Setting up a new fly fishing raft is fun. But getting it out on the water is what it’s all about. And to do that, you’ll need a trailer. When completing a new raft setup, getting a proper trailer and an anchor for your boat are often two of those last finishing touches so that you can put it on the water.
At Anglers All, we are proud to be an official Sport Trail trailer dealer. Now, you can stop by The Boathouse in Littleton and leave with a boat that’s fully equipped, on a trailer, and ready for its first trip!
Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right trailer and anchor for your raft…
Sport Trail Raft Trailers
First, we choose Sport Trail because they are dedicated raft trailers, built locally in Loveland, Colorado. With more than three decades building high-quality trailers, they’ve proven themselves to be the highest quality and extremely durable. These trailers have a galvanized steel frame, and each unit comes with a 1600 lbs removable winch, rear roller and fully wired with LED lights. One of the most popular options is the bike rail. Prices range from $4,000 to $4,600.
We asked Boathouse manager, Johnnie Trujillo for the trailer sizes he recommends for certain boat lengths. Here’s what Johnnie suggested:
- 10’ - 12' rafts = 10x6 trailer
- 12' - 14' rafts = 12x7 trailer
- 14' - 16' rafts = 14x7 trailer
“All rafts can hang over the trailer a bit on both bow and stern, but no more than three feet is recommended,” Johnnie added. “Another thing to consider, is if a shuttle bike rail is included, you can pull the boat up over the tongue to accommodate a larger 13-foot raft on 10x6 bike rail for example.”
If you have a new raft, or if you’re considering a new raft trailer, the best thing to do is stop by the Anglers All Boathouse at 5211 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton and chat with our knowledgeable crew. On any given day we have a few of these trailers on site, brand new and ready for you. If you aren’t able to see us in person, please give us a call at 303-794-1104 and we’d be glad to answer any questions.
Raft and Drift Boat Anchors
Anchors are another one of those final components you’ll need to consider before putting your boat on the water. And according to Johnnie, anchor shape is dependent on the type of river bottom you plan to float and fish.
“The anchor you choose will also depend on the style of boat, whether it’s a drift boat or a raft,” Johnnie said. “I always ask anglers if they travel and row their boat in a variety of different waters, or if they usually row a specific river or rivers. If they’re often visiting the same rivers, what kind of river bottom is it? Rocky, sandy, mossy, or a mixture? Next, is the type of water, swift or lazy? Then consider the size and length of the boat that will be anchored.”
Johnnie suggested that Tornado Anchors are the best for all-around use. The swivel style plates allow the anchor to conform to different substrates. They also work well on both rafts and drift boats.
Here’s a quick guide to anchor sizes:
- 14lb. - small single-person crafts like SUPs, frameless, pontoons and the NRS Approach 100
- 18lb. – micro rafts, 10'-11' rafts, and also the NRS Approach 120
- 24lb. - 12' - 13' rafts, lighter drift boats (depending on weight, passengers, and beer)
- 30lb. - 13' – 14’ rafts and heavier drift boats
“Green Anchors have a few shapes, but the weight recommendations are the same as the Tornado,” Johnnie told us. “The Pyramid shaped Green Anchors are good for all-around use on rafts and drift boats for rocky and mossy bottoms.
“The Digger shape is great for rivers that have sandy bottoms where there’s not much to hook-up on,” he added. “However, they’re still great in rocky and mossy conditions. The Spike anchors are best in all conditions. They are a bit bulky on rafts, but ideal for drift boats. The anchor mast usually accommodates the spike better than most raft frames.”
Remember no matter the anchor weight, it is always easier to pull up with a pulley, and to detach before and after your float with a lockable carabiner.
Johnnie says there’s one critical thing about anchors that isn’t talked about enough. And that’s cleaning your anchor between trips.
“If you run a Tornado on the upper Colorado River, and the next day you’re on the Eagle River, be sure to spray and rinse off the anchor to avoid the spread of invasive species,” he added. “Some shapes are a better choice to combat this. For example, a Pyramid anchor doesn’t have nooks and crannies which can hide things from river to river. A Tornado has many hiding places for things to hang out. By giving it a good spray, I’ve had no issues cleaning them out. Along with spraying off your boat, and oars, cleaning your anchor is a must remember to do it between every trip.”
Contact Us With Questions
Let’s get your boat ready for the water! If you’re in the Denver area or along the Front Range, come visit us at the Anglers All Boathouse in Littleton. We’d love to help answer your questions and find what you need for your next float trip. You can also give us a call at 303-794-1104 to chat with our crew.
