Installing Crossbars on Canoe Gunwales : Bolts of Rivets?

[BackwoodsBassr]

I'm planning on putting crossbars on both ends of my canoe so i can strap it securely to my car.

I'm thinking I'll drill from above through the gunwales and either rivet or bolt the bars down.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I've never done it so any help would be much appreciated.

Some things I was wondering iare:

- If i rivet should I drill though both sides of the gunwale or is it possible to pop the rivet through only the top portion?

- I've also heard that nuts and bolts are more stable than aluminum pop rivets...but has anyone tried steel rivets or another alloy that they find more secure?

Thanks a lot!

 

[miles]

This what you mean? http://www.indianrivercanoemfg.com/images/crossbar.jpg


Personally I think would drill guide holes and put in aluminum bolts and lock washers/nuts over the rivets but that's me.

 

[BackwoodsBassr]

This what you mean? http://www.indianrivercanoemfg.com/images/crossbar.jpg


Personally I think would drill guide holes and put in aluminum bolts and lock washers/nuts over the rivets but that's me.

Thanks!

That looks great! So you would go from the side rather than the top of the gunwales and use bolts rather than rivets? That makes sense..might have to change my game plan!

 

[Knuguy]

I'm not sure how easy it is to find al bolts but stainless bolts are quite common. That's what's used on my Novacraft to attach seats and yoke.

 

[Porkpie]

Go with the bolts and quality nylock nuts. Much more stable and secure for a tie off point!

 

[remyboy1]

still not understanding this setup--why do you even need to drill anything on your canoe? roof racks -no? the though of drilling into a cano and making it even heavier that's a strange one to me....is there no other option? sorry to derail this convo just asking..