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From: Rick Sylvia <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferginc.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] Knee Tubes
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 14:00:16 -0400
Well, my "on and off" plans to install a Knee Tube in my boat are "on"
again.  Couple more questions, though...

1.  I'm assuming you folks are making them out of PVC pipe, correct?
2.  For those of you who have them - what diameter and length pipe do you
find works best?
3.  I'm assuming that you are sealing them with a Cap on the fore end (of
the boat, not the tube) and a plug on the aft end - correct?
4.  How far forward of the coaming should the Tube be located? (I have
concerns about entry an exit impediments)

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.
The bolt heads will be pretty low-profile on the deck under the rigging,
with rounded heads so as not to "catch" on any gear.  Inside the cockpit,
I'll size the length of the bolts so that the Capnut is tight against the
strap.  If anything is going to get in the way (generally speaking), it will
be the tube itself, not the capnuts.

Anybody see any errors in my plans, or can offer alternatives?

Rick - Poquoson, VA


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From: Patrick Maun <pmaun_at_bitstream.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Knee Tubes
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 15:36:32 -0500
You can check out my knee tubes with installation info at:

http://www2.bitstream.net/~pmaun/kayak/outfitting.html

I am going to update this page soon as well. I'll post when it is 
done. Good luck!

-Patrick

At 2:00 PM -0400 4/30/01, Rick Sylvia wrote:
>Well, my "on and off" plans to install a Knee Tube in my boat are "on"
>again.  Couple more questions, though...
[SNIP]
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From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_home.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Knee Tubes
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



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From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Knee Tubes
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 19:03:48 -0700
Rick Sylvia wrote:
> 
> Well, my "on and off" plans to install a Knee Tube in my boat are "on"
> again.  Couple more questions, though...
[snip]

> 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.
[snip

> Anybody see any errors in my plans, or can offer alternatives?

I think the galvanized strap is overkill, and an invitation to injury from its
hard edges.

Bungie it tightly to the underside of the deck.  It will be plenty secure, and
if it gets in the way of re-entry, just push it deeper.  Positioning is such a
strong function of cockpit size and your own "cockpit dimensions" I don't think
any of us can guess where to position it.

I use 4-inch "Genova" PVC pipe (the white stuff -- the black pipe is
overkill).  Cap both ends, one glued and the other slip-fit.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: Grant Glazer <grant_glazer_at_xtra.co.nz>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Knee Tubes
Date: Tue, 1 May 2001 21:46:15 +1200
Instead of a knee tube why not a removable glove box?  I made mine out of
waterproof material (easily wieldable with an iron) and it's designed to be
detached and used as a small day pack.  A  frame is attached to the
underside of the same bolts used to attach the deck bungies,  thus no need
to drill holes. The pack can slide out while still attached for access or
unclipped completely for removal.  I am up to mark 5 pack and mark 4 frame
but happy with the current design.  Will email more details if requested.

Cheers
Grant
______________________________________

Want Kayaking information on Waiheke  Island?
http://www.issystems.co.nz/kayak/index.html

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