Saturn Triton (12'6") Whitewater Raft Starting at $1849.00 (raft only) Estimated Price Including NRS Fishing Frame: $4999.00
"The Saturn Triton combined with the NRS frame was a budget-friendly option that still allowed for my own implementation of custom features."
Initial thoughts
When I first was trying to figure out what raft to purchase, the Flycraft-style raft was appealing to me because of its size, flexibility, and functionality. However, I was looking for something that wasn't going to break the bank. I also wanted something that was far more customizable than a Flycraft.
This raft, the Saturn Triton 12'6" Whitewater Raft, is marketed as a Class IV capable raft. I had received a recommendation from a fly fishing mentor of mine to check out the brand, and I found it to be what I would need. Saturn would be able to work with me to set up an NRS frame that would match the raft, as well.
Physical Specifications
Updated in 2023, this model of raft is 12'6" in length, and it weighs in at approximately 90 pounds.
Other specifications include:
56" width (outside edge to outside edge)
24" width (inside edge to inside edge, across the floor)
2" D-Rings
4 Air Chambers (2.5-3.0 psi)
Firm, removable, inflatable floor (6-10 psi)
Self-bailing
Pre-installed chafing strips in preparation for frame
Leafield D7 valves
NOTE: Other sizes and models of rafts are also available from Saturn.
Functionality
Much of the industry has been focusing on designing a raft that can be lightweight and portable, yet large enough to accommodate anglers and gear. The rafts that fit this niche seem to be Flycraft, Stealthcraft, recently NRS, and Saturn, among some other brands. All of these options are good options for the angler with varying levels of customization and unique quirks and features. While not specifically designed for angling, the Saturn raft was my top choice because it allowed me to customize my own NRS frame for my needs. NRS makes a fishing-specific small raft now, and I’m sure that it is a high-quality option, but the Saturn Triton combined with the NRS frame was a budget-friendly option that still allowed for my own implementation of custom features.
Durability
After two seasons, the raft has some wear on the bottom from dragging on rocks and gravel, but nothing out of the ordinary. I’ve found that with regular cleaning and maintenance, this raft looks very good to this day.
The floor has no leaks to my knowledge after two years and carries some minimal staining from some days where I didn’t clean the dirt and grime out of the bottom of the raft very well, but otherwise, looks good as new.
The D rings and handles have all been strong and show no signs of failure. The seams on the raft all appear to be holding well without any signs of deterioration.
NRS FRAME
When deciding what you want your fishing vessel to look like, Saturn is really good at helping you design whatever NRS frame setup you think will best complement your raft. My frame included three seats, including two swivel seats and a rowers seat, as well as a lean bar, foot bar, and an anchor system. The swivel seats aren't super simple to remove while on the go, so if you're looking for the opportunity to swap out that third seat quickly, you will want to consider a different option.
Modifications
Rod Dog Rod Holder (Montana Raft Frames)
Some fly fishing companies have manufactured some slick rod holders that attach to raft frames, but a staple in the industry is the Rod Dog. I worked directly with the owner of Montana Raft Frames and was able to pick up this rod holder personally from their shop in western Montana, and I was incredibly impressed with their manufacturing shop where they design some really neat products. The Rod Dog has been great, and it is able to fit my NRS frame well. It has the ability to hold rods that are 9' in length (maybe a few inches longer) and 8 weight rods have been about the maximum size allowed to fit in the rod holder.
Cataract KBO Oars (7.5 ft) with Mini Cutthroat Oar Blades This oar setup is smaller and lighter, and while it won't provide the power that is necessary to push a bigger raft around, these oars are a good fit for this raft. The Mini Cutthroat Oar Blades are perfect for shallower water.
I purchased a 24 pound Tornado anchor for this raft. Some people had used an 18 pound anchor for a similar sized vessel, but I called Keith at Tornado Anchors directly and he was helpful in giving me his expertise on what would work best with this setup. The Tornado has been a great fit for this raft.
Cupholders Do some research on cupholders for a baby stroller and see what works best for you. There are quite a few removable options to add to your frame to help keep drinks aboard, and it really comes down to preference and your budget.
I transport the Saturn Triton 12'6" Raft in the bed of my Toyota Tacoma, which has a short (5') bed. While I could probably haul the raft with the tailgate open and no bed extender, it gave me some peace of mind to add a bit of support to the vessel while it was being transported. I added some PVC piping as rollers and that works great. This system allows me to load and unload the raft by myself as needed (though it is not an easy one-man job).
Conclusion
This raft is lightweight, durable, and compact. After fishing in it for the previous two seasons, I've found it to be perfect for fishing in Iowa rivers, which often include some less-than-ideal streamflows and interesting takeouts. Feel free to reach out with any questions about this raft setup or if you're interested in getting out for some guided fly fishing in Iowa.
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