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How To Install Accessory Tracks In Hard To Reach Places

Lay down tracks with these riveting instructions

Rod holders, GPS, fish finder and tackle station: where are you going to fit all this stuff in your kayak? Answer: On a track system. Track systems are metal or plastic rails that accept a wide variety of mounting bases. Accessories fixed to mounting bases can be moved and adjusted or easily removed and re-installed. But first you have to install the track system on your kayak.

woman on fishing kayak with various mounts and tracks for gear

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How to Install Accessory Tracks In Hard to Reach Places

If you can reach the inside of your kayak, installation of a track system is a breeze. Simply drill holes and affix the track with stainless steel bolts and lock nuts. Some systems, such as YakAttack’s GearTrac, use self-threading screws that don’t need bolts.

[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all mounts, tracks & accessories ]

Another option when you can’t get inside is to use blind rivets to attach the track to the kayak. Blind rivets and a rivet gun can be purchased at most hardware stores. Better yet, call your local kayak shop to find a track system and the rivets to match. For your installation you’ll need a track, wax pencil, drill, rivet gun and rivets.

Before permanently attaching a track system to your kayak, make sure that it fits properly and that all your accessories will function correctly. Remember the golden rule: measure twice, drill once.

Insert the mandrel into the gun and the rivet into the hole.

Pump the gun handle until the mandrel pops off.

The rivet mushrooms on the backside of the plastic. Tada!

Installing a track system makes more space in the cockpit.

Riveting instructions

Lay the track on the deck and use a wax pencil to mark the edges as well as the holes to be drilled.
Using a drill bit that is the same diameter as the rivet, drill the first hole. Be careful to hold the drill steady so that it doesn’t wallow out the hole. The tighter the fit, the drier it will be.

Next, push the metal mandrel on the rivet completely into the rivet gun. Then, hold the track in place and insert the rivet into the drill hole.

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Pump the handle of the rivet gun, which cinches the mandrel to mushroom the rivet on the backside of the hole. Continue to pump the handle until the mandrel “pops” off and the rivet is set.
Once the first rivet is in place, check and make sure your marks are still lined up. When ready, drill and install the next rivet.

To remove a rivet, simply drill out the center with a matching drill bit. Blind rivets can be used to install almost anything almost anywhere the backside of the mount is not accessible.

man demonstrates how to install tracks on a fishing kayak — Before permanently attaching a track system to your kayak, remember the golden rule: measure twice, drill once. | Photos: Jo Herman

This article was first published in the Spring 2013 issue of Kayak Angler Magazine. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.

Before permanently attaching a track system to your kayak, make sure that it fits properly and that all your accessories will function correctly. | Feature photo: Jo Herman