criss cross bungies

Posted by LeeG on Jul 27, 2006

JimL, if you'll notice on the various links provided the kayaks used have low aft decks and the deck rigging behind the seat isn't a criss-cross hour glass configuration.

The lower aft deck makes for a much easier re-entry and a much easier re-introduction of water in waves. No free-lunch and another reason for assisted rescues and learning how to roll. The high aft deck on the Chesapeake or some production kayaks makes for greater dificulty maintaining stability while climbing on the aft deck but is less likely to ship water.

The criss cross rigging isn't necessarily any better than two parallel lines. In my experience two parallel bungie lines with adjustable fishermans knot is better for holding spare paddles and the perimeter line can suffice for holding the paddle in a pf rescue. If you look at the rigging at this site www.marinerkayaks.com there's no criss cross rigging with a wide distance between the eyelets.

With the slippery varnised decks it's worthwhile to put a strip of vinyl non-skid about 4" wide right behind the coaming. Whether for self-rescues or other applications where a paddle shaft rest behind the coaming.

For folks ready to cut their aft hatches it's worth looking at the photo of the green Chesapeake midway down the page to see what happens if the hatch is located too close to the coaming. The criss cross rigging is too narrow to fit the paddle he's holding. If the hatch was 2" away it would be no problem or better yet simply hold the shaft against the coaming.

http://www.clcboats.com/boats/chesapeake.php

In Response to: Paddle float re-entry by Jim L on Jul 27, 2006

Replies:

• Re: criss cross bungies by Stephen P on Jul 27, 2006