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Re: Other: deck rigging
By:John Eberly
Date: 6/1/2011, 1:16 pm
In Response To: Other: deck rigging (Kevin McAtee)

Kevin,

Mike is correct in the definition of "shock cord". I've picked it up on eBay before, and it's usually available at outdoor outfitters/backpacking stores.

Your deck lines are there primarily for safety - there's nothing like trying to mount a slippery kayak with no handholds. I remember taking my first boat to a three day symposium to learn basic rescues, entries, etc. - with no deck lines. It was pretty funny to watch I'm sure, but not so much as an experience.

I used 5/16" black rope for perimeter lines on my two boats. This is lengthwise nylon fibers with a woven sheath. You have to sear the ends after you cut it to prevent ravelling. I also used 5/16" shock cord (or bungee cord) in black to provide a crisscross hold down net in front and behind the cockpit. I set the system up so that the shock cords are used to keep tension on the deck lines, keeping them from sagging. I used knots on the lines to keep them from stretching too far when used for entries.

The final result doesn't detract from the look of the boat, and it's a functional safety feature.

Messages In This Thread

Other: deck rigging
Kevin McAtee -- 6/1/2011, 4:57 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
Mike Savage -- 6/1/2011, 5:31 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
John Eberly -- 6/1/2011, 1:16 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bill Hamm -- 6/1/2011, 5:52 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
JohnK -- 6/1/2011, 6:53 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bill Hamm -- 6/1/2011, 7:00 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Allan -- 6/1/2011, 8:29 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bill Hamm -- 6/1/2011, 10:19 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Etiennemuller Muller Ireland -- 6/2/2011, 4:04 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
StephenHJ -- 6/2/2011, 5:13 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bill Hamm -- 6/3/2011, 2:38 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
Reg Lake -- 6/2/2011, 5:48 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bryan Kapteyn -- 6/3/2011, 4:04 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bill Hamm -- 6/4/2011, 1:24 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
Noel Bennett -- 6/4/2011, 10:17 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bill Hamm -- 6/5/2011, 1:24 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
dhwdaniels -- 6/5/2011, 4:19 am
Re: Other: deck rigging
Bill Hamm -- 6/5/2011, 2:31 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging *NM*
Kevin Mcatee -- 6/5/2011, 5:40 pm
Re: Other: deck rigging
Kevin Mcatee -- 6/5/2011, 5:43 pm