Re: [Paddlewise] bow and stern lines

I've been very happy with the "ultimate" safety lines I made by swaging small
loops onto the ends of 1/8" stainless, vinyl coated lifelines. I'm able to
loop the bottom end around my car or van frame inside the engine compartment
(but not near the engine) so that the cable comes out neatly between opportune
gaps around the hood. Each vehicle is different. But because my cables are
custom fitted to each vehicle, they don't have to be too tight yet they
certainly won't loosen or stretch. And they have enough horizontal play at the
top so that I can use them with any of my boats on each vehicle.

I fasten the boat end to stainless lifeline carrying loops I refitted on boats
with a marine combination lock, so the stainless cables and loops also serve
to discourage theft as well.

Swaging tools are provided for free use at West Marine stores that also sell
the lifelines or they can be purchased starting at about $25.
--
Al Vazquez
KayakGuide.com tm
the Place to Share Kayaking & Canoeing tm

Bob Volin wrote:

> Adrian,
>    Be sure not to tighten the bow/stern lines, and certainly don't
> overtighten them.  Bumps in the road and turbulance from passing trucks and
> cars will create stresses on the boat.  These are normally tolerated as
> kayaks normally flex (to various degrees, depending on design and
> materials).  But tight b/s lines can create additional stress that may
> generate cracks in gelcoat.
>
>     Just a little slack in the b/s lines allows for normal flex but still
> provides the extra insurance against the flying boat syndrome.
>
> Bob V


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