Warning - All Kiters Should Read This

[AirKitN]

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

[Jake]

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

[ricki]

Originally Posted by Jake

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

Doesn't sound good Jake and not all that normal either for new gear. If it is still in warrantee I would say to contact Best immediately they will take good care of you. They may still be a good first contact on this even if it is out of warrantee. Are the pulley wheels metal or plastic on your kite? Nice Avitar btw.

[Jake]

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

[ricki]

Originally Posted by Jake

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

Sounds like a good approach. I think they went with plastic pulley wheels in 2007 to try to reduce the rate of line wear that may come with metal pulleys. Of course metal pulley wheels offer some advantages too but may trade off more rapid line wear in some applications.

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.

[RbGar]

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!

[Jake]

Thanks RbGar. I try some of the on-line stores and see what they have.

BTW it's getting cooler here in central Florida (30's tonight, low 60's tomorrow). I use the 100 degree rule - if the air temp and the water temp don't add up to 100, I stay home.