Foot Straps yea or nea?

MI3GTO · 03 December 2011, 18:03

Folks what are the collective opinions on the use of foot straps on a rib? Several Australian reports are very condemning of them as they lead to foot/ankle injury yet others say they are fine to help keep you in the boat :-) I was thinking of putting them into the boat. If you do swear by them what are you using? G

CornishRoss · 03 December 2011, 19:11

When I got my Searider I planned on fitting them but after using the boat for a while I still haven't done it. I think they would present more of a problem as a trip hazzard when moving about the boat than benefit. But I guess if I get thrown out of the seat it may change my mind. So far so good!

On a larger rib carrying passengers/crew then they would be more beneficial. When your the skipper you are more aware of what's happening or about to happen so can brace yourself accordingly.

CJL · 03 December 2011, 19:56

The issue is one of mis-use more than anything.

Footstraps or toestraps as they should really be know as, are for your toes not your whole foot.

If you whole foot is held in I can totally understand why people get ankle and foot injuries. If its just your toe in its a bit easier for your foot to come out and therefore minimizes the risk of injury.

I personally do like them but you do have to explain to people how to use them properly and their location on the deck relative to the seat is quite personal.

A word of caution though - I did worry about the amount of load I ended up putting on the steering wheel when using them as you are less able to move your weight about when going through rough seas.

I've put some pics up with the two types I think are out there.

Chris

Ian Austin · 03 December 2011, 20:43

I would have them and they are going on my rebuilt Pacific, Chris's first pic is the rib i now own and believe me the straps have stopped me leaving the boat when i didn't want to

Ian

Turbodiesel · 03 December 2011, 20:55

I would say they are a must, I find they take a massive strain of your arms on a long run.

Ruari 29 · 03 December 2011, 21:09

I have used them on a safety boat which was great for ruff weather but on my 5.4 SR ive not bothered as I found non-slip flooring was enough to hold my feet inplace for our low action family trips.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S using Rib.net

alystra · 03 December 2011, 23:13

My boat had them fitted from new. I always use them and feel safer, the same sort of feeling as wearing the seat belt in a car. Never tripped on them moving about the boat.

jambo · 03 December 2011, 23:53

Yep the man from 'Ardfern' he say yeas!! I* agree with all that Tony said would not go out without my tootsies in them. Certainly helps in the rough stuff.

J

9D280 · 04 December 2011, 00:39

Yep, I got them too, and certainly improve the "boat-me interaction" in the rough stuff!

Foot / ankle injury would impy being thrown off the seat & twisted. If both feet are "planted" and you're holding on to the wheel.....

treerat · 04 December 2011, 10:17

When I had first had the boat there were none, first time out wave jumping in a bounch Plymouth sound meant leaving the seat one too many times as I find the stearing wheel pretty low to provide too much steady support - they are now glued on

alystra · 04 December 2011, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

Yep the man from 'Ardfern' he say yeas!! I* agree with all that Tony said would not go out without my tootsies in them. Certainly helps in the rough stuff.

J

All the best Billy.

MI3GTO · 04 December 2011, 17:46

Option then seams to favour them. Now build my own or buy them ? Where g