RE: [Paddlewise] Bow Tie-Downs Revisited

From: Chuck Holst <cholst_at_bitstream.net>
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 15:34:51 -0500
I have no experience with this, but I think there could be some damage to 
the kayaks if the lines were over-tightened. If they were nylon, they might 
stretch far enough to prevent damage, but nylon ropes also have some 
disadvantages when used as tie-downs. I always use polyester ropes from a 
sailing shop because it doesn't stretch when it gets wet or suffer as much 
from the rays of the sun.

Chuck Holst


-----Original Message-----
From:	Leonhardt, William J [SMTP:wjleonhardt_at_bnl.gov]

I'm glad to hear no one was injured.  I hope this doesn't keep you off the
water too long.

I use both bow and stern lines when car-topping and will continue to do so, 
however I was wondering something about your accident and would like you to 
comment.  On my vehicle, and probably most others, the sterns of my boats
extend back further than the rear of the vehicle.  In my case, the stern
lines run from the stainless steel hoops where the rear carry toggles
attach, down to eyes  I have mounted just below the rear bumper.  If I had
an accident like yours, I was wondering if the car behind would first have
contacted my stern lines, shortening them with its forward motion, so that
it would try to bend the kayaks around the rear saddles.

Can you picture what I'm saying?  What do you think would happen?

Bill Leonhardt


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Received on Tue Apr 23 2002 - 14:11:48 PDT

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