Adding Float Bags and Other Stuff

[Deuce]

Just bought a 16' MR Explorer and really don't want to drill holes. Most expeditions likely won't require flotation, but I want to be ready for the ones that do (like Rec School). What do you guys think about floor anchored lacing? Any other ideas? Tips? Also, for solo paddling is it better to just turn the boat around, or would I benefit from adding kneeling pads or something? Outfitting is a big part of the fun for me, so any ideas will be welcome. Also, there's a guy selling a set of Perception end and middle float bags on NRS Gear Swap for $75. Seems cheap based on what I've seen. Any reason not to buy used bags (assuming he still has them)?

[okieboater]

Turn that Explorer around, buy some good grippy knee pads from the local hardware store and enjoy solo paddling that boat.

See how it works then think about glue pads for straps or what ever.

Get an idea of where things need to go before you glue. My opinion, if you do a decent job of glue those things are gonna be there for as long as you own the boat.

[Cowper]

Any reason not to buy used bags (assuming he still has them)?

All depends on the age and condition. Most bags don't last forever; if they are just a few years old, it may be a great deal; if they are real old or were stored under less than ideal conditions, they might not be something you want. I've seen the vinyl kind get brittle; I've seen the coating nylons just quit holding air; I've seen bags that were good with valves that no longer seal good.

If they look good, I'd take them as I'm not 100% happy with some of the current new offerings anyway.

[Deuce]

I gave the guy a c note via paypal to cover shipping too. Probably won't cost $25 to ship them, even from Montany, but I wasn't going to quibble over ten bucks. Apparently I can't attach the pic because the file's too big, but they appear to be in really good shape. We'll see.

[Shep]

I understand you concern with drilling holes, but I think it turns out really well. If you don't want to drill holes in the royalex, you can get some of the eyelets that different companies sell, but it is weaker, and just as much trouble to install. For the middle bag especially, I recommend that you drill through the sides (about 3/4-1" apart) and tie in short loops of P-cord. Then ,when you aren't running the center airbag, you've got lots of places to clip gear. When you are running the center bag, you just take a long piece of p-cord and lace it through the short loops. Super-fast to setup and take down. Glue in one or two bottom anchors on the front and rear of the center bag and you have a bomber bag cage.

Shep

[Deuce]

Okay, looks like 1/8" holes and paracord is the ticket. Cheap and bomber with glued down anchor points. Thanks for demystifying it for me. Mohawk's website has very simple and helpful strux too.