slalom course repair

[bill 22]

Looking for advice to replace my buoy lines on my portable course. I know how to make the copper crimps. Does anyone know a good way to connect the bungee cord to a 3/16? rope, without buying a high dollar crimp tool?

I could try the copper but I did not know if it would hold a bungee cord good.



pic 1 is what I need to make, pic 2 is a crimp I made with copper tubing.

 

[skibrain]

Re: slalom course repair

Not related to course repair, but I've used the aluminum cable swages or sleeves and crimped with either a vise grip or bench vise (ideal). available in various sizes: http://topkayaker.net/TopKayakerShop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=447

You might also try a sheet bend knot or double sheet bend. Google for some pics.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: slalom course repair

Does anyone know a good way to connect the bungee cord to a 3/16” rope, without buying a high dollar crimp tool?

Wire rope clips!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: slalom course repair

Call Insta Slalom - those buoy ropes are cheap and not really worth messing with.

 

[bill 22]

Re: slalom course repair

I did call Insta-Slalom and talked to Lisa. Yes, the buoy lines are cheap, only $6 each. I got my course used and the guy I got it from left it in the sun and all of the buoy lines are dry rotted.

I was thinking I could save a little by making my own because I need a full set.

 

[bill 22]

Re: slalom course repair

Wire rope clips!

I thought about wire rope clips but the down side is they can scratch up the boat.

These will be on a portable course and I will be putting it in and taking it out each time I use it. I don’t want to scratch my friends master craft.

 

[bill 22]

Re: slalom course repair

Wire rope clips!

I thought about wire rope clips but the down side is they can scratch up the boat.

These will be on a portable course and I will be putting it in and taking it out each time I use it. I don?t want to scratch my friends master craft.

 

[bill 22]

Re: slalom course repair

Not related to course repair, but I've used the aluminum cable swages or sleeves and crimped with either a vise grip or bench vise (ideal). available in various sizes: http://topkayaker.net/TopKayakerShop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=447

You might also try a sheet bend knot or double sheet bend. Google for some pics.

These would be the best option if I had the crimp tool. I don’t think a vise will crimp them good onto a bungee cord. A vise will make them flat and the bungee will slip out. The tool crimps them on both ends and leave the middle un-crimped. I think this gives the crimped part something to bite on to.

I talked to a guy at the local ski club who has built courses from scratch. He said it would not hold.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: slalom course repair

I thought about wire rope clips but the down side is they can scratch up the boat.

These will be on a portable course and I will be putting it in and taking it out each time I use it. I don’t want to scratch my friends master craft.

Grind the bolts off, smooth all the sharp edges and cover 'em with heat shrink wrap.

 

[bill 22]

Re: slalom course repair

Grind the bolts off, smooth all the sharp edges and cover 'em with heat shrink wrap.

That would work.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: slalom course repair

That would work.

Or slide a length of flexible tubing over it and hit it with a torch to mold it to shape.

 

[bill 22]

Re: slalom course repair

This is the crimp I came up with. It is easy to make and does not require many tools or parts. I replaced all of my turn ball buoy lines and some of the boat guide lines. I tested them Saturday, they all held fine. I pulled on them hard and none of them slipped loose.

I was thinking these crimps would have to be super, super strong because the bungee cord will compress. I did not think copper would hold but it did fine.

I used 3/16 Poly rope, bungee cord, 1/2 copper tubing and vice grips for welding.