Re: [Paddlewise] Tiedowns

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joyce, Thomas F." <TJoyce_at_bellboyd.com>

On my (not very gas guzzling) pickup, I use 2 tie downs to the front chassis
undeneath the bumper,  2 at the rear, attached to the boat FORWARD of the
attachment point at the rear of the car and to ratchet tightening straps in
the middle.
The front tiedowns are to restrain the bow of the boat against wind
slipstream from the car (which is upwards at this point) and against a rear
end shunt. The rear tiedowns are attached to the boat on the lifeline
fittings on each side. I couldn't use the lifting handle which is stronger
because it overhangs the rear of the car and would have the wrong effect.
Interestingly, you can always find attachments on the car's chassis; ALL
cars are pre-equipped at the rear for a towbar and as such have threaded
holes, just add eye bolts. At the front many modern cars do not have
permanent tow rings, but a system that screws into a hidden hatch in the
bumper. Check your car's handbook. Otherwise you may find redundant holes or
hooks that accept a Karabiner, or find non structural bolts that can be
replaced, safely, by an eye bolt. If you are not 200% sure of which ones, go
ask your garage, they'll be able to help. Last idea, if you lift the bonnet
(hood) of the car, you may find a solid strengtheners between the radiator
and the front grille. You can pass a webbing strap around the strengtheners
and feed it out through the front grille. With most modern cars, including
my pickup, the bumper bars are more for show than strength so forget 'em.
Kevin.


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