Steve....
Just for the heck of it...yes, rope is nasty, webbing is way better, certainly. Last time, for the heck of it, I used the heaviest bungee cord I could find. For me ol' bum, was by far the most comfy, and after ten years or so, still in great shape with no probs. Wrapped the bungee above and below the side braces in one contiguous piece. Forms a double layer. Has plenty of support. And unlike rope or webbing that stretches over time, bungee maintains it's shape.
Also Steve, my back gets iffy from those sun-up to sun-down trips. Either fast or slow water. So, I also employed a flexible style stadium seat, you know the kind, thin, cordura with adjustable side straps. Straps easily over the bungee, oh so comfy, and saves me back. I know ya didn't ask.....but tossed in fyi at no charge
