Michael,

We cajuns mount the footstraps like this:

-go over to a friends who has those wooden windows, and while hes out of the room, cut the sash cords from the sides of the windows, and hide 'em away so you can take them with you.

-go to the same neighbors; or could be a different neighbor and cut a piece of their garden hose off.

-use your crab breaking mallett, and punch your thinnest filet knife thru the side of your hulls near the top, by an inspection port. (if you need to put in an inspection port, I can help you there too, different thread though)
turn the knife alot to make the puncture a hole.

-put the sash cord thru the hole and tie a big knot in the end, via the inspection port

-put the garden hose over the sash cord, about a 6-8" loop,

-put the other end thru the hole in the hull, and tie another knot

-If needed, put some gook, grease, old caulking, etc. around the cords and the holes in your hulls. Or just drain the hulls every sail like me.

Now you've got handles, or slip your foot in there for traction, all for NO cost!

Todd