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.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • 1/8-inch drill bit
  • Marine sealant
  • 1/8-inch stainless steel pop rivet
  • Pop rivet gun
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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.