I'm looking to put a rope seat or a nylon strap seat in the clack. Currently I sit on a throw cushion that's strapped to my rower's bench. What I don't like about the cushion is that my arse can't breath and I don't feel as secure as I'd like to be when I really need to dig. I'm not into the tractor style seats so I'd like to go the rope or strap route. My bench has holes from when it once had a rope seat so all I need is the rope or a strap.

So here's the questions:

Between rope and strap, what do you prefer and why? If rope, what kind and diameter? my bench has what look like 1/2" holes so I'd assume I'd want 1/2" rope. If strap is the way to go, would I just want some NRS strap and a turn buckle?

Thanks,

Drew

Webbing = more comfortable in my opinion. Willie's sells the kits here




http://www.willieboats.com/store1/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=53

Sweet! Thanks coley!

it may be tough to get the strap dialed in though since my bench just has holes on each side of me instead of bars like I've seen on aluminum boats with strap seats.

If you're drilled for rope, it would be easier to just re-do it with rope.
Be sure to choose a rope type that is low-stretch. I'd go as large as the holes will accept without forcing.
It has to be able to move when you're tightening.

Webbing is nice, but you would need two stout, parallel tubes mounted to the bench to install the webbing in the usual way.
Typically the webbing used for a DB seat is 1-1/2" wide.

Could be done but much more work.

So if I go with rope how do I get tension on it once I route it through the holes?

It's a secret knot.

Is the rope routed under the seat ?

Yes.

I still prefer the rope seat myself.

Drew, don't you live near Monroe? Why not just give Dan at Lavro a call and see if he'll sell you some of the black nylon they use? It's nice grabby stuff, but not abrasive. He'd probably show you the finish knot if you picked it up at the shop too.

BTW, 1/2" sounds too big. I think 3/8" is probably more what you're looking for. Easier to tighten, nicer to sit on and stays flatter threaded through 1/2' holes.

Might be worth giving Clack a call to see what they recommend as well.

I think I will give lavro a call. I've been meaning to head up there anyway to get some rigging ideas on some other things I'm trying to do.

I prefer felt, I prefer walking down the bank.i. Guesss loating down the river and just getting fat and making a joke of what is supposed to be a sport is Kosher. I'm sorry bit I'm watching a lot of George carlin and he is talking about a bunch of [Bleeeeep!] idiots. Think about these questions you ask? have you ever asked about helping the fish? Have you ever asked about what is like to contribute to nothing other than [Bleeeeep!] the dog? No one gives a [Bleeeeep!] about your driftboat, I want to know how in the hell helping you get fish is helping me get fish? You hooming up on the op is like me fuckung. A dog for fun.it provides you with a source of fun and provides me with a [Bleeeeep!] ton of irratibility. Ima just leave this as is, stop asking stupid questions and you'll stop getting stupid assholes fuxking you in the [Bleeeeep!] with a rotary asshammer

Your childish ideals amuse me tiny Jim. guess you've never rowed a drift boat. It's not always for the faint of heart. It takes a set of balls to row some of the [Bleeeeep!] around these parts. keep looking and maybe you'll find a set a will then be able to row.

BigJim has been drinking AGAIN.

Fixed it for ya...

Stretch resistant rope. Polyurethane is commonly used.

Tie an overhand loop in one end and from underneath, start threading from back to front.
Ideally you end up with a diagonal pull.
When finished, run the tag end through the loop at the beginning.
Yank on the tag end to tighten, half hitch it, tie it off.
A trucker's hitch would be another knot that would work.

Instead of the knots you could form a second loop and integrate a ratchet from a ratchet strap.

Edit:
I've never seen it done, but I imagine that a 1" ratchet strap system in its entirety could threaded through those 1/2" holes and voila! you have a ratchet standing by underneath to pick up the tag end.
Depending on the strap material in might sag when wet, be it would be easy to tighten.
This could turn out pretty sweet.

A Figure 8 knot would probably be better than an overhand knot for the jam knot at the start.

I don't think you want either.
You need a loop...simple overhand loop.

Reason being, you want to be able to tighten from both ends.

Thanks guys. Good info there. I like the ratchet strap idea for the tension. I'll get some rope today or tomorrow and start playing with it. I have a couple weeks before I do another float so I have some time to dial it in.

Check out the webbing that comes with the ratchet strap.
That stuff might be the answer for the whole deal...no rope.

Rope is cheap, easy to do, and surprisely comfy. My old boat had it and I never had to adjust it. You are over-thInking it.