Hi I just purchased a Capella (poly) which has nowhere to properly attach a paddle for a paddle float rescue, if I were so inclined. I want to make some mods, so there are a few questions I have - if anyone can help, TIA! 1. Can I drill holes (small) in poly, and attach bolts/rivets (using backing blocks) without hurting the integrity of the hull? 2. For a paddle float attachment, I would like to attach (on each side) two strips of webbing with a pull lock to lengthen/shorten to hold the paddle. Like the cam lock on a roof rack strap, but salt water resistant. Anyone know of sources of supplies for webbing and various lock/quick lock type pieces? I cannot find anything on the net, or at a local sporting goods store. any ideas? 3. I want to add some kind of straps inside the hull to hold things down (floatation/ballast/straps to hold camera bag under the front deck/etc. How should I attach these? Is there any glue I can use on poly, esp if it's not a safety issue (e.g floatation)??? 4. Where can I find a source of plain Bungee cord to use for redoing my deck fittings? Home depot doesn't have any narrow enough or long enough. I guess that's all for now. Thanks for any help on these issues... - Richard Kleim (Tampa) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hey, just my quick input on retrofitting your new capella for a paddlefloat park. I have 2 different options than drilling. I have always practiced my paddlefloat rescue without using the designated bungee paddle park apparatus. I simply hold the paddle in place with the same hand that grips the cockpit coaming. For example, Approaching the boat from a swimming position on the right side. The inflated paddle is on my left. In my left hand I grip the paddle with my fingers and the coaming with my thumb. I swim up, over the back deck - making sure the paddle/float is secure and remains perpendicular to the boat with my weight on it. Then I simply finish off the reentry and sit down. My other paddle float rescue without the float involves a stirrup loop. Great for people who need a little more assistance. And pretty much immobilizes the paddle. Big note, I keep the unattached paddle really close when I reattach the skirt. These are both fairly simple exercise that I have practiced in pool, flat wide rivers and on the lake in really crappy weather. I figure that practicing in all conditions with as little help as possible - when I REALLY need that paddle float park, it will be there. I usually do not use any of these rescues for anything other than practice for when I might miss a roll. With the majority of the boats I paddle, I swim up onto the back deck, straddle, keeping center of gravity low and slide in. This can be practiced in most fair conditions. Practice makes perfect. Phil Huck huck_at_mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu thekayaker_at_yahoo.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>From: Richard Kleim <rkleim1_at_tampabay.rr.com> SNIP > >2. For a paddle float attachment, I would like to attach (on each side) two >strips of webbing with a pull lock to lengthen/shorten to hold the paddle. >Like the cam lock on a roof rack strap, but salt water resistant. Anyone >know of sources of supplies for webbing and various lock/quick lock type >pieces? I cannot find anything on the net, or at a local sporting goods >store. any ideas? > SNIP > >- Richard Kleim (Tampa) I'd be leary of using the metal "Ancra" or similar buckles from roof racks - the salt water will quickly corrode or break the small internal springs that provide the grip. If you want to use buckles, I suggest the Fastex two part buckle as used on belts. It allows you to quickly snap the webbing over the paddle shaft, then pull to adjust the tension. Once you're back in the boat, releasing the paddle is, er, a snap (well, two snaps really). An alternative to webbing and buckles which I've used on my boat is Velcro. I took strips of male and female Velcro, sewed them together back to back (that is "inert side to inert side") and attached then as mini-belts, custom cut to the diameter of my paddleshaft, on either side of the rear deck aft of the cockpit. What I like about this system is that it has far less play than webbing or bungi systems, and no buckles that might be hard to operate with cold hands. Philip Torrens N49°16' W123°06' *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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