Dumb question but this season will be my first season with my brand new Old town Bigwater 132 PDL (Sold my Delta 15.5 GT) and I really want to be careful about it.
I was watching videos on the Youtube about tips and mistakes to avoid and one mentions how loose straps (like those that hold the seat) or ropes can burn through kayak on long trips.
Now the issue is that I made an anchor loop point for my hook with some paracordl ike this, do you think I am worriying for no reason or could the cord in the wind cause some burn through? Thanks everyone
As you suggested, you’re worrying for no reason. Sitting loose like that there’s not enough weight in the paracord to rub hard enough against the polyethylene hull to cause any damage.
As for the anchor rope pulling it against the hull while you’re anchored, I can’t imagine you’re going to spend enough time anchored against the wind for it to be able to do any damage. It could dull the finish over time if there is dirt between the cord and the hull.
If it could cause damage, it would happen slowly and you would have plenty of time to see cosmetic signs before it actually rubbed through. Most damage in polyethylene is like that.
Personally, I view my kayaks as consumables and I’m not delicate with them, and they take the abuse like champs. They have plenty of cosmetic damage, but full function. It sounds like you are a careful person, so you have nothing to worry about that way.
I see yeah should be good. Agreed to, especially now that I have a kayak from brand new, some warranty and it’s rotomolded instead of thermoform. Not worried about the hook or cord while anchored although I did think about it but hey like you said it will get some wear and tear.
In the video he mentions that the strap was making a hell of a racket. It was likely vibrating at high speed and he should have stopped to see what the issue was. If the strap was correctly tensioned, just snug, neither too tight or too loose this should not be an issue. If it still vibrates simply putting a twist in the strap will usually stop this.
Bottom line, sort of a freak issue that I would not expect to happen except in very rare circumstances. If it does, the noise should give you plenty of warning before any damage is done.
I’ve never heard of a painter causing damage. There is not enough force on it with a kayak.
Completely agree with @string . I’ve seen this several times. Never use tiedowns with open hooks.
They have a nasty tendency to bounce loose, especially on a rough road. I’ve either replaced these open hooks or bent them into a closed loop using a heavy duty bench vise.
Still recommend always using bow and stern tiedowns.
