RMR 1-Bay Frame with Low-Back Seat for PhatCat and Thundercloud
RMR 1-Bay Frame: Turn Your PhatCat or ThunderCloud Into a Compact Rowing Rig
The RMR 1-Bay Frame adds a dedicated rowing position to the PhatCat, ThunderCloud, and similarly sized paddle cats without turning a small, nimble boat into an oversized rig.
Built in Fayette County, West Virginia, the 50" × 34" frame uses 1¼" Schedule 40 6063-T6 anodized aluminum with Hollaender Speed-Rail fittings. An adjustable kick bar, adjustable RMR oar towers, and waterproof low-back tractor seat let you dial in a comfortable rowing position for your boat and body.
Best for: PhatCat and ThunderCloud owners who want a compact rowing setup for day trips, flat water, whitewater, or self-supported overnight trips.
Why You’ll Love the RMR 1-Bay Frame
- Designed as a compact rowing frame for the RMR PhatCat and ThunderCloud
- 50" wide × 34" long
- 1¼" Schedule 40 6063-T6 anodized aluminum construction
- Hollaender Speed-Rail fittings
- Includes RMR custom oar towers
- Includes an adjustable kick bar
- Includes a waterproof low-back tractor seat
- Oar towers and kick bar adjust to help customize your rowing position
- Fits most 12'–13' paddle cats
- Made in the USA
- Built in Fayette County, West Virginia
Built Around the Rower
Adjustable Rowing Position
The kick bar and oar towers can be repositioned to help dial in your rowing geometry instead of locking every rower into the same setup. Adjust the frame around your height, reach, seating position, and boat before heading to the river.
Low-Back Tractor Seat
A waterproof, padded low-back tractor seat provides a dedicated rowing position while keeping the overall frame compact. The low-back design supports the rower without adding the bulk of a larger seat system.
RMR Custom Oar Towers
RMR's custom oar towers are included with the frame and can be adjusted as part of your rowing setup. Oar locks are sold separately.
Compact 1-Bay Layout
At 50" wide and 34" long, this frame is designed to add rowing control without covering the entire cockpit of a small paddle cat. That makes it well suited to compact boats where keeping the overall rig manageable matters.
Frame Construction
6063-T6 Anodized Aluminum
The frame is constructed from 1¼" Schedule 40 6063-T6 anodized aluminum. The T6 designation indicates the aluminum has been heat treated, while the anodized exterior creates a hard surface layer that helps resist corrosion.
Hollaender Speed-Rail Fittings
RMR uses Hollaender Speed-Rail fittings at adjustable frame connections. These fittings provide strong, corrosion-resistant connections while allowing components such as the kick bar and rowing position to be adjusted without permanently welding them in place.
Made in West Virginia
RMR frames are built in Fayette County, West Virginia by people who design and build rowing systems specifically for inflatable river boats.
Boat Compatibility & Oar Recommendations
RMR PhatCat
The 1-Bay Frame is designed for the RMR PhatCat. RMR recommends approximately 8'6" oars for the PhatCat setup.
RMR ThunderCloud
The frame is also designed for the RMR ThunderCloud. RMR recommends 8' oars for the ThunderCloud setup.
Other Paddle Cats
RMR lists the frame as fitting most 12'–13' paddle cats. Boat length alone does not guarantee fit, so compare your boat's tube spacing, frame contact area, and overall dimensions before ordering for a non-RMR boat.
Note: Oar length can also be affected by rowing geometry and personal preference. RMR's 8' ThunderCloud and 8'6" PhatCat recommendations are the starting points for those specific boats.
What’s Included?
Included with the RMR 1-Bay Frame:
- 1-Bay aluminum frame
- RMR custom oar towers
- Adjustable kick bar
- Waterproof low-back tractor seat
- Hollaender Speed-Rail fittings used in the frame assembly
Not included:
- Raft or paddle cat
- Oars
- Oar locks
- Cam straps
RMR recommends four 4' cam straps for attaching the frame to the boat. Cam straps and oar locks are sold separately.
Product Specifications
| Frame Type | 1-Bay rowing frame with low-back seat |
|---|---|
| Width | 50" |
| Length | 34" |
| Frame Tubing | 1¼" Schedule 40 6063-T6 anodized aluminum |
| Fittings | Hollaender Speed-Rail fittings |
| Seat | Waterproof low-back tractor seat |
| Oar Towers | RMR custom adjustable oar towers included |
| Kick Bar | Adjustable kick bar included |
| Primary RMR Compatibility | PC-120 PhatCat and SB-95 ThunderCloud |
| Other Compatibility | RMR lists compatibility with most 12'–13' paddle cats; confirm dimensions before use with non-RMR boats |
| Recommended ThunderCloud Oar Length | 8' |
| Recommended PhatCat Oar Length | 8'6" |
| Recommended Frame Straps | Four 4' cam straps, sold separately |
| Country of Manufacture | USA |
| Frame Build Location | Fayette County, West Virginia |
Assembly Guide
Use RMR's assembly guide to set up the 1-Bay Frame and establish the initial position of the seat, kick bar, and rowing components. Final adjustments can then be made around the rower and boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What boats does this frame fit?
The frame is designed around the RMR PhatCat and ThunderCloud. RMR also lists it as fitting most 12'–13' paddle cats. For boats from another manufacturer, compare the actual boat and frame dimensions rather than relying on overall boat length alone.
Does it fit the RMR PhatCat?
Yes. The PhatCat is one of the primary boats this frame was designed to fit.
Does it fit the RMR ThunderCloud?
Yes. The 1-Bay Frame is also designed for the RMR ThunderCloud.
Can I use it on another brand of paddle cat?
Potentially. RMR lists compatibility with most 12'–13' paddle cats, but boats from different manufacturers can have different tube spacing and usable frame areas. Confirm the relevant dimensions before purchasing.
What is a 1-bay frame?
A 1-bay frame uses a compact layout centered around the rower's seating and rowing position rather than dividing the boat into several large cargo or passenger bays. This keeps the frame appropriately sized for compact paddle cats such as the PhatCat and ThunderCloud.
What comes with the frame?
The frame includes RMR custom oar towers, an adjustable kick bar, a waterproof low-back tractor seat, and the fittings used in the frame assembly.
Are oars included?
No. Oars are sold separately.
What length oars should I use on the ThunderCloud?
RMR recommends 8' oars for the ThunderCloud with this frame.
What length oars should I use on the PhatCat?
RMR recommends 8'6" oars for the PhatCat with this frame.
Are oar locks included?
No. Oar locks are sold separately.
Are the oar towers included?
Yes. RMR custom oar towers are included with the frame.
Can I adjust the oar towers?
Yes. The oar towers are adjustable so the rowing position can be tuned to the rower and boat setup.
Is the kick bar adjustable?
Yes. The kick bar can be repositioned to help accommodate different rower heights and rowing positions.
Are frame straps included?
No. Cam straps are sold separately. RMR recommends four 4' cam straps for securing this frame to the boat.
Is the seat included?
Yes. A waterproof, padded low-back tractor seat is included.
What is the frame made from?
The frame uses 1¼" Schedule 40 6063-T6 anodized aluminum with Hollaender Speed-Rail fittings.
Why does RMR use anodized aluminum?
Anodizing creates a hard exterior layer on the aluminum that helps resist corrosion, an important consideration for equipment regularly exposed to water and outdoor conditions.
How large is the frame?
The assembled frame measures 50" wide by 34" long.
Where is the frame made?
The frame is made in the USA and built in Fayette County, West Virginia.
Is this only for whitewater?
No. RMR describes the 1-Bay Frame as suitable for whitewater, flat water, and self-supported overnight use. Choose water appropriate for your boat, rowing experience, loading, and current conditions.
Can I take it on overnight trips?
Yes. RMR specifically lists self-supported overnighters among the intended uses. Because this is a compact 1-bay setup, available cargo space will depend on the boat and the rest of your rigging.
Can I add more cargo capacity to a PhatCat setup?
RMR also offers a separate PhatCat trailer frame for owners who want additional frame space behind the primary rowing frame.
Do I need tools to assemble and adjust the frame?
Follow the RMR assembly guide above for the correct assembly and adjustment process. Recheck all frame connections and attachment straps before putting the boat on the water.
SHIPPING
At this time, RM Rafts, LLC ships merchandise only to locations within the continental United States. The risk of loss and title for all merchandise ordered on this website pass to you when the merchandise is delivered to the shipping carrier. RM Rafts, LLC will select the most cost-effective shipping carrier at the time of purchase; you will be notified via email regarding the carrier and be provided with a tracking number and delivery instructions if applicable. All shipping prices are flat fees listed for deliveries within the Continental US only and will ship FOB Oak Hill, WV. Shipping and transit days are business days only, Monday through Friday. Depending on geographic location, most customers can expect their order in 4-7 business days. Local pickup is available in Oak Hill, WV by appointment only. Please contact sales@rockymountainrafts.com to arrange a local pickup. Payment in advance is required.
RETURNS POLICY
At RM Rafts LLC, we pride ourselves on providing you with a quality product. If upon receiving and inspecting your item you decide that you want to return it, you have 14 days from the date the shipment arrives to return it for a refund minus the shipping cost. Any additional fees associated with the purchase transaction will be deducted from amount of the refund. No refund for used or worn merchandise. Refunds and canceled orders will be issued via company check for amounts over $300. Please allow 7 – 14 days for delivery. Customers are responsible for charges associated with shipping of their orders. If you cancel your order after it has been shipped out, the appropriate amount will be deducted from the refund total to cover shipping charges. All returns should be shipped to: RM Rafts, LLC 2017 Main Street E Oak Hill, WV 25901 and must be accompanied by a Return Authorization number. For an RA#, please contact sales@rockymountainrafts.com.:
Please read carefully for conditions of refund:
IMPORTANT: Returned item should be unused, in the same box, and in exactly the same condition as you received it.
- Carefully unseal the shipping box by removing packing tape from front. Do not rip or damage shipping box.
- Please take a quick note how items are arranged in the box, and how the boat has been folded. You might need it in the event you decide to pack everything back in for a return.
- Unfold the raft on a clean surface, free of debris, sand or water. The use of a tarp or plastic is recommended.
- Inflate item for inspection. Do not throw away ANY items associated with shipping. Product must be returned in its original box.
- Carefully inspect the item and make sure you are happy with your purchase.
