[Paddlewise] Trailers / Bow Lines

I posted this once before, but can't resist joining the throng:

I carry a 21' tandem on a Hyunday Elantra with no bow or stern lines
with not concerns for it coming off at Interstate speeds.  How-

1)  The Elantra is a wagon, with factory side rails, to which to clamp
the Thule system.  I bet the whole shebang that flew off that one car
was a door frame clamp on model.

2)  I use Thule saddles, only.  No pads, no Yakima hully rolles - the
saddles, properly spaced, are key.

3)  A good tight tie-down with good straps and the end of the strap tied
off for secondary security it doesn't come loose.  The strap is looped
around the bar on each side of the boat outside the saddle - I do not
use the slot in the saddle.

My point is not that bow and stern lines are a bad thing, but alternate
arrangements can be safe.  My 18' single is rock solid in the saddles
(doesn't even waver) and the tandem only moves slightly in the toughest
conditions (strong cross-wind gust, tractor-trailor flying by too close,
crossing a big bridge in wind).

Regards,
Ellis


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