Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle Float Rigging and Day Hatches

Evan Easton wrote:

> What do you do when you've got a boat that you just love, but it has a day
> hatch and the deck fittings aren't layed out to support paddle float rescue
> rigging?  I'm ordering a Romany Explorer, and I'd like to get that added
> level of safety that comes with the paddle-float rigging.  The boat has a
> day hatch and the stock rear-deck rigging is setup for storing a spare
> paddle.  There are no bungies that could support a paddle in a rescue.

Rather than going with a conventional criss-cross bungie arrangement
for self rescue, you might consider an alternative rigging to avoid
interference with the day hatch cover.  One that comes to mind uses
a couple of  T cleats and a couple of jam cleats.  A line loops over the
paddle shaft (rather than the blade) and engages the cleats.  Impossible
to describe without a picture - and easier to understand if it's actually
demonstrated.

Advantages are that it takes up less deck real-estate.  Disadvantages are
that there are fiddly bits on the deck to catch on, it uses the shaft instead
of the blade - hence you have less leverage, and probably others.

I wish I could give you a url to a picture but I can't find one.  However, if
you look at page 54 of the Oct 99 issue of Sea Kayaker, there's a photo
(article by our own Doug Lloyd).

Mike

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