RE: [Paddlewise] Car Topping (Storage) Question

From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 20:16:27 +1100
Alex wrote
>For polyethylene - probably so. For fiberglass
> - that's where you've scared me, Peter.

G'Day,

I observed one heavy fibreglass boat develop a very slight bend in the keel
after a 500km journey on Thule racks, in hot weather and wind, but it
disappeared after a week (i.e between paddles).

Years ago another fibreglass boat stored across round cross section rails
developed a slight and permanent bend - reverse rocker! I fitted flat wooden
boards lined with old carpet across the length of the  rails and the bend
did not get worse, nor did it seem to affect the boats performance. These
days I store on a carpet lined flat wooden shelf or on canvas slings eg two
folding seats, with no problems. When travelling I also take care to locate
the boat so that there is no imbalance in the load at each support.

As far as I can tell both boats were properly cured.

As far as distributed support goes, Thule racks must surely be up there with
the best.

As a non craftsman I was puzzled after being given a carpenters level for
Christmas - but now I'm glad to have it!


All the best, PeterO
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Received on Sun Mar 14 2004 - 01:28:41 PST

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