Frequently asked
questions regarding Aquastraps
- Q: Will the strap
release accidentally when I am sailing in rough seas?
- A:
This is very unlikely.
The straps have been thoroughly tested on high performance boats in
rough conditions. If you do find the straps release too easily then use
a tighter setting on the gripper.
Q: I don't use footstraps on my
boat - What are the advantages of using a footstrap?
- A:
Have you ever lost
your footing while on the trapeze? Almost everyone has at one time or
another. I certainly have (and done a good impression of Peter
Pan
in the village panto!). Would you want it to happen during an important
race?
- Q: What is the best
way to fix the straps - Rivets or screws?
- A:
If you are fixing the
straps to thin wall tubing then I would suggest using rivets but screws
can be used providing the pilot hole is not too big as the screws may
then pull out. If you are fixing to GRP then screws would
normally
be best but make sure that the pilot hole is not too small and also it
is a good idea to countersink the hole by approx 1mm to lessen the
likelyhood of the gel coat cracking. Rivets can be used if the
thickness of the GRP is not too great. The same goes for attaching to
carbon composite. Always use screws if attaching to wood.
Q:
I accidentally trapped my strap and creased it. Now I have a whitish
stress mark on the plastic. I am worried that this has weakened the
strap. Is it likely to snap?
- A:
No it is VERY unlikely
that the strap will fail. It is quite normal for the type of polymer
that we have used to show these white marks when stressed or creased
but the tensile strength is not affected to any great extent. Don't
forget our full 12 month guarantee: In the unlikely event of any part
of
the strap failing, for whatever reason, just return the part to us for
an instant replacement.
Q:
Do I need to need to protect the straps from the sun when I'm not using
the boat? I know that some plastics are affected by sunlight.
- A:
No you do not need to
cover the straps. All the materials used on the Aquastraps are UV
stabilised. Which means that they will not degrade in sunlight.
Q: I sail a 49er and
use 2 footstraps on each side. I need the straps very close together.
Can the Aquastraps be fitted close together?
- A:
Yes, and on the 49er, because the fixing parts of the Aquastrap are
narrow, the straps can even be overlapped allowing for very close
spacing. See picture.
