Shop Tips » Fitting Out Your Boat

Deck Hold-Down Fittings

Most kayak manufacturers use little plastic eyes to secure deck-lines and hold-down bungies. The problem with these is that they become painful bumps when you practice wet re-entries, gear snags them, and they're ugly.

Some English kayaks use fancy recessed fittings, but these are heavy and they hold water. A better method is to use a loop of flat nylon or polypropylene webbing attached with a screw and finish washer. Just run your line or bungy through the loop.