Strap length selector
Dinghystraps were originally designed for the Optimist but can be used for any dinghy that is carried on the roof top. We recommend to always use long enough roof rack bars that are wider than the boat to make sure the straps cannot slide off. See pics 1 & 2.
If the roof racks bars are shorter than the width of the boat, it is possible to use longer straps that are fitted around the rails or the roof rack feet. However, this means you will have to open and thread the strap through the buckle each time and, more importantly, it will not keep the boat 100% fixed sideways.
Strap packs and Trolley Pack both comes in two different lengths; SHORT and LONG. If in doubt, go for LONG ones and cut them to length, otherwise use this guide:
Use SHORT length if:
- you carry just one optimist AND your racks are long enough.
- you carry one ILCA (Laser) AND your racks are long enough.
- you carry one Europe AND your racks are long enough.
Use LONG length if:
- you carry two optimist on top of each other.
- you carry one ILCA (Laser) AND your racks are NOT long enough.
- you carry one Europe AND your racks are NOT long enough.
- you are not sure.
Pic 1. Here we have two optimists and a trolley stacked on top of a VW Passat. Two optimists and a trolley on standard Thule racks. Hardly long enough bars here.
Pic 2. One optimist on long enough standard Thule roof racks.
Pic 3. Here we have an ILCA (Laser) on roof racks that are not wide enough so the straps need to be longer to reach around the rails of the car.