SECURING YOUR GEAR
D-Rings are the key to keeping all your rafting gear with your boat. Specialized components like frames, oars, paddles, coolers, seats and other gear meant to keep your boat organized, are all kept in place with D-Rings.
Consequently, inflatables boats require strong but flexible tiedown points that won't puncture or stress the craft during tense moments.
SOTAR allows you to modify the style, and customize the placement of your d-rings to suit your unique needs. Whether you need special placements for specific frames or gear loads, running a rescue craft, or you just need some extra points for a winch system, we have you covered.
THREE SIZES OF DURABLE
STAINLESS STEEL D-RINGS
TWO INCHES
Available in our handle d-rings, optional d-rings, and 2" oval d-rings.
ONE AND A HALF INCHES
Available only in our 1.5" oval d-rings.
ONE INCH
Available only in our accessory d-rings.
WHATS HOLDING IT DOWN?
If everythig is held in the boat via D-rings, what is keeping the D-Ring on the boat? The D-Ring is held in place via the dual strength of the "Backing" and the "Patch" welded onto the tube panels.
THE PATCH
A D-Ring patch is a large piece of boat material that is welded to the raft body and secures the additional components of the rigging point: the backing and corresponding D-Ring. The color of this material can be customized.
THE BACKING
This is a thick collection of several layers of material used to secure straight part of the D-Ring to the Patch and the raft body. The color of this material can be customized.
D- RINGS
HANDLE D-RING
Handle D-Rings are a great way to incorporate carrying your boat and rigging your boat all into one piece of hardware. This helps keep your hardware sleek and localized to one location without having individual handles and D-rings all over your boat and adding more weight.
FEATURES
- Work as both a carry handle and a tie-down point
- Keep your raft setup clean and organized
- Reduce weight by combining two pieces into one
- Uses a tough 2" D-ring for secure gear attachment
OPTIONAL D-RING
These rings are typically placed on the outer bow and stern corners of rafts and the side panels of catarafts. Each features a heavy-duty 2” ring designed to handle high-stress situations like a pin or flip. These standard locations are ideal for securing gear bags, covers, and work as additional tie-downs.
FEATURES
- Built to hold up during a pin or flip
- Standard placement is ideal for securing gear bags or covers.
- Use strong 2” rings for heavier loads
OVAL D-RING
With two sizes available, these come standard on the external parameter of all of our smaller rafts and on the inner panels of the catarafts. They are often added as extra rigging points or used in place of larger D-ring hardware to reduce weight
FEATURES
- Used instead of trapezoidal Optional D-Rings on smaller rafts
- Necessary for custom rigging setups that require more secure tie down points
- Two sizes available: 2 Inch and 1 ½ Inch D-rings
ACCESSORY D-RING
Offering rigging points for lighter gear loads on our Kayaks, these are also installed in standard raft models for securing buckle thwarts. You have the option to omit these internal d-rings if you would rather have Lace-in Thwarts, or no thwarts at all.
FEATURES
- Provide tie-down points for light gear
- Installed on standard raft models to secure buckle thwarts
- Optional if using Lace-in Thwarts or no thwarts at all.
- Uses compact 1 inch D-Ring
HANDLE
Handles can be installed in additional locations to provide more secure and convenient grab points when carrying your boat, launching, or climbing back in from the water.
FEATURES
- Provides a reliable grip point for carrying, launching, or reboarding your raft
- Can be installed in multiple locations for added convenience and accessibility
CUSTOM COLORS
We offer 16 colors for patch and backing used to apply each of your D-Rings, an great way to add some highlights and flare to your inflatable.
RED
Snap up attention with this boisterous cherry red that radiates energy and power.
ORANGE
Campfire orange inspires adventurous declarations that makes you impossible to miss.
YELLOW
A classic sunrise yellow brings a old fashion splash of brightness and warmth.
LIME GREEN
Neon green bursts with electric energy, lighting up river with its brilliant glow. *Only available for the Merlin Series Boats and Rogue Rafts.
LIGHT GREEN
Versatile and robust, this green offers a traditional military aesthetic with timeless a appeal.
DARK GREEN
Capturing the depth of the evergreen wilderness, this earthy tone blends perfectly with nature.
LIGHT BLUE
A classic sky blue calls for a calm and refreshing vibe while keeping a sleek and standout look.
DARK BLUE
A deep naval blue exudes strength, superiority and commands respect.
TEAL
These rich and vibrant hues are as cool and refreshing a ocean breeze.
GREY
Light foggy grey offers a sleek and clean look, perfect for a minimalist raft design.
WHITE
A pitch-bright white delivers a clean, crisp look that's striking in it's simplicity.
BLACK
Midnight black represents stealth and mystery but with power, definition and force.
We know things can get confusing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I put a D-Ring patch on a seam?
It is not recommended.
Are the 1” Accessory D-Rings ok with heavier loads?
- Not in the case of an emergency. While they are bar-welded on they are still single-backed, not giving them as much pull strength as our other hardware options.
What are some examples of hardware/d-ring additions?
- <ON RAFT> HDRs (Handle D-ring) - installed outside center straight sections in between existing Handle D-Rings for carrying.
- <ON RAFT> OPT-Ds (Optional D-Rings) - installed outside center straight sections in between existing Handle D-Rings for certain frame/two piece frames or perimeter line.
- <ON RAFT> Vertical OV-D (Vertical Oval D-Rings) – - Installed Inside Bow & Stern ‘E’ & ‘B’ Panels @ 3 o’clock position for rigging internally.
<ON CATARAFT OR INFLATABLE KAYAKS> - Hardware additions are not common, but sometimes customers replace the Optional D-Rings with Handle D-Rings on larger cataraft models
CUSTOMIZATIONS
Discover what fits you.
DESIGN MODIFICATIONS
Together we can tailor the size and shape of your boat to perfectly suit your unique water or cargo requirements.
HANDLES & D-RINGS
Modify the placement and quantity of D-rings and handles to expand functionality and meet your specific needs.
LOGOS & GRAPHICS
Showcase your graphic designs prominently on the side of your boat for a personalized and professional touch.
CUSTOMIZED COLORS
Get a unique color scheme, including tubes, floors, thwarts and highlights to match your style or branding.
TOP CHAFE
Improve comfort, stability and protection with custom top chafe strips, offering extra grip for seating areas.
BOTTOM WRAP/CHAFE
Toughen up with a bottom wrap that sheilds your boat from rugged rapids and shallow water.
THWARTS
Secure seating positions and organization by modifying thwart placement or size to keep your paddlers comfortable during calm and wild rides.
VALVE PLACEMENT
Custom valve placement on your inflatable allows for optimized inflation, deflation, and accessibility based on specific user needs.
FOOT CUPS
Get more leverage for stronger paddle and keep paddlers balanced, by installing foot cups that anchor your feet securely in place.