats. So where do u think should i place the coolers? In front, behind? or on top of the seats? But i honestly like the idea of sitting on the coolers.
Also, how tall would you like the oar locks if you would sit on the cooler? And how far would you position them in front of your seat? 
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This applies to all.
First, note that there are 2 key measurements for the frame, the flat length & the center to center. Calculate the latter by taking the width or the outer dimension of your raft. After that, subtract the diameter of one tube, the main one.
Your frame must be wider than your boat's center to center measurement. Because that will prevent the frame from falling into your boat
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