Toestraps

[LPW]

Can any dinghy sailiors out there give me some advice on toe straps. I have heard that they break often, but is it the actual webbing or the fittings on either end. The reason I ask is because a friend has recently brought a boat and the toe straps are of an unknown age. Should he replace them, or simply cary on with the old ones???
Any help is much appreciated

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[Vara]

It's either the strap or the fitting that gives way,/forums/images/icons/smile.gif.if of uncertain age replace strap and at very least re secure fitting,the most unreliable type seem to involve bar over webbing secured with screws,replace with strop to thwart or similar strong point, rapid exit from boat not usually life threatening but very embarrassing(not that its ever happened to me!!)


PS thanks to whoever recommended the Ie spell checker it's a good piece of kit

<hr width=100% size=1>If it can't be fixed with a lump hammer dont fit it!

 

[snowleopard]

uv causes the webbing to weaken, not a problem if the cover is kept on. on wooden boats, fresh water seeps in aroung the fixing screws causing rot, then the screws pop out. if they fail it will be under duress, resulting in a back flip into the wet stuff. very entertaining for everyone else. if it's the helmsan, the boat will then tack and capsize on top of the crew.

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[LPW]

Thanks,
but If they do replace the toestraps, does it have to be any special sort of webbing, or just a type that can take the load

SNOWLEPORD, do you know if there are any signs that show up if the straps have been exposed to excessive amounts of UV?

 

[Vara]

It' a few years since my dinghy sailing days but I use go into swindlery and buy what ever was in an appealing colour,stitch loops in and secure with rope strops.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it can't be fixed with a lump hammer dont fit it!

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Old car seat belts

from the scappy worked for me.

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[snowleopard]

classic sign of uv degradation is a fading of the colour but this isn't a reliable indicator.

any old webbing will do as long as it's synthetic but some is hard on the instep if you sail without boots. seat belts seem a good idea.

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[dickh]

I've used old car seat belt material before - works fine. It's Polyester so should last for ages - I doubt if UV will have any significant effect in the UK - It is usually rated at about 2000kg Breaking Strain.
However DON't use Polypropylene webbing - it's much cheaper but frays easily and is affected by UV much quicker than Polyester.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[dralex]

I think if there is any doubt, just replace them- won't be very expensive. The loads they have to take are not really very high, but as colmce says, the main consequences are embarrassment as you fall out the back while screaming along on a reach. Also, make sure the adjustment system is bombproof and won't come loose if you kick or catch the rope- that can also be pretty entertaining. Also helps if possible to have completely seperate ones for helm and crew.

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now.

 

[Goodge]

You can also cover them in central heating pipe lagging. Secure using electrical tape.

This will give a bit of padding to the toe strap and may cut down on the wear.

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[LPW]

Thanks Everyone

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