straps?

Redfisher · Post by **Redfisher** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:47 pm

I know this may seem a little stupid but I'm curious.
I use the rachet straps to tie down my kayak. They hold very good but they are a pain to use and I always feel like I'm going to hurt my kayak because I tighten them too much.

What straps do you use? Is there something better/easier?

GILs_GONE_WILD · Post by **GILs_GONE_WILD** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 4:36 pm

I guess I'm old school. I use rope.

I don't trust them little gizmos on those straps as much as I trust my knots. I tied stuff on top of a truck for years without one mishap.

However, on the long trips I'll use both at the key tie down points.

Ease up though on cinching down those ratcheting jobs ... you'll "dent" your kayak and/or canoe.

LagoonAddict · Post by **LagoonAddict** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 4:44 pm

....lmao...I must be paranoid....I use straps and rope on a trip!!!! don't trust anything!!

Rik · Post by **Rik** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:04 pm

Ratchet straps....the devil's creation. I've yet to come to terms with those things. Have several brand new ones in a corner of the garage somewhere.

I use the regular straps every kayak shop sells and/or bungee cords.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:06 pm

I have used the typical tie down straps with the cam thing on them for ten years without a problem. The ratchet can very easily damage a boat. It is too easy to put too much pressure on the boat. If you continue to use them, be very careful.

scotty14 · Post by **scotty14** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 5:43 pm

ROPE RATCHETS---They work great! I use them to tie down my yak and to hang it in my patio.

I just use two 1/4" size (Black/Red)--they have them at Home Depot. They are quick and easy!

Here is a link:
http://www.roperatchet.com/250ratchet.shtml

DayFisher · Post by **DayFisher** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 7:18 pm

Been using ratchets since I got my 1st canoe, jeez I don't know,
WAY back in the day.
Do I just do it right or is there something I should worry abt?
Click to desired tightness, maybe a shot of WD40 every month or so,
Never a problem.
Should I know something I don't?

Snowman · Post by **Snowman** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 7:44 pm

I have yet to find a ratchet type tie down where the hooks are actually large enouph to fit around the round bars on my yakima rack. Rope has been working ok for now.

Redfisher · Post by **Redfisher** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 8:22 pm

Snowman wrote:I have yet to find a ratchet type tie down where the hooks are actually large enouph to fit around the round bars on my yakima rack. Rope has been working ok for now.

I just wrap them around the bars.
I just went and bought the cam buckle type. soooo much easier!!
let's hope they hold as well!!

Rik · Post by **Rik** » Sun Aug 27, 2006 9:27 am

redfisher wrote:
Snowman wrote: I just went and bought the cam buckle type. soooo much easier!!

Told ya, rachet straps are the devil's creation!

Just make sure you tie a half hitch or two with the tag end of the strap and it won't slip.

Redfisher · Post by **Redfisher** » Sun Aug 27, 2006 9:28 pm

used them today without a problem!

Willie T · Post by **Willie T** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:01 am

I use both. The rachet type is my favorite, and no problem if you "snug" it, not "clamp it down" like you're securing for a Class III hurricane.

The cam type tends to lossen a little on longer trips. This concerns me a little, so I always throw a hitch in the loose ends.

silentrunning · Post by **silentrunning** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:27 pm

1 safety rope on the bow, 1 safety rope on the stern and nice new bungie cords the rest of the way. I haul mine on a trailer and have had it up to 75 miles per hour with no problem.

Doug