Noyo Pacific Kayaking

Stainless steel fasteners with washers and nylock nuts are the best way to go, but you must be able to get a wrench or socket inside of the boat to tighten them. This is not a problem when the bolt is to be located within an arms reach from a hatch, however not every boat has a hatch where you might need it. In this case there are special blind "Pop" rivets for attaching hardware to plastic (do not use rivets if you have a fiberglass kayak.). They expand with a large X shaped head holding inside the plastic and work quite well. Because they are aluminum, they will need to

be replaced every three or four years if you paddle in salt water. If you have a fiberglass kayak or you want something that doesn't need to be replaced every four years, you should consider using well-nuts for blind fastenings.

You can use a sealant like Lexel or "AquaSeal" under everything you attach to help seal water out.