The design I had in the above photos has held up quite well as it still looks the same as when I made it. Not sure I mentioned before, but when I am trailering it a distance, I simply open the velcro flaps and remove the material off the frame leaving the frame in place. I had worried some that the supports were going to hold up, but now find myself actually grabbing the fore & aft sides when I board the boat. No, I don't put a lot of pressure on the sides but it makes it easier for my tall body to get aboard some times. And if anything ever did bend or break it would be quite simple to repair.
Cheers Pete greatcir