Michael Daly wrote:
wrote:
So where should you buy ropes and straps? And how does someone who is
new to all of this determine what kind of ropes and straps to buy?
Straps with ancra buckles are available at any place that sells racks and
accessories as well as at most paddling shops. Rope comes in many forms - you
will want good stuff that does not change length much when wet. For that
reason, polyester is a good choice. Good quality polyester kernmantle
construction braided line is available at a marine supply shop. Six millimeter
(1/4 inch) is a good size to use.
Nylon changes length too much when wet. Laid polypropylene (i.e. the twisted
stuff from hardware stores) is crap, while the braided polypropylene is pretty
good. Kevlar and Spectra are overkill for tiedowns.
All good advice, but let me add the suggestion that you start with rope
before you start using straps with ancra buckles.
The reason is that you can do some serious damage to your car with the
buckles. Most noobies start by holding the buckle and tossing the strap
over the boat, around the rack and back over the boat. That leaves you
pulling UP on the strap to tighten the rig which is completely
inefficient, or else walking the entire rig around (you'll completely
understand this the first time you do it). Then you will do the next
best thing: hold the strap and toss the buckle over the boat. The
problem comes if you toss *too much* strap with the buckle....the ancra
buckle can thwap your side window or the car and bust the glass or chip
the paint. Otherwise you don't toss enough strap and end up having to
climb up on the roof to get it, or else it comes tumbling back down in
your face.
Tie down your boat with good poly-core line until you get a good
feeling for how to toss a strap with a buckle....your windows, paint
and teeth will thank you.
:-)
--riverman