C-Forum

I bought one of the last Wheelboys from liquid mojo before they went under, and had some questions about outfitting it.

I have it set up with buckles on the straps but it seams like it takes a little too much effort to get out of it, too slow. where can I get some 2 inch webbing and quick release buckles, the kind with the flaps, like on a rescue vest?

any help would be appreciated.

Wood

Webbing is easily procured at any backpacking shop (I use EMS locally).

Buckles will be harder to find - old schoolbuses (REALLY old ones), and old VW s are a good source. Airplane buckles work, but are pricey.

I use fastex buckles these days instead...for my style paddling they work fine.

Just be sure whatever you do the buckles can release under tension (in other words, NOT any of today's seat belts ("button style").

i have a extra set of C1 straps and anchors,
eithor with cambuckles (with or with/out red pull knob) or fastex buckles, anchors, and centering straps(under the seat rail or base)
i also have a lap belt setup if your intrested
the are the new ones from East Coast Canoes Outfitting
the have a complete line of straps and outfitting, there website is still under construction but i can send you some pics
let me know
john c.
cincy,ohio

I get plastic cam buckles from a dive shop. They do not have the plastic ball, but I think that could easily be attached.

rather than use a plastic ball, i tie a piece of cord between the two buckles (usually with a piece of vinyl tube over it). That way, when you pull on the cord, it releases both buckles...

I work in the college pool and we have dive instructors who come in so I can get a reduced price at there shop. Thanks for the idea.

I was planing on putting some cord between the buckles, I was even thinking I could run a second piece off the cord between the buckles that would go up and out under the spray skirt. That way with one pull I could be completely free of my boat.

Wood

I also use the one pull does it all, deck and straps. I use a velco to attach the pull strap to the deck loop.

Besure to test and practice your set-up. Have other experience Cboaters also check it out, try it out.

Good luck and be safe,

Driftwood
Sometime ago there was a thread that discussed the benefits of the old style VW seat belts as thigh strap releases. I took that suggestion to heart when I put thigh straps in my Fink and am very happy about the way they perform. Unlike the cam style buckles on diving belts where the strap runs through the buckle and releases by being pulled back through, these completely unlatch with a flip of the latch tab. Just like rodeoclown I connected a line between the two latch tabs and by pulling the line both thigh straps immediately release.

The VW belts come with soft two-inch nylon webbing, so there is no need to buy webbing. The down side is that they will set you back about $30, plus shipping. Search the web using VW seat belts, or you can go to Cip1.com and search for product number C26-857-003WC. This is a pair of belts for $33.20.

Good Boating!