> Dean

On second thoughts, a fitting that won't even take a working load of 25 lbs ( half a kayak), is prob not a good idea. Paddle float entries would be compromised and you could never put up a sail as well as the rescue and lifting kayak issues. But an alternative is to drill the dowel down the ctr w/ a 5/64" drill and thread down some SS aircraft cable ( wkg load approx 500 lbs). Wrap the cable around and below the fitting and bed in epoxy.

So now you would have the wonderful aesthetics of a wood flush fitting and the ultimate strength would be as strong as the kayak deck. Since the dowel is for looks only, even if it broke it would be no prob.

-mick