RE: [Paddlewise] Decklines

Hi all...

Peter Treby wrote (in part):

>I use 8mm decklines, which run around the edges of the fore and aft decks,
>but not beside the cockpit.

No reason why decklines should not run past the cockpit if they're properly
secured and tensioned. The deckline can then be one continuous piece, and
if it's removable, it can be used for other tasks in emergencies (e.g.
hauling things up cliffs after forced landings).

>2. a rescuer in a T rescue can reach the deckline on the far side of the
>boat and use that to hold the victim's boat steady during re-entry

I'm not sure where in Aus Peter is, but the terminology used in Aus
Canoeing courses is 'Wedge Rescue' and 'Swimmer-assisted Rescue'. (See
<users.senet.com.au/~pcarter/rescues.html>)

>4. various bungies and straps can be attached to the decklines for attaching
>paddlefloats, spare paddles, hatch tethers, deck bags, kitchen sink etc.

Better to keep the deckline as deckline, and have separate fixtures for the
other things. (As for paddle floats, see the URL above.)

>However, I haven't tried the system you describe. Have you found your
>towline to be too short if towing in swells? I feel that a 15 metre towline
>is about right to avoid the towed boat surfing into the back of the tower.

Agreed. Aus towlines in the past have usually been of ski rope, with shock
cord threaded through to absorb sudden loads, and a snaplink at each end.
Current trend is to use 4 or 5mm line, carried in a small bag with hook and
loop closure, and chain-linked to shorten it. More compact. (There's no
conflict with the 6mm minimum rule here, since the towline is not held by
hand.)


Cheers,
Peter
pcarter_at_acslink.net.au
allegedly <www.acslink.net.au/~pcarter>
temporarily <users.senet.com.au/~pcarter>
34deg 55' 24.1" S 138deg 32' 9.8" E (GDA-94)


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