In a message dated 11/27/1998 10:16:45 AM EST, BDenton_at_aquagulf.com writes: << Problem with foam is that you can't slide the boat. >> That is the whole idea. If you cannot slide it on easily, it cannot slide off easily at 60 MPH. You could cover the foam with slick acrylic carpet and it would slip right on, BUT it would slip right off too. I am a firm believer it a bow line from the boat to bumper on both ends. As a former police officer who investigated thousands of wrecks, try telling a wreck investigating officer that you were a prudent person when in fact your kayak or canoe came flying off your roof and caused a wreck. Even more so if someone is injured. Try telling a jury that. States subscribe to a uniform motor vehicle code. That is why laws are so similar from state to state. They ALL state that loads must be properly secured. The load coming loose and/or off is prima facia evidence that you DID NOT properly secure your load. It is inconceivable to me that anyone would not use ropes from the bow to front bumper. These should be tight, but not so much so that they bend or break the boat. It is simple. If you don't do that adn your load crashes through anothers windshield at 60 MPH, then just be prepared to pay for your negligence, not to mention negligently harming another human being. You might as well shoot them in the face with a shotgun. We professs to be people of a kindler and gentler sport. We have to show that. We have to show that we care to other motorist. Secure your load and that means with more than just the weak link in an expensive roof rack. If a $3.00 piece of nylon rope will do it, then so be it. Just do it! John *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
John's point about the need for bow ropes (what I call the inverted "V" from the bow to either end of the front bumper) is a good one. But please don't forget the stern rope! Just as bow ropes will prevent you from torpedoing the folks behind you, the stern rope can prevent you from hurting folks in front of you at a sudden stop (or the boat itself). I usually use a single stern line from my trailer hitch to the stern of the boat and back again. I also use a trucker's hitch to snugly tie the bow and stern lines. Also, whenever I stop during my highway trip I check the lines. Invariably, the nylon lines have loosened a bit at highway speeds. It takes less than a minute to re-tighten each trucker's hitch. - Scott Johnlebl_at_aol.com wrote: > > It is inconceivable to me that anyone would not use ropes from the bow to front bumper. ... *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Scott Ives wrote: > > Also, whenever I stop during my highway trip I check the lines. > Invariably, the nylon lines have loosened a bit at highway speeds. It > takes less than a minute to re-tighten each trucker's hitch. Nylon stretches badly when wet and will becvome quite slack in rain. I'd suggest polypro or polyester. -- Lloyd Bowles The Mad Canoeist "Keep the open side up!" http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/clearstreets/358/index.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:32:53 PDT