Does anyone know anything about USTCSA?

Jennifer,

What did you make the bow pads out of?

It's made from one of those child noodle float toys for the pool. (Super Wacky Noodle made by Lifoam - Baltimore, Maryland) They come in either a small or large diameter cross-section. The bow pads are made from the large diameter ones (approximately 4" OD x 2.5" ID). I cut it to the length I wanted then slice it length wise. I glued one end together like the bow of a boat with contact cement and make a stap to go around the hull to secure it in place. Make sure you have a release hook on the strap. My first version didn't and I realized that with the spinnaker pole in place, they become captive.

Another option is to purchase the foam cradles for the stern of the boats from AHPC. These are what everyone in Australia uses.

Jennifer

That's what I thought.

The kids are going to have a pool float go missing tonight...

I've used these for years. I buy the hollow ones, string a piece of bungee thru them and tie them around the hulls both forward and aft. I usually use two or three sections, each with a bungee through it, and then I tie the two or three sections together with the bungees so they are spread out along the bottom. They really work great and hold up to weathering too. After a while, they will take a "set" and stay a bit flat, but, hey, for less than $10 they work great. I've also used the smaller ones as hiking strap covers to ease the stress on my legs.

Try it, you'll love them!


Jon Hamlet
Taipan #217