How to Install Rigging on a Sit-On-Top Kayak

Sit-on-top kayaks are popular for fishing and recreational paddling. Because of limited deck space, many do not come with rigging. With a little forethought and imagination, you can customize your kayak to better meet your needs. Deck rigging lets you quickly get to the things you may want or need while paddling.

Things You'll Need

  • Bungee cord
  • Eyelets
  • Two well screws for each eyelet used
  • Drill
  • Drill bit to fit the well screws. This needs to be a sharp bit.
  • Marking pen
  • Punch
  • Hammer
  • Screw driver for the well screws
  • Knife
  • Plastic bungee cord hooks (optional)
Show More

Instructions

  1. Deck rigging

    • 1

      Mark the locations of the holes for the eyelets with the marking pen. There will be two holes for each eyelet.

    • 2

      Using the punch and hammer, make an indentation at each location so the drill bit will not slip. If the bit slips, it will elongate the hole, creating a possible leak.

    • 3

      Use the knife to clean any burs.

    • 4

      Place an eyelet so the holes in the eyelet line up with the holes just drilled.

    • 5

      Put a well screw into each hole. Tighten until snug; do not over tighten.

    • 6

      Thread the bungee cord through the eyelets in the pattern you desire. A common pattern is a square with the cord crossing itself in the middle.

    • 7

      Tie the ends of the bungee cord with an overhand knot to secure it.

    • 8

      Another option is to attach bungee cord hooks to the ends of lengths of bungee cord, creating rigging that can be removed. The hooks are hooked to the eyelets when in use.

    Tank well rigging

    • 9

      Mark the locations for eyelets along the sides of the tank well. The eyelets need to be paired up side to side.

    • 10

      Using the punch and hammer, make an indentation at each location so the drill bit will not slip. If the bit slips, it will elongate the hole, creating a possible leak.

    • 11

      Use the knife to clean any burs.

    • 12

      Place an eyelet so the holes in the eyelet line up with the holes just drilled.

    • 13

      Put a well screw into each hole. Tighten until snug; do not over tighten.

    • 14

      Run the bungee cord through each of the eyelets creating a lacing pattern. Secure the ends by tying them with an overhand knot.