How to Install Eyelets on a SOT Kayak
Because a sit-on-top (SOT) kayak gets molded in one piece, you can't access the inside to put a nut on the end of a bolt. This makes it more difficult to install eyelets, also called pad eyes, when you want to add extra places to attach lines or gear. Instead of using bolts, use a pop rivet. The pop rivet automatically clenches its back, which secures it to the kayak. Use two pop rivets per pad eye.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Drill
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- Marine sealant
- 1/8-inch stainless steel pop rivet
- Pop rivet gun
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a location to add the pad eye. It should be relatively flat.
-
2
Use the eyelet as a template, and drill a 1/8-inch hole through each bolt hole.
-
-
3
Cover the bottom of the eyelet with a marine sealant, and spread sealant around the two holes.
-
4
Place the eyelet back over the holes and insert the fat end of a rivet through each bolt hole in the eyelet and into each hole in the boat.
-
5
Push the eyelet tight with the surface of the boat, and insert the skinny end of the rivet into a rivet gun.
-
6
Squeeze the trigger on the rivet gun over and over until the rivet pops. Do the same on the other rivet.
-
7
Test that the rivet secured the eyelet. If not drill a hole in the center of the rivet to remove it and insert another.
-
8
Wipe off marine sealant that came out from under the eyelet.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
