----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Balogh >>>Particularly in areas of strong UV exposure, webbing deteriorates faster that rope since it is thin and the UV penetrates more easily. Though webbing is convenient, if used it should be inspected with each use and replaced when it shows any sign of degradation or on a regular basis since the weakness is not always visible. 303 Protectant applied regularly will slow down the UV deterioration. If you really want a secure tie down, use polyester rope on the racks and bow and stern lines. It's easy to see that UV can be a problem simply from the fading of the pigments in the webbing. I have had straps fail, but not because of UV deterioration. Generally the buckle you use slowly abrades the webbing because it always is applied to the same area of the webbing. When I see this becoming noticeable it's time to replace the strap. I think this occurs sooner than UV degradation builds up... I use webbing only around the boat. It's much quicker to fasten the boat to the racks, and by wrapping around the bar from the center I have four contact surfaces on the boat rather than two as I would with a rope. It also conforms to the shape of the boat better, which aids in keeping the boat from sliding fore and aft. For tiedowns I always use Prussik cord. It's far stronger than anything else for its size, and as all these postings have noted, keeping the boat from taking off is a major reason for them. I have a friend who always attaches a separate line from the rear bumper directly to the rear rack as well, just in case the rack slips in an accident... Joe P. *************************************************************************** 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 Tue Apr 23 2002 - 07:54:53 PDT
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