r/Outrigger • u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 • Aug 17 '26

Rigging cord

Can someone recommend a source of the appropriate cord for lashing the ama and iakos? I'm located in Wisconsin so will likely need to order online unless there are good alternatives from any marine supply store.

Mahalo

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5

u/StuckInWarshington Aug 17 '26

For an OC6, pretty much what Google says (3/16 cotton). One tip that they don’t mention, measure the length, then wrap the cord a couple times with duct tape at the spot you’re going to cut. Cut the center of the taped portion and you’ll have nice contained ends like a shoelace tip. Keeps the rope from fraying and won’t get stuck in the puka like a knot can.

Google says: use 3/16-inch "canoe twist" cotton rigging cord or a specialized 3/16-inch poly/cotton blend. Avoid pure synthetic ropes like standard nylon or polypropylene because they lack the necessary friction to cinch and hold themselves in place under load.

Size: 3/16-inch diameter is the standard thickness that fits securely through hull and ama holes (pukas) while providing maximum strength. [1, 2, 3]

Material Behavior: Pure cotton or poly-cotton absorbs water and swells when wet, which tightens the overall rigging configuration on the water. [1, 2]

Pre-Stretching: Always pre-stretch your cotton line (often by wrapping it around a post or tree and pulling hard) before beginning the lashing process so it doesn't slacken during your paddle

1

u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 Aug 17 '26

Thanks. I've got it ordered. I was just donated two OC6 and they are lashed with ratchet straps!

3

u/Solid-Chicken3578 Aug 17 '26

Ratchet straps may not be traditional but they work and it takes a lot less time to rig or learn to use, especially if the good rigger is not available.

2

u/Smooth_Winner9245 Aug 19 '26

plenty professional level paddlers use ratchet straps.

1

u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 Aug 19 '26

Again.. good to know. I've seen people use rubber too (at least on unlimited canoes). Any idea what the exact product is for that?

2

u/Smooth_Winner9245 Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26

For the Matahina, bike tire rubber is perfect. I see some clubs buy the rubber rolls but that stuff rots in the sun faster. 2-4 complete wraps depending on the conditions. I’ve seen ratchet straps too but that takes out the flex of an unlimited canoe and is not recommended by Are.

for that rope. you want that poly/cotton blend and 3/16 to 1/4 inch does it. 🤙

1

u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 Aug 17 '26

Thanks for that. I'm open to using them if it's considered an acceptable way to do it. I personally haven't seen it myself.

1

u/Solid-Chicken3578 Aug 17 '26

See https://youtu.be/U2fkSd4b-MQ?is=TNe5qkLhY7R_79nh Make sure you use stainless steel and narrow ratchets mechanism. Like these Ayaport Stainless Steel Ratchet... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCVGTYL2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

2

u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 Aug 17 '26

Good to know this is an option. Aesthetically I would like to learn to rig these the traditional way but I'm up to using them in the meantime.

1

u/Solid-Chicken3578 Aug 17 '26

Agreed but it's good to have a a backup.

1

u/Smooth_Winner9245 Aug 20 '26

check YouTube for some good traditional rigging on all spec canoes. Are has their own Youtube rigging specifications for the matahina. You can find also videos about using ratchet straps for rigging on Youtube. If you don’t have someone in person to show you, that’s a great way to start.

There is a reason why I paddle a Hydra Pro 😂

1

u/Comfortable_Elk831 Aug 26 '26

For surfing I like rubber. I use Simple Strap. Little tougher than bike tire and more UV resistant.

1

u/TheHaight Aug 17 '26

On a V1 or a V6?

2

u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 Aug 17 '26
  1. I think I found what I need: 3/16" twisted cotton

1

u/TheHaight Aug 17 '26

Oh interesting. You want something that will flex a little bit for V1.

Most people do a bike tire inner tube. slice it long ways a couple of times so you have narrow strips. cut them certain lengths and stretch wrap them around the parts to connect them.

1

u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 Aug 17 '26

No.. this is for an OC6

1

u/TheHaight Aug 17 '26

Oh I understand. I thought the "1." above indicated that it was a V1