On 4 Jul 2004 at 21:01, Lyn Goldsmith wrote: > Recently someone posted what I thought was a great idea...using > inflatable fenders to roll a loaded kayak out of the water. Around here (Georgian bay and environs), folks tend to use pool noodles. They come in different diameters and the largest are the best. Notable for being cheap and light, you can get two or three kayak haulers out of one noodle. Other folks use "Squaller Haulers" (named by White Squall, a local kayaking retailer, trip and instruction outfit). These are 2x4 wood bits about half a meter long that have been cut on one side with a broad V. They lie so that the 4 inch side is down are 2 inch thick. They can be used to pull up a kayak and will keep a kayak off the rock when on land. The V shape keeps the kayak from sliding sideways if not on a perfectly flat surface. I made two for Amie from a 2x4 we found on a beach - took about 2 minutes on a bandsaw. I know folks that use minicell foam blocks - the same ones that are used to transport kayaks on car roofs. They tend to be stickier than the noodles though, so sliding is not as easy. All these options are cheaper and lighter than boat fenders. The only advantage to a boat fender is if you find one, the cost is $0. > I went to West Marine today and the > only kind they had required a needle and pump for inflation. Just > curious, is this the system used, or do fenders exist that can be > blown up by mouth and still be firm enough to protect the keel? I've never seen one that wasn't inflated with a football needle. Mike *************************************************************************** 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 Jul 06 2004 - 09:18:59 PDT
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