-----Original Message----- From: dldecker_at_se.mediaone.net <dldecker_at_se.mediaone.net> >At 07:20 PM 8/26/99 EDT, KayakherSC_at_aol.com wrote: >>In a message dated 8/26/1999 6:54:21 PM EDT, boydwe_at_dmci.net writes: >> >><< I admit it -- I use the big black bungees, too. >> >> >>Aha, I knew it! Shawn is not alone! Now future responses can be titled >>Shawn *and* Wes Get Flamed for Using Bungees. Just reading the subject >>heading makes me laugh out loud, and god knows I can always use a good >laugh. >> :) Sandy <still chuckling to herself> > > > If Shawn or anybody else wants to take a chance on losing their kayak by >using bungees then lord help them I think more of my kayak than to take the >chance. They better use bow and stern line cause they going to need them. Many years ago I remember being passed by a kayaker on the freeway, somebody I knew. His Nordkapp was flying several inches above the front rack being held on by only a bungee strap to each bar. When I talked to him about it later he said it had never come off. I told him what had happened to me. About 20 to 25 years ago Yakima used to make some real quality long lasting flat rubber hook straps. I used them and some 3/16" line tied to the bumpers to tie my whitewater kayaks on the rack. The rubber straps worked well to hold them from twisting and the lines to the bumpers were to prevent the rubber straps from having to hold too much force. I still have and use the one that hasn't broken yet. When we built the very first Mariner kayak back in 1981 I tied it on to the Early Winter's van (where it was to be used as a prop on a photo trip to Mono Lake) I tied it down the same way as I had tied on whitewater kayaks for years. Somewhere in California while doing 60 mph into 50 mph headwind gusts the bow line parted. It had been vibrating against a shallow angle bend in the metal of the front hood which had frayed the line. Witnesses riding in the front seat of the van told me the kayak started to bounce up and down held by only the rubber strap to the front rack. The rubber strap either came unhooked or parted and the kayak lifted off taking the back rack (it was cable locked to) with it. It landed on the top front edge of the U-haul trailer full of photo samples and then tumbled off one side to the pavement and was dragged by the stern line while it whipped violently up and down on the pavement as they were trying to stop. Before they could stop the van the stern rope broke and the kayak tumbled down the highway, but not nearly as fast as an approaching Semi-truck. The Semi managed to dodge it, the catalog photos didn't show the scratches and the patch was on the side that was away from the camera. A friend of mine still uses that kayak today. I learned my lesson. Bows and sterns are now tied with at least 1/4" nylon rope. A safety line also goes over the kayak(s) at least on the front bar if I am using bungees. If I am travelling any distance or with a wrapped kayak I also rope or strap down each individual kayak to both racks. With a little practice and the right knots this can be done very quickly. Our paddling manual and owner's manual have more details about transporting and how to tie some good knots for this purpose they can be found at http://www.marinerkayaks.com. Emergency room physicians tell me of lost eyes from bungee hooks slipping loose and snapping back into the victims face. This is probably why Yakima abruptly quit making them. When I stretch them I always make sure my face is well to the side of the line of fire. A few of my customers (who I have done repairs for) have taught me to always tie the bow and stern lines to the car first so if you forget to tie the other end you hear the squealing sound of your tire on the nylon rope (which I have heard) rather than watching your kayaks bow bow down and prostrate itself on the cars hood with a sickening thud as the car's front wheels reel in the line(s). Lines that looked to be in place (from the drivers seat) but had not been tied to the bumper. Thankfully I can learn from others experience. Remember that far more than your kayak is at risk if you blow this. You will be liable for any damage your kayak does following its detachment from your vehicle. Picture yourself rear ending a lawyer's convertible Mercedes and your needle nosed kayak flying forward and skewering her small child who had been lovingly car seated in the back seat. Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Aug 26 1999 - 21:18:15 PDT
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