In a message dated 5/7/2007 9:01:49 PM Pacific Daylight Time, sh_at_actglobal.net writes: Both Mike Bode and I bought new tow belts to replace what we were using after taking Fiona Whiteheads class on Incident Management at the Southwest Kayak Symposium. We bought these units, http://www.seakayakingusa.com/gear.htm#tow although both Mike and I disagree with them about bungies and we have both modified our setups so they incorporate a bungie. Next time you paddle with either of us, we'll be glad to show them to you. My previous setup was a Salamander Keelhauler Pro. What I didn't like about it was that in an emergency, it was easy to get confused and grab the short line when the long one was needed and vice versa. In addition, trying to stuff that setup back into the bag was difficult. Our new belts are much easier to use. What I said before regarding commercial units needing some personal attention, not even the latest and the greatest gets away with it. I like a bungy, too. The Nortwater Seatec line is too short, I want 45 feet, not 30. I'll shorten it up to 15 with a daisy chain. The Salamander is a bit redundant with the short line. Having a 15' chain solves the short extraction tow and with a simple release of a snaphook buys you 30 more feet for distance. I want a big mouth on the bag for easy stuffing. I have yet to meet an aluminum carabiner that will not fail in the marine environment. Not saying they aren't out there, but the burden is on you to prove it. I (respectfully, always respectfully) disagree with Jim regarding homemade rigs. Mine is homemade and it works fine. I spent as much on it as if I bought a new one from (__________). But I would have spent time and money modifying those. It has been proofed quite a few times. But I agree with his sentiment that you need something reliable. Cheers, Rob G ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> I (respectfully, always respectfully) disagree with Jim regarding > homemade > rigs. Mine is homemade and it works fine. I spent as much on it as > if I bought > a new one from (__________). But I would have spent time and money > modifying > those. It has been proofed quite a few times. But I agree with his > sentiment > that you need something reliable. > > Cheers, > > Rob G Yeah I thought about what I wrote. Hangs head a bit... I think the difference between your home made rig and the three I made is yours works. Thats a dig at me by the way. I spent as much $ on my three home made attempts as a good commercial rig. But my design wasn't engineered well and I finally just surrendered. A good friend still doesn't have a rig because he is still making it. Seven years later. So in short yes I was wrong. Not totally wrong but still wrong. The Qajaq guys and gals make really good stuff by hand all the time. And that needs to be respected. Jim *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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