Alternative to D-rings for IKs

IKavity

Michael S from BC came up with a good idea for securing stuff, seats or thigh straps to the floor of your IK without resorting to the faff gluing on D-rings – something that takes application and the right glue to do well.
He suggests the cavity formed between the floor and the sides when you pump an IK up can be used to jam in short tubes attached to tape loops. Example left is a Sea Eagle Full D-S, but I know Gumotex and other IKs I’ve owned have a similar space along the sides.

tieseawav

Pictured below are some Sherpak Quick Loop tie-downs which go from $15 a pair on amazon US. You can buy Thule ones for six times as much or search eBay for <Kayak Hood Trunk Tie Down Loops> sent from China for 7 quid. The idea is you shut them under your car’s bonnet, tailgate or doors (right) to help lash on stuff including boats.

But they could also be lodged in an IK’s floor/side cavities as you pump up, and of course can be positioned anywhere and slid forward or back. It’s possible the 1-inch diameter tubes shown may be too small and pull out, so make your own using larger conduit from a hardware store, or just a shore-side stick and washed-up rope.
Below: I made my own. To be tested. Neato mosquito as my Kiwi mate used to say.

1 thought on “Alternative to D-rings for IKs

  1. Gabriela Cantemir

    Another idea, if someone does not like to DIY, would be to get something called resistance rubber band handles. There are two in a pack, strong webbing loops with, basically, pieces of plastic tube covered with foam threaded thru. The loops have a D-rings which can be used to clip something to. Neat solution, foam and rounded edges should be kind to boat material. I tried it on Gumotex Twist, worked a treat.

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