RE: [Paddlewise] Drilling plastic boats

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tom [mailto:tombrooklyn_at_yahoo.com]

snip
>  Therefore, I want to 
> install two straps over each one.   I'll use stainless steel 
> nuts and bolts as screws won't hold in the thin plastic.  
> Anyone know what the best sealant would be?  Also, my boat 
> doesn't have bungies along the bow and stern gunwales like 
> most better sea yaks have.  What are they for, for swimmers 
> to hold on to? 

  You might want to try using a marine sealant like 3M's 5200 - here's a
description;

                      Tack free in 48 hours,
                      completely cures in 5 to 7
                      days. The bond is extremely
                      strong, retains its strength
                      above or below the waterline.
                      Use on fiberglass deck to
                      fiberglass hull, wood to fiberglass, portholes
                      and deck fittings, motors on fiberglass
                      transoms, under mouldings, hull seams
                      above and below the water line. For
                      permanent bonds.

  Try to file/grind the sharp edges off of the protruding bolt on the inside
of the kayak - protrusions on the inside have a nasty way of catching
drybags, skin, etc when you're loading or unloading gear - especially on
cold, windy, rainy days at the end of a long paddle.  Use the largest
washers (fender washers) that are practical to help distribute any forces
over a wider area.

  As far as perimeter lines go, they're usually not bungies, but actual
lines.  Their primary purpose in life is exactly as you surmised - to give a
swimmer (you or a partner) a way to hang onto the kayak when the forces of
nature have decided that you looked entirely too comfortable sitting in your
seat.  There are two thing that you _never_ want to let go of when you do a
wet exit - your paddle and your boat.  Wind can easily move a kayak much
faster than you could swim after it, and it doesn't take much of a breeze to
do so.

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska 
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