: Have never liked gluing anything like this down to a boat, Gary --- ever
: since the first time I did it. Is there any way you could countersink a
: series of six or eight holes in the flange and bolt it down to the deck
: with stainless fittings and some silicon sealant? (I'd use flat head
: machine screws with small fender washers and locknuts, myself.) That way,
: if you ever want to replace it or change the configuration, it can be
: removed easily without damaging the deck. The screwheads might be covered
: by the hatch cover, but, even if they're not, it would seem the advantages
: outweigh the disadvantages of some permanent installation.

Jack,

Thanks for your feedback. I'm was thinking of going with screws as well but here's my concern. The rim flange is only about 1/8" thick. Does not leave much meat to countersink the screw heads. Also, if I install them in the middle of the flange, they'll be under the hatch cover and the screw heads may interfer with the hatch seal. There is only 0 to 1/16" clearance between the cover and flange. Definitely no room for the screw head. Not to mention washers and locknuts.

So I was going to check out what's available for small screws tomorrow thinking of placing them near the perimeter of the flange to keep away from the hatch cover. I thought that adding adhesive would be a belt and suspenders type of approach. Why did you not like the adhesive idea? Was it due to ease of replacement in the future? A good idea. Wish me luck!

: Follow-on question --- where did you buy these fine Finish fittings? My local
: Kajaksport dealer doesn't stock anything but the boats, but the Kajaksport
: web has a lot of unique and interesting products.

See my other responses.

Gary B.

: Jack