Save my Varnish.

[DJE]

In the summer we often carry a canoe tied down on the cabin top for the kids to play in. The only thing to tie it to is my nicely varnished grab rails; and pulling the rope around these takes the varnish off in no time. I was thinking of making some webbing straps with D rings in the ends to pass round the grab rails and then tie down to the D rings. Trouble is I would probably drop them overboard while tying or un-tying the canoe. Any other ideas?

 

[Talbot]

attach some velcro to the D rings so that a smoothsection passes around the varnished rail, and then fastens onto itself. Make sure that the velcro is wide section commercial and it should be more than strong enough for the normal work, but would need to be assisted by proper fastening in bad weather.

 

[Robin]

We used to carry a sailboard on the coachroof of our last boat and used webbing straps with buckles, very quick and easy. Cut the straps into two and tie each piece to the handrail or wherever, that way the 'moving' part that could rub through any varnish is over the canoe not the woodwork. Straps are in most swindleries in various lengths and colours and not expensive, about £5 I think.

 

[Shantyman]

Are you being over fussy about your varnish?

Shantyman

 

[castaway]

Ah! Varnish.....You plainly need more coats!!

Regds Nick