Surfski Knowledge Base

Best Strap ever!
Bob Putnam
06/03/18 #23145

I've used lots of different straps over the years. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not strapping or un-strapping a boat or board to my roof. Last weekend we had 26 boats and boards on our trailer and did two demo days. one in Squamish one in Deep Cove. That equals loading and unloading 182 boats over the weekend. In 20 years I've only lost one boat….which is one too many. Never had a strap break.

So I have opinions on straps. We have a rubbermaid bin full of straps. The good ones seem to disappear and we are often left with the crap ones. Strap management takes way more time than you would think. Over the years I have sold and used many different types. Some bind, when you pull them through, some stretch when they get wet, some scratch your boats.

This one is the best I have ever used. Coincidentally we sell them at Deep Cove Outdoors. We like to sell good gear we believe in. They were manufactured by Rhino Rack in Australia, and were customized with our logo. Its the that piece of gear you use and say: “I love these straps” That's not weird is it?? Actually getting them from Rhino Rack was like pulling teeth because we had to deal with their “customer no-service dept” but that is another story. These straps don't stretch, they have a great rubber fob over the buckle so you don't damage your car paint, and they are strong. They slide through the buckle so easily when released. Best of all the are cheap at Deep Cove Outdoors $23 for a set.

The one in the photo is Warren Bruce's which spent the winter in Baja sun. Slightly faded but still strong. Some how after Round Bowen race yesterday, it ended up tying down my surfski and a nice new one ended up tying down Warren's ski.

What drive's me crazy is when we have sold a kayak or paddle board and the customer shows up to pick it up and they have these crap “hook and ratchet” tie-downs they have bought from “crappy tire” store.

Click Strap: If you haven't seen Tom Swetish's genius roof cradle and strap invention you should check them out. Magic!!

Larry Bussinger
06/04/18 #23150

The straps are nice, but I'm like David. I use a 5/16“ nylon rope and tie with a truckers hitch. Cost $1.50 ea. Only one has loosened in 30 years because I left the tail too long to flap in the wind. It does stretch a bit when wet, but has never made a difference.
Larry B

Dennis Mowry
06/04/18 #23151

Not really a recommendation.

I also am using the same rope I use 25 years ago. Albeit they took a bit of a break from constant use, constant at least for the last five years. When putting on my racks again I tried the straps but found it much more convenient to use the same old ropes. I leave them attached to the bars so they are always in the weather. I am noticing some fraying which means replacing them soon.

I've considered the lock racks where the bars slide in and out but that means a couple hundred $ investment?
I still use straps for surfboards when not using cradles. Or racks I don't offer use.
The rubber on the buckle is nice for not dinging up the car when tossing it over rather than the straps side.
:D'Mowry

Bob Putnam
06/04/18 #23153

I used to be a tried and true rope user, trucker's hitch all the way. I was a construction rigger in my former life. “don't need no stinking tie down” But then I succumbed to pressure from younger employees who don't know how to tie knots. I have to admit they were right and I was wrong when it comes to time savings for tying down a trailer load of kayaks or skis. No comparison. Lets have a race, your ropes versus my straps!!! And Clic Strap would blow both straps and rope out of the water and you don't have to grovel all over your car, especially on a rainy day. Dennis, the Clic Strap expense amortized over your next 25 years of paddling is nothing. Think of all the time you'd save and “time is money” or something like that.

Dennis Mowry
06/04/18 #23155

Bob,
If I amortized my expense over the next 25 years, I'll be 91. Such a deal, besides it's only money.
:D'
Anybody try the Lock Racks besides Richard Spork on Maui? He loves his.
I'm taking it that you don't sell those Bob?

Bob Putnam

06/04/18 #23156

Hi Dennis,
We just looked into getting Lock Racks. The sales rep is based in Bellingham, I'm not sure if there is a retailer there. While I found that The Clic strap rack was one of the best on the market, my personal vehicle needs are such that I am often carrying surfskis, paddle boards, lumber and that to have a dedicated surfski cradle doesn't make sense. I'm always taking it off and putting it back on. Now I use a FCS foam pad fits on my Rhino Rack Aero bars. It has burly velcro and accommodate's 3 skis hull up. The pads are cheap too FCS Pad video

Tom Swetish
06/04/18 #23157

Thanks for the plug Bob!

If all goes to plan, the Click-Strap will be re-launched soon by one of the rack companies. Also some talk about a surfski/OC specific cradle to go along with it.

-Tom

Jill Komoto

06/04/18 #23158

These are awesome straps! Fast and easy, especially for us shorter people. I don’t have to crawl over on the other side and try to reach for the other end of the strap.

Jill

Meg Kelly
06/04/18 #23159

I got a set of Lock Racks after seeing the set on Richard Spork’s car in Maui. I love the speed and security of them. Makes loading skis after a cold winter paddle take seconds, instead of struggling with straps with numb hands and hypothermic brain. The one issue I’ve had with the Lock Rack system was a tiny crack in the gel coat after my partner tightened the rack too tightly on his boat, when we first got them. Boat since repaired and we have learned to not over-tighten.

Otherwise, these racks are great. I think we got this system from the maker in Australia or somewhere far away. Excellent customer service.

But…as someone pointed out, I’ll have to paddle until I’m 105 to make this system cost-neutral with straps. 😊. But… that’s a good goal, right?

Meg Kelly

Michael Lee

06/04/18 #23161

I second Jill’s review. The Click-Strap system is the best.

Michael J. Lee

Michael Lee

06/04/18 #23162

Now that’s old school. I think David might use twine and a granny knot.

Michael J. Lee

Duncan Howat
06/04/18 #23164

Believe it or not they are making completely strapless rack systems. No straps natta . Lots of em Hawaii. Wind blows there. A lot. All day. Myself I use old chair lift cable, 1/1/4 in dis, plastic core, 2.5 lbs per ft, with sweged eyes then truckers over center chain binders to tighten it all down. Rolled a rig up side done once never lost a boat. Change is hard. Big Wave

David Scherrer
06/04/18 #23165

I figured Dunc, I figured…..