My old Gaia single-chamber paddle float (which I liked a lot, it was small but it was all the flotation I really needed for a self-rescue) had stopped being completely airtight a few years ago. I got a new paddle float shortly after the pool session at which I'd discovered the old one had a slow leak - but I held onto the old one because I thought it would make a really good patch.
I got to put that to the test when I lost a hatch cover while playing in Plum Gut on Saturday. Worked great.
Of course what would be even better would be if I finally get around to attaching the hatch covers to the boat. I have been meaning to do that for ages. I have some line for the purpose, just never got around to actually doing the attachment.
Now - anyone want to start a pool as to whether I actually do it, or whether I wait to lose the back hatch cover first? When that happens, you see, I will have actually replaced the entire set that came with the boat!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Why I Never Threw Away My Old Paddle Float
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
I bet on 'just-in-time' maintenance. I do a lot of that.
Steve in Baltimore
Steve in Baltimore, I hate to admit it but that is probably a safe bet.
Actually another pool I should start is how long I paddle with the jury rig (which actually held up quite nicely for the rest of the day - and I couldn't resist joining in the rolling session at the end).
Actually that will depend a lot on whether Randy at NY Kayak has these in stock. His shop is very convenient to my office.
Although I wouldn't mind visiting the Lozanos up at Annesville Creek either - haven't been up there yet this year and I always like going there.
Oh, I should mention, we did add a couple more pieces of duct tape right at the front after I took this picture. The float was cinched to the hatch with a piece of parachute cord, and I thought that the little loose flap forward of the hatch was likely get grabbed if a wave came over the bow.
Like most of my just-in-time repairs, it wasn't pretty, but it worked.
I'm appreciating the matching yellow duct tape!
Why thank you! :D
If this had been me, it would be at this point that I'd realize I'd just taped my water bottle inside the hatch.
Ha! Definitely a possibility. I did make sure everything crucial came out, 'cause that is not coming off until I have a new hatch cover in hand.
That's what she said. :) Sorry, it's kind of a personal joke.
Post a Comment