new solo coming

[Guest]

where are you finding neoprene stock?

Sweet Composites, scroll down a bit

http://www.sweetcomposites.com/Minicel.html

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Thanks Mike.

Good. I can order some other stuff I need there at the same time.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Instead of drilling two holes for each cord loop for anchor points for the bag cage, you can also drill just one. Then, simply run the cord in/out through the holes in one long strand, and slip the cage cord under the inside parts of the cord in such a way that tension keeps it up against the holes (a zigzag pattern works for me). It leaves cordage showing intermittently on the outside of the hull - but, who cares? I'll have to see if I have some pics of the Prospector rigged this way.

Glenn - I like your bucket seat idea. Any current source? I now have a Mad River Guide that needs outfitting, and I think all of this thread is applicable. Also - where are you finding neoprene stock?

In answer to my own question - a similar bucket seat is offered by Hemlock....

http://www.hemlockcanoe.com/hemlock-seat.html

 

[Steve in Idaho]

And now let's see if I can post a photo of the bag cage anchor system I described.....



The cord is knotted with a loop at each end on the inside and threaded through holes with 3" spacing. The actual cage cord is just laced through the alternating inside loops. I didn't even bother to lace this one in a manner to force the cage cord into any particular relationship with the holes - just zig-zag pattern and let it position itself on the loops where it may. Another loop of cord runs through the same holes with the grab loop, and secures a fastex buckle inside that anchors the stem end of the center strap.



Thanks,Glenn! I do like 1/2" neoprene better than minicell.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I have plans for the outside cord loops. They will anchor velcro tabs on the spray covers My Darling Bride is making for me. What color? Decisions.....

 

[larry]

In one of my old solos I drilled holes right through the hull composite, the other one has little plastic loops screwed into the wood gunwales. I am leaning toward the loops, but not sure yet. Hard to drill through a new hull. Nice thing is, I have both of those old solos, so no big hurry to outfit the new canoe. thanks for the opinions, everyone.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Yeah, Larry. Drilling the holes in the hull is a commitment, and requires some intestinal fortitude. I've drilled three hulls thus so far - two RX and one, a brand new composite. The holes themselves don't bother me once they're there. It's the measuring, marking, and drilling process. Almost a religious ritual type process for me. The prep takes way more time than the drilling. Measure twice - cut once? No. Measure four or five times....Coffee between measuring and marking. I do the marking on masking tape, in case there's a mistake that I have to peel off and do over. Sometimes a day or two to think about it.....Then....drill the marks through the tape.

First time I did it, I fretted for a while over whether a hole might tear out under cord tension. Not to worry. Hasn't happened with any hull I own or have seen. The Outrage - which was done by a previous owner - had the bag cage so tightly strung when I got it that it warped the gun'ls. Holes all intact.