Attaching footstraps to deck

two stroke mick · 12 February 2010, 11:17

I have purchased footstraps from henshaws. The deck is a fibreglass deck with a "diamond print" on it. I am asking if the footstraps can be glued directly to the deck or do I need to roughen it up with sandpaper or a grinder so that the glue will get a key?

TSM

Ribshop · 12 February 2010, 11:28

You want to give the deck a good key up first using something like 80 grit, and then degrease. Apply one coat of 2402 to the deck and foot strap. Wait for it to dry, then apply another coat wait for it to go tacky then apply.

two stroke mick · 12 February 2010, 12:07

Ribshop thanks for reply. I understand that it takes 48 hrs for the glue to go off.
proceedure as i understand it
1) sand with 80 grit
2) degrase
3) apply glue and waith 48hrs
4) re-apply glue and attach the straps when tacky

Regards

Leslie

chewy · 12 February 2010, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Ribshop thanks for reply. I understand that it takes 48 hrs for the glue to go off.
proceedure as i understand it
1) sand with 80 grit
2) degrase
3) apply glue and waith 48hrs
4) re-apply glue and attach the straps when tacky

Regards

Leslie

Your meant to leave it 48 hrs but I never have, once its touch dry I stick another coat on. Should take you long to do.

Rogue Wave · 12 February 2010, 12:20

I think it takes seven days to fully cure. i.e don't put your feet in to them until then.

Pinched from the Ribshop website

1. Two Way Dry Stick
Apply an even film of the mixed adhesive to both surfaces
by brush, roller coater, serrated scraper or spraying.
In some cases a single adhesive application to each
surface may not be sufficient (e.g. porous surfaces) then
multicoat applications may be needed to build up film
thickness. In this case, each coat should be allowed to
dry for about 40-45 minutes except the final one which
should have 10 - 20 minutes. It is always advisable to
build up film thickness with a number of thin coats rather
than a single heavy coat.
Allow the 2 films to dry for 10-20 minutes, or until they can
be touched with the knuckles without any cement being
transferred.
Join the surfaces, taking care not to trap any air and using
as much pressure as possible.

Frm experience it's a little quicker than that but don't do it outside in the cold, if you must then use a heat gun to provide some localised heat.

Also when you are sticking youwant to get after the patch with a seam roller or spatula, putting a bit of Arm into it won't hurt

two stroke mick · 12 February 2010, 12:25

These straps should making using the rib more secure in the livley conditions. I have experanced chine walking on the DR 490 and I swore that I would fit them after that

matt h · 12 February 2010, 12:33

these are bondded on also, hope it helps!!

mercenary · 13 February 2010, 09:49

where are the best (cheapest) place to get them on line ?

Ribshop · 13 February 2010, 10:29

If you did not want to worry about gluing you could always go for sail board type straps.
http://www.gunsails.co.uk/en/pads.htm

Stoo · 17 February 2010, 05:52

Are you sure you want to glue them permanently? When I got my boat (ex-Marine Police) it had straps in the floor and I was constantly tripping over them. Mine were bolted in with deck inserts so they were easy to remove....

In all the years I've had this boat, I could count the number to times I wished I had foot straps on one finger!

I appreciate that your seas are bigger than mine, but probably generally less choppy... Once glued, you're stuck with them. (Forgive the obvious pun..)

John Kennett · 17 February 2010, 11:50

I wasn't going to chip in because the original post was about how to do it, not if they're a good idea. Since Stoo's started it though, I may as well add my two pence worth.

Although they instinctively sound like a good idea, I don't like footstraps and have never actually felt the need for them. In boats that I've used with footstraps they have never been in quite the right place, and I also much prefer to be able to move me feet around rather than have them stuck in one place. Also as Stoo said, they get in the way and you'll trip over them.

Some people like them though!

Poly · 17 February 2010, 12:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

In boats that I've used with footstraps they have never been in quite the right place,

is that not because you're a freak though? and custom fitted straps will (probably) be in the right place for the person who fitted them (and for other people of similar stature)?

chewy · 17 February 2010, 12:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

is that not because you're a freak though? and custom fitted straps will (probably) be in the right place for the person who fitted them (and for other people of similar stature)?

I've got some for my SR4, haven't got round to fitting them yet but anything that keeps you inside of the boat is a good thing for me.

I've never tripped over them on the Atlantics and thres four which could get in the way.

John Kennett · 17 February 2010, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

is that not because you're a freak though? and custom fitted straps will (probably) be in the right place for the person who fitted them (and for other people of similar stature)?

I'm sure there's an element of that, but then again I'm used to things not being the right size for me

I would still prefer to be able to move my feet even if the straps were in the "right" position, whatever that may be.

two stroke mick · 17 February 2010, 14:41

I suspect that those who are of the opinion that the foot straps are not needs drive/own the larger type ribs. Larger ribs by design ensure two things

1) that ecery one has a seat and dont have to sit on the tubes

2) larger ribs are more stable by virtue of size.

My rib is sub 5m and can be twichy at speeds over 22 kn. Maybe I am looking for too much speed from such a small rib. What is a realistic crusing speed for a 4.9m rib. I usually cruse at 18/20 kn.

TSM

9D280 · 17 February 2010, 15:19

Suffice to say I spent a while with an SR4 - and would have killed for some toe straps.

The current Humber (not far off the size of yours) has a set, but even though they were in the wrong place for me when I got it (as was the throttle lever), they were still a vast improvement on clinging to the wheel / throttle to stay on board.

Never tripped over them yet.

Might be my dinghy background where having toes under something to stay on board is the norm?

Paul E · 17 February 2010, 18:17

http://store.magicseaweed.com/Gorill...rap/Item/1070/

I'm considering these for my XR20... A mate of mine works manages a surf shop so I'll get him to get one down and check it's suitable, looks like a good solution though if the strap is secure enough (it's removable)

JSP · 17 February 2010, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

I wasn't going to chip in because the original post was about how to do it, not if they're a good idea. Since Stoo's started it though, I may as well add my two pence worth.

Although they instinctively sound like a good idea, I don't like footstraps and have never actually felt the need for them. In boats that I've used with footstraps they have never been in quite the right place, and I also much prefer to be able to move me feet around rather than have them stuck in one place. Also as Stoo said, they get in the way and you'll trip over them.

Some people like them though!

I can see your point John. I fitted some to mine (home made, as is the searider way and to fit my boot size) I was going to fit them for people sat at the rear of the jockey too. But decided against it.
If I made them for me they would be too big for friends or family. With the exception of my brother. He has size 16 feet, and unless he has jesus sandles on and big toes with a good grip, they would just be in the way.

I do like them for myself on the whole though. Except when you do move your feet out of them to bring blood back, it can be hard to get your feet back in.