Eyelets or Cord Loops?

[NikonF5user]

I have a solo-ized Old Town Cascade in which I want to mount air bags - curious how everyone feels about eyelets (presumably mounted to the vinyl gunwales) vs. cordage mounted in and out of the Royalex through clear tubing? I'd think the cordage is more "replaceable" and repairable in the field, but not sure of strength and functionality. Would love to hear thoughts and experiences!

 

[dutchlennart]

The cord and tube strength depends mainly on the diameter of the cord. Most uk paddlers love this.and use 6 mm isch.
I do something else . I wilk post uf i remenber when i see my canoe again

 

[NikonF5user]

The cord and tube strength depends mainly on the diameter of the cord. Most uk paddlers love this.and use 6 mm isch.
I do something else . I wilk post uf i remenber when i see my canoe again

I've watched Ray Goodwin's YouTube video setting up the cord-in-tube on one of his boats - it definitely looks good, and I could see it being quite strong, but I could also see the need for frequent tightening to maintain rigidity...

 

[Alan Gage]

I laced one of mine with cord and tubing. It worked well. I've never tightened it and have never felt a need to. It seemed to hold taught when in use. With the sharp bends as it goes in and out of the hull there isn't a lot of transfer from one loop to the next (i.e. pulling on one end won't necessarily pull any of the others tighter). I think I just use some tarp cord from CCS

https://flic.kr/p/Jkqpcg

The loops on the outside of the hull were handy for attaching a DIY spray skirt that used hooks for installation:

https://flic.kr/p/Ksgnce

I never did anything very extreme with mine so can't vouch for how it would do in an extreme situation.

Alan

 

[ABT]

My two whitewater boats came with nylon p clips (like this https://www.westmarine.com/seafit-n...esdgEalTSrqEGCWwz3o52CPSlQFO74HEaAgMBEALw_wcB) pop riveted to the under side of the vinyl gunwales. They have held up very well and are very common on whitewater boats that see plenty of hard use. You could probably break them if you over tighten the cordage but it takes more force than you’d think, and they are cheap and easy to replace, and once they are tightened initially at home they don’t really need to be retightened depending on your cage system. I only ever need to undo my Nrs strap to get bags and gear in and out. The cordage and p clips never move.


I added some additional ones to my Caption when I soloized it to fit longer bags and it was super easy and they’ve held up as well. I don’t personally like drilling holes in the hull for several reasons but it seems to work for many folks.