A quick question for anyone who is experienced with loading canoes as external loads.
I'm curious how many pilots tie the nose of the canoe down to the front cleat. I have seen the nose tied down and not tied down this summer and heard good reasoning for both. Just curious if it is more common or uncommon and the reasons why someone would or wouldn't tie the nose down.

Thanks
Big Eh

I'm a belt-and-suspenders kind of guy. I tie the nose of the canoe to the front cleat with the painter. Maybe I'm just superstitious. Can't think of any reason not to, offhand.

I also prefer good ol' ropes to herc-straps, and I do not like canoe-racks.

Yep, I always tied nose of canoe to front cleat as well... (185 and 206)

The only thing I could think of was that if the tie downs on the struts came loose, you would have a canoe tied to the nose and nothing else, which might not be ideal.

I don't use a bow or stern line on a canoe, on any aircraft I fly. If the Herc-Straps fail, something has gone catastrophically wrong and that little bow line isn't going to help...

E

I always tie the bow and stern down. My reasoning being that it will keep the conoe more "snug" and reduce any vibrations or buffeting that could loosen the purchase of the main ropes. And if you're making a drop in the middle of the lake it also helped to keep the conoe from floating away while you unload.

Overkill? Possibly, but its just second nature to me now.

I like to tie front and back,and I prefer ropes, old school I guess

are you even allowed to tie external loads on airplanes anymore?

I always tied everything! Bow, stern, and straps!! Your putting a canoe on the side of a plane… tie the F#$%&r down!!

I've flown more canoes than l care to remember and I don't bother with bow or stern ropes. If it's properly strapped, I don't believe there's any logical, compelling reason to bother. I guess some people need to satisfy their paranoia though.

That's just about why I do it. I just tie up anything I see. If there's a painter or something on the front of the canoe, I figure why not. Too much rope never hurt anyone.