[Paddlewise] Skerry Kneebraces

It has been a long time since I was in a Skerry, but I think I remember that
it is a pretty commonplace sea kayak style cockpit.  Many sea kayak cockpits
partly overlap the knee/thigh area, and one could usually wish that thigh
hooks would extend deeper into the opening.  Manufacturers are reluctant to
make really agressive thigh hooks for two reasons: One, many beginners would
be put off by the increased difficulty of exiting and entering the boat, and
buy something else; Two, manufacturers worry about someone failing to exit,
and the heirs sueing.  Consequently I usually make very aggressive thigh hooks
out of 3" minicell foam and cantilever them out into the cockpit.  I like to
glue an additional scrap of foam into the 90 degree angle between the combing
and the protruding brace.  That gives the brace a lot more rigidity and
strength.  It is also possible to overlay the finished brace with fabric for
additional reinforcement, and, if you choose the correct fabric, increased
grip for your leg.  I have a website that discusses and illustrates the
subject, but since I do sell materials through my site, I won't list the
address.  Anyone wishing to find it can contact me privately.





Ken Rasmussen





p.s.  I am not only new to this website, I'm new to chat rooms.  Please let me
know if I've violated any protocols so I can modify my behavior.  Thanks, Ken.





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