Date:         Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:52:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: semi-OT: questions about carrying a canoe
Comments: To: Gary Lee <gary2a@telus.net>
In-Reply-To:  <646F72B2AB48496AB2141403FCCA76E9@aHP>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

Cam locks are the worst and most unneccessary tie down apparatus ever
invented for things like boats. Why people buy them is beyond me. The
truckers hitch is a great knot, essential. But I love my straps. And when
I'm at an event trying to get 14 or so boats on a trailer, time is
important. It's much quicker to have all your helper use straps than figure
out if they actually know what they are doing with a TH. Beside, all my
straps going in a very small spot in the westy closet, he same amount of
rope would fill it up.

Jim

On Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 1:37 PM, Gary Lee <gary2a@telus.net> wrote:

> About tying things down;
> One of the rules I follow when carrying boats is to use a minimum of 4
> lines.  Two lines around the hull and one at the bow and one at the stern.
>  I believe 4 lines are especially important when carrying long heavy boats
> like canoes.  Some people use just two lines around the hull, but is that
> enough?  Myself, I don’t use cam locks or ratchet straps.  I tie a
> ‘truckers hitch’ type knot for whatever it is I’m carrying at the moment.
>  As far as the type of line I use, just 3/16 to 1/2 non-stretch line, old
> sailboat line because I happen to have lots.  I do not use old dynamic
> climbing line like some people do.  I find that if the line can stretch
> your cargo can loosen and move around.  And climbing line is too thick to
> tie knots.
>
> Gary Lee
> www.vwrack.com
>