Recommendations of Ratchet Tie-Downs with Coated Handle for Use on a Kayak

Question:

My sister has a kayak. The tie downs that she uses do not have coated handles, and hurt your hands when you use them. They also jam at least once every time. What would you recommend?

asked by: Carol

Expert Reply:

I recommend a tie-down strap that has a nice handle to tighten the kayak down. Also, a nice feature to have is the retractable, ratcheting tie-downs with the push button release. You just want to make sure you don't overtighten the kayak using the ratchet straps.

The Erickson Retractable Ratchet Strap with Push Button Release, part # EM34416 is a nice tie-down strap that has all of the features above. It is 2 inches wide x 10 feet long. It has a push button release that allows you to push the button and pull out how much strap you will need. Also, if you you push the button with the strap extended out it will retract the strap back in, which means less ratcheting. It has a nice coated handle that will not hurt your hands.

Another nice tie-down strap that is longer is the Erickson Easy Ratchet Tie-Down, part # 51333. It is 1 inch wide x 15 feet long. It has a nice rubber handle that is easy on the hands and has a release button that makes releasing the strap easy.

My preference is the Erickson Retracting Tie-Down # EM34416 with the push button release.

expert reply by: Jeff D