THESE may not be pretty,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[NIB]

Not bad, neccesity is the mother of invention..
I do something similar to mine.I just use a heavier lace..Like hokey skate laces are good..
Another addition you might want to try..Take the appropriate size hose or rubber tubing and slide it over the nylon straps cut the botton like a T and take a stainless nut and bolt and bolt it to the bottom.This will keep the rocks from slicing thru the strap..

[BassDawg]

thanks NIB,

good ideas,,,,,,,,,,,,
you are talking about the side straps that the
rope gets laced thru, right?? i'll have to give it a go.

there's STILL time.