L'edge grab handles

Yukon · Post by **Yukon** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:23 pm

I see in pics from ALF Ledge grab handles going across the boat instead of with the boat. Which makes for a way more comfortable position. Is this a change from Esquif or a personal custmization. When they go with the boat they are down right awful.

Smurfwarrior · Post by **Smurfwarrior** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:36 pm

You saw Louies boat and his mod to the grab handles. Personally, I like to add rope grab handles.

Yukon · Post by **Yukon** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 2:01 pm

thanks was curious if it was a factory change but does not appear to be. I will be adding normal rope grab loops in mine as they work much better. I would change the handles but hard to do if you have the closed version.
The way they are now the handles are akward and painful to use.

Smurfwarrior · Post by **Smurfwarrior** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 4:23 pm

I am leaving the factory handles for rescue purposes and adding grab loops of rope in the normal position on the ends. Much easier to drag around and hold on to while swimming.

funkidreadz · Post by **funkidreadz** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 4:26 pm

I added additional rope handles on the thwarts, thus making the L'Edge way easier to pick up and manoeuvre, onto your shoulder, car, luggage trolley, tricky portage etc.

I also have them on my Taureau

Does turning the end grabs really make it more comfortable carry the canoe?
It will for sure reduce the chance of catching your paddle when making a lightening quick emergency cross deck stroke, adding rope handles will probably increase the chance, I used to remove the rope grabs from my SpanishFly and mount them further back and turned 90degrees back when I was paddling a lot of rodeo because I caught my paddle in the front rope SO many times.

Paddle safe

James

Johno · Post by **Johno** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 4:35 pm

Hi Yukon,

These L'Edge grab handles that you've seen photos of were switched around at Louie's place during our late night ALF outfitting parties. It makes grabbing, dragging and lifting the boats much easier on the hands. Rope grab loops are a great addition too but if you're going to leave the metal handles on the boat you might as well make them a bit more pleasant to use.

Johno Foster

Yukon · Post by **Yukon** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 4:37 pm

Hi James
Good ideas, How did u get the rope handles into the front of your Taureau? Did u take out the saddle?

On the Ledge turning the handles 90 degrees would allow you to carry or drag the boat like a suitcase instead of your hand sliding into the small part of the handle and pinching.

Craig how strong are the anchors or nuts molded into. If they are used for rescue purposes what kind of force can they withstand and has that been tested?