Kayak handle rope

The cord on my original Hobie kayak handles is wearing off and I’m replacing the entire handle with a lighter aluminum one. Stocked to make the first change on the kayak that would result in less weight!!

Does anyone have recommendations for cord?
There are two styles: twisted (no core) and braided (has threads covered by a jacket).
I think the braided jacket would tear and expose the inside, so I’m leaning towards the twisted.

I’m also thinking that simply running the rope in and out of the eye would create less friction on the rope. Any thoughts on this?

Cheers

Which handles did you get?

my 550 paracord is holding up pretty good, dont make it too long or it will dangle in the water and knock ur boat and annoy the f out of you!

lol, I just used some 550, pvc, and some cool knots.

Which handles did you get?

I really didn’t want to fabricate anything since handles & cord go for $10-20.
But I also didn’t want to have to redo it in 2 years (or have an accident).
Ended up getting a 30cm aluminum pipe for $10.
Cut it into two 10cm pieces and hammered the edges in (used a round metal piece inside to prevent deforming the pipe). Drilled a hole in the middle. Used a temporary rope until I find a better one.
Lighter, stronger, and serviceable.

PVC pipe works well for this and is quieter than aluminum clanging on the side of your yak. The gray (electrical conduit) type is UV resistant.


I think the loop over the padeye (it has a name, which escapes me at the moment…) is a good idea. If you look at the rope you replaced, it’s worn in 2 places, but if you just loop it thru, one spot will take all the wear. Having said that, I installed mine the way you did because my rope was thick and I need to attach sailing hardware to those padeyes.

Thanks for the PVC tip.
As for the knot, my theory is that when the cord rubs against itself, it would break. That’s what the picture shows too. I think the knot traps tiny particles of sand, and those cut the cord when it rubs against itself.
I’ll try it out and if there’re issues I’ll report back.