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#1
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Yes, the flat kites do offer a lot in better performance attributes but you don't want to have breakage or failures during operation. I have been speaking with some retailers who commented on some wear at bridle attachment points, i.e. the nylon straps. One guy mentioned that some of the pulley housings, likely a bad production batch, can sometimes fracture along lines of bubbles accidentally cast into the plastic. Not much you can do to avoid that aside from carefully examining the pulley housings along with everything else. We really load gear up in kiting and as a result it will wear out. Riders need to step up their PM to work to avoid problems.
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FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
#2
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Good subject.
I had a similar incident happen to me when a bridle line snapped near the shore. The kite was looping like crazy and I almost ditched it. Luckily I had someone on the beach to grab the kite. I have since replaced all my lines that the pulleys ride on. Cabrinha uses spectra line which is not very abrasion resistant (needless to say) . I purchased jacketed 2.8 mm line and sewed loops to make the larks head. I made the loop, then sewed through both lines and tied an initial knot really tight. Then I sewed through both lines probably 15 to 20 times and then another tight knot. Clipped the excess leaving a small piece. then melted the fray with a lighter. Be careful not to burn completely through the thread or the knot. You can find the "sail repair" nylon line, needles, and various sizes of jacketed line from West Marine or Boat US. Its an easy fix while sitting on the couch. And as of this week, it doesnt appear to be worn a bit. Bob Wetherington
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B Wetherington ----- Pensacola, FL |
#3
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Pulley Replacement Recommendation?
Anyone have a recommendation for pulley replacements? I noticed that the pulleys on my brand new '06 Waroo 12m do not spin freely even though the kite has not been flown or even touched the beach. Would a pulley with 1200 lb. breaking strength be sufficient?
Cheers, Jake
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CEO & Airman of the Board |
#4
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Quote:
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FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
#5
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The pulley wheels are metal. I checked them thoroughly to see if there were any nicks that would abrade the lines. They are very smooth. The body is plastic. The wheel and the shaft are one piece that turns together - no ball bearings.
I purchased the kite on Ebay so I don't know if Best would even consider a warranty issue. I'll contact them anyway to see if they have a better replacement. Thanks, Jake
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CEO & Airman of the Board |
#6
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Quote:
Not a lot of easy answers with heavily loaded, moving kiting gear. We need to do PM with this stuff. Assuming that it will last forever without maintenance is a bad idea.
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FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi Last edited by ricki; 01-24-2007 at 07:08 AM. |
#7
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Hi from the great (shitty) north. All the pulleys etc are small racing sailboat blocks from either Ronstan, Harken, Holt etc... Go to West Marine or any performance sailing store online like Layline, Annapolis Performance Sailing etc.. I wish I was down there w/you guys!
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