Thigh Strap Pictures

[FoldersUnite]

Hi all,

I'm moments away from installing thigh straps into my 2011 llama, but would like a little confirmation before I do so. I live in a pretty rural area and don't have a kayak shop or any packraft friends to ask advice. Could any thigh strap users please post a few pictures of the placement of thigh straps in the boat? I know the bow patches go low and the hip patches go high, but how high and low and approximately how far forwards/backwards.

You know what they say, measure twice cut once!

Thanks for the help.

[John N]

I used Roman and Timmy's videos. My placement may not be perfect, but here it is.

First, here are the bow placements. They are difficult to measure; however, you can see they are very low and close to the seams and floor.

This is the stern port side. It's center is approximately 3 inches from the rear seam.

Stern port side again. About 5.5 inches on center from outside edge of deck.

Stern starboard, 3 inches from seam and right to the edge of spraydeck.


Hope this helps. Let me know if you need more shots or clarification.

[FoldersUnite]

Hi John, thanks for the reply!

Is there a reason you tied in your straps instead of using the ladderlock buckles? Also, my patches are 1" while the straps are 1.5". Is everybody getting 1.5" d-rings on their patches or just stuffing the 1.5" webbing into a 1" d-ring?

Thanks!

[John N]

I think I have 1.5" buckles and straps.

I tied them in because the ladderlock buckles kept slipping. I still have the quick release and they work fine this way. I did find tonight when I had to get really aggressive they were slipping on me somewhat. I think it is time to move my seat forward and add a little more backrest.

[FoldersUnite]

Hi all,

I just installed the thigh straps following Roman's instructions thoroughly and let it dry for 72hrs before rolling up the raft and taking it for a spin. As I unrolled the raft, I noticed one edge of a patch coming off and I was able to rip it off using my hands. Something definitely went wrong in the gluing process...

EDIT: I managed to peel the incorrectly glued patches off and went through my methodology in my head and realized that after washing with MEK and applying 2 coats of stabond glue, I only heated up the patch side and pressed it onto the boat. Roman's video makes it seem that you only heat up the patch glue, but I think I must heat both. Can I clean off the boat and patches using the MEK and try again? This time I will use a hair dryer and heat up both the patch and glue and hopefully that will create a good bond.

Thanks!