> How do you refinish the boat with these loops? Are they removable, or are
> you just careful sanding and varnishing?

The webbing is removable when it comes time to refinish. The webbing is secured to a small backup plate which is independent of the deck. Before threading the webbing up through the slot, a small bead of silicone is placed around the base of the webbing which effectively waterproofs the slot (of course the slot should be sealed with epoxy first) and adheres the webbing/backup plate to the underside of the deck. Because the bead is small (only enough to seal the slot) and because silicone does not adhere very strongly (unlike 5200 or the like), the webbing/backup plate pops off with only slight persuasion. The webbing is then pulled back through the slot and you are ready to refinish.

Note: This method can be used for all of the deck rigging including hatch cover straps - whether webbing or bungee. This is a very lightweight & sleek arrangement - no metal fasteners required and no more knuckle busting or pfd/sprayskirt-grabbing padeyes.

Joe Greenley

Redfish Kayaks