Re: [Paddlewise] Knee Tubes

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_home.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 21:06:47 -0400
From: "Rick Sylvia" <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferginc.com>


> 1.  I'm assuming you folks are making them out of PVC pipe, correct?

I considered this, but PVC pipe is kinda heavy compared to fiberglass.
I ended up using light glass over okoume (a shelf rather than a tube, really).

Many people use the pipe as a mold for a fiberglass knee tube.  You can 
either drape the fiberglass over the pipe and make a U shaped tube or
wrap the pipe and make a circular tube.  The latter requires cutting a 
longitudinal slit in the pipe so it could be extracted once the 'glass is cured.

> 2.  For those of you who have them - what diameter and length pipe do you
> find works best?

Big enough to fit your fist into all the way to the far end.  If you can't get stuff
out, it's too small.  The length limit is dictated by the size of your forearm or 
elbow.

> 4.  How far forward of the coaming should the Tube be located? (I have
> concerns about entry an exit impediments)

I guess that depends on the kayak deck height, among other things.  I'd try a 
temporary position and test it for comfort.  Duct tape to the rescue!

> 
> I'm installing it in a plastic boat.  Since I can't glass it in place, I
> thought I'd forego earlier suggestions to velco it in, and opt for using a
> couple of galvanized pipe straps and securing it with SS bolts and Capnuts.

If you make a fiberglass drape version, the end of the drape can make a boltable
flange.  Even if you use PVC, you could drape a few strips of fiberglass over it
with the kayak inverted and then bolt through the fiberglass when it's cured.
I'd avoid metal.  

Mike



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Mon Apr 30 2001 - 18:05:16 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:42 PDT