[Paddlewise] Locking a kayak to roof racks

Here's another option:  Put a stainless steel D-ring on the deck of your boat,
right behind the cockpit and on or right next to the center line of the boat.
It serves a double purpose for me:  1)  security, I run a cable through the
d-ring and around the boat (I also use the plastic-covered, long wire rope
purchased at a hardware store + a lock)  2)  towing.  I am one of those folks
who abhors the idea of towing from a life jacket/waist ring.  The D-ring can
be easily reached by me from the cockpit, so that I can release a towing line
if needed.  This towing rig has a high-tech plastic snap shackle, 18" of
marine, fairly heavy duty bungie cord, then plastic floating line to the end
loop of the boat.  Also has a plastic, easy-release buckle there at the stern.
Gives me a quick-deploying tow system, and the option of adding a long tow
rope to that if needed in heavy seas.





It was painful for me to drill the holes to mount the D-ring (using stainless
steel nuts and bolts), but I also had to drill in front of me on the deck for
under-deck storage clips and water pump, and I note many holes already there
for deck lines - but it all works.





Natalie








Natalie Wiest


Houston TX





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