[Paddlewise] Nylon straps, was Roof Racks

Sorry I messed this one up before. :-((

Here is another point on nylon straps.
Not all straps are created equal. 
There is the thin, flat strap that is very easy to use and works well in
plastic
buckles. This stuff is fine for fanny pack straps but I consider it
marginal
at best for securing kayaks.

There is the tubular nylon strap. Tube nylon is very soft and easy to
handle
but is also very easy to chafe through. This is fair for securing kayaks
as long as you are very carefull to make certain that it cannot rub on
anything.

Then there are various grades of thick, heavy nylon strap, type 18
parachute
bridle is one that is excellent. It is far stronger than needed for the
job
of securing kayaks giving a very good safety margin to allow for wear and
UV degradation. It is also the most chafe resistant of all nylon lines.

Remember, any line or mechanical connection can break, sometimes without
any
warning.
My idea is to secure the boat(s) so that no one and preferably no two
failures
will result in the loss of the boat.

michael

johnlebl_at_aol.com wrote:

> Back to rof racks.  Nylon straps are strong, but are not nearly as abrasion
> resistant as other material.  The least little thing will wear right through
> them.  A point well made in another post.

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