Hey gang! Howdy from Wyoming!
Sorry, no pics available right now. Our AI's are on a trailer in the back yard covered by a tarp. I've been shoveling off snow through the winter to keep it's weight from breaking/distorting them. As a result, the edges of the tarp are frozen down and covered by a LOT of snow. I won't be getting to the boats until spring, months off.
My memory failed me on the original post of where I attach the straps! My correction is in bold type below.
To reiterate and clarify what I'd written:
*Get a the longest length of flat blue NRS nylon strapping, the stuff with a clamp on one end, 1" width.
*Go to a hardware store and get two large bungee hooks. They should be commonly available.
*You'll find it easy to thread the strapping thru the the holes at the base of the bungee hooks. I'm "nearly certain" I put the hooks so that that they are facing each other.
*
MY MEMORY WAS WRONG! SORRY! The hooks don't go into the holes of the xbar behind the seat. The hooks go into the holes of the upright "V"'s supporting the xbar up and away from the deck.
*My load is behind the seat, in the recessed storage area covered by Hobie's bungee cords. These bungee cords are pushed aside and away from the load. Please note: Only the rear xbar is used.
*You'll now find it easy to slide the hooks back and forth so that the strapping between the hooks is fairly taught.
*I then make an "X" over the load running the ends of the strap through whatever Hobie elastic cords and loops make the most sense. I also run these straps through the ice box handle/straps on my dry bag, etc for extra security. You can adjust the NRS strap to place the clamp anywhere you want it to go.
*Unfortunately, this rear attachment isn't as solid as the front xbar, but you've done the best you can.
*You'll find you have extra NRS stapping left over after you cinch it tight. Great! You can pull up the Hobie's black elastic cords as best you can and tie them together with a couple of half hitches. This gives a back up that might save your trip if something else fails.
*Once you get a system down, it's easily replicated through your multi-day journey.
The AI's black elastic cords behind the seat aren't made to hold much. A big load makes it damned easy for the elastic cord to slide off the undersized, rounded cleats.
We've sailed luxurious amounts of camping gear through very knarley conditions and never had things loosen up. The important safeguard to remember is to have stuff tied down 2 or 3 different ways. I wouldn't consider using Hobie's black elastic straps as the only way to attach stuff.
Again, sorry I can't provide pics until spring. Perhaps another soul in warmer climes can try out my system, and report back with pics (starting a new topic as we've strayed here).
I'm typing this post drinking IPA at the Snake River Brew Pub, which has won the GABF's "Best Small Brewery in America" twice:
http://www.snakeriverbrewing.com/video1.html
If any list members make it thru Jackson Hole, I be happy to share some brews and high altitude lake sailing!
Happy Trails!
Chris
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