Had occasion to remove the u-fittings used to anchor the rear deck bungees.

No backing! Just holes in the deck's fiberglass.

Is this normal practice? Seems to me like there should be a little block of
something-or-other behind each screw.


Doesn't seem worth fixing - since that would involve cutting a hole in the hull
- probably two holes, one on each side of the stringer.

But should I fill those screw holes and retire the bungee system?

I'm trying not to think about the u-fitting between the rudder pedals where I
attach my paddle leash...-)
--
PeteCresswell

Pete,

Check the Redfish kayak site. He has a way of doing the lashings that are
clean and efficient as well as water tight. It is a way of getting rid of
the screws and still have the bungee system.

Brian

Per Brian:
Check the Redfish kayak site. He has a way of doing the lashings that are
clean and efficient as well as water tight. It is a way of getting rid of
the screws and still have the bungee system.


Thanks.

BTW, I checked the fitting where the bungee behind the rudder pedals passes.
Same situation. I've seen more than one guy attaching their paddle leash to
that fitting. What a kick in the head to capsize, grab the paddle, and the
watch the ski blow away because the fitting pulled out...
--
PeteCresswell

Per Brian:
Check the Redfish kayak site. He has a way of doing the lashings that are
clean and efficient as well as water tight.

Looks like he glasses a loop of nylon webbing to the outside of the hull.

I agree: looks really clean - and no hull penetration.
--
PeteCresswell

I talked with him at the wooden boat festival last year. What he does is
use a router to cut a 1/2 inch slot through the hull and fills it with black
epoxy. He then uses a drill to cut a thin slot through the epoxy. He cuts
a loop of nylon strap and melts the end and flattens it so the strap won't
pull through and uses silicon grout or caulk to seal it when he pulls it
through.

Once you get the hang of it the process goes fairly quickly and the look is
really nice. Of course all of his work is beyond nice.

Brian