building a Loon nesting raft

1/2/2012

Higgins marine metals is proud to announce the recent project of a loon nesting raft to help loons successfully raise their young. This raft was developed by Mantrap Lake Association of Minnesota.

This is the completed version by Higgins Marine Metals llc, before the wood base is installed. Pics to follow after ice out and raft is launched.

8 Comments

Carol and Bob Nelden

3/26/2012 02:22:45 am

Will your rafts be for sale?

Brant Higgins

3/26/2012 07:31:36 am

I had a customer contact me to build this one. They are built upon request. If your interested in one send me an e-mail and I would be happy to give you the details.

carol nelden

3/26/2012 08:34:16 am

Thanks for replying. Just a few questions. This will be our first attempt to launch a loon raft. I have seen just a couple from locals who do this and theirs are more primitive but work well. I like the style of yours because it inhibits larger fowl from landing on it. Is it too heavy for two people to carry when a floor is added? Can mud and plants still be planted on it? What is the price? Thanks, Carol

Brant Higgins

3/26/2012 10:54:25 am

They are easily handled by 2 people. Somewhere @ 100 lbs. if that. I have not weighed a completed raft. Not sure if you checked out the original designers site but the nest building tips are very useful. http://mantraplake.webs.com/loonnestingrafts.htm

The more mud and grasses the better. It won't hurt it at all.

This is a long term solution to wooden rafts that need to be rebuilt every 5 years or so. This can disrupt the comfort level the loons have gained. However, they are not cheap to build. Aluminum is fairly expensive these days and the degree of difficulty to weld this together drives the cost to $800.00. When you see one in person you can appreciate the craftsmanship and well thought design of this raft.
Brant

Bill Karnes

9/11/2023 09:07:07 am

Hi, I am very interested in one of these platforms. Any idea how much they would cost? Our association has two platforms and we are constantly fixing and rebuilding them. It would be wonderful to have a long term solution.

CFNM Stories link

7/18/2012 12:54:32 pm

I love this blog layout, where can I download it?

eff shield expanded metal link

10/13/2013 07:24:24 pm

You have selected quality construction of metal

Make Wraps link

5/27/2023 03:35:35 pm

This is a greeat blog

building a Loon nesting raft

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