Scotty Mounting Rivets Review

Let’s Dive into Scotty Mounting Rivets

The Scotty Mounting Rivets are a simple, yet crucial component for anyone looking to customize or repair their kayak, canoe, or other thin-walled watercraft. Manufactured by Scotty, these rivets offer a solution for attaching accessories where access to the backside of the fastener is limited or impossible. With a design intended to “butterfly” open, these rivets distribute the load across a larger area, preventing damage to the delicate hull of your watercraft.

My need for these rivets arose during a kayak customization project. I wanted to install a new rod holder system on my fishing kayak but needed a secure mounting solution that wouldn’t compromise the integrity of the plastic hull. After researching various options, the Scotty Mounting Rivets seemed like the perfect fit due to their spreading design.

Upon receiving the package, my initial impression was that they were well-made and sturdy. They are lightweight, as you would expect from an aluminum rivet, and the black finish looked clean and professional. The kit contains ten rivets, which seemed adequate for my immediate project.

Compared to using standard screws or bolts, the Scotty Mounting Rivets promised a cleaner and more secure installation, minimizing the risk of leaks or hull damage. Standard hardware requires backing plates and can concentrate stress on a small area. My initial excitement stemmed from the prospect of a hassle-free, professional-looking upgrade to my kayak.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Scotty Mounting Rivets to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience using the Scotty Mounting Rivets was during the rod holder installation on my kayak. I used a standard rivet gun to set the rivets, and the process was remarkably easy. The rivets expanded smoothly and created a strong, even bond between the rod holder base and the kayak hull.

I tested the kayak with the new rod holders in a variety of conditions, including choppy water and strong currents. The Scotty Mounting Rivets held firmly in place, with no signs of loosening or stress on the surrounding plastic. I appreciated how quickly and easily I could attach the rod holders to my kayak!

The simplicity and security of the installation eliminated any concerns about water intrusion or structural weakness. I was initially concerned that the plastic kayak would be damaged, but the flared design of the rivet spread the force across the kayak, and there was no damage!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular kayak fishing, including exposure to saltwater and direct sunlight, the Scotty Mounting Rivets are still performing flawlessly. There are no visible signs of corrosion or wear, and the rod holders remain securely attached. This demonstrates the durability of the aluminum construction.

Maintaining the rivets is essentially non-existent, as they require no specific cleaning or upkeep. I simply rinse the kayak after each use, ensuring any saltwater residue is removed. The rivets have so far outperformed my expectations, providing a reliable and maintenance-free mounting solution.

Previously, I had used through-bolting with nylon lock nuts, but the Scotty Mounting Rivets are proving to be a superior option. They eliminate the need for internal access, create a cleaner appearance, and provide a more secure bond. They outperformed the nylon lock nuts in ease of use!

Breaking Down the Features of Scotty Mounting Rivets

Specifications

• These structural rivets provide an excellent solution for mounting hardware where you don’t have access to the back side of a fastener. This feature simplifies installation, especially on enclosed or hard-to-reach areas of your watercraft.
• The rivets are designed for mounting to thin-walled watercraft such as kayaks. Their unique design ensures compatibility with the thin materials commonly used in kayak construction.
• They are designed to “butterfly” open to spread the mounting load over a greater area. This prevents stress cracks and damage to the hull of your watercraft.
• The Scotty Mounting Rivets are made from aluminum and come in a black color. This provides durability and a sleek, professional appearance.
• The application for these rivets is specifically for kayaking and similar watercraft applications. They are engineered to withstand the demands of marine environments.
• The package weighs only 1.6 oz, making them lightweight and easy to carry in your kayak repair kit. This light weight prevents unnecessary bulk.

These specifications translate to a reliable, easy-to-use, and durable mounting solution that is specifically designed for the challenges of kayak customization and repair. The aluminum construction and load-spreading design make them an ideal choice for preserving the integrity of your watercraft.

Performance & Functionality

The Scotty Mounting Rivets perform their primary function exceptionally well: providing a secure and reliable attachment point on thin-walled watercraft. Accuracy isn’t relevant for this type of product, but the ease of installation and the resulting stability are outstanding. The ease of installation makes up for the lack of accuracy!

Their strength lies in their ability to distribute the mounting load, minimizing stress on the surrounding material. A potential weakness could be their limited size; larger or heavier accessories might require additional reinforcement. Overall, they meet and exceed my expectations for a product of this type.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with the aluminum construction feeling robust and durable. The black finish is aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly with most kayak colors and accessories. The lightweight design of the Scotty Mounting Rivets ensures they don’t add unnecessary weight to your watercraft.

These rivets are incredibly user-friendly, requiring only a standard rivet gun for installation. There’s virtually no learning curve, making them suitable for both experienced DIYers and novice users. I was surprised that they were so easy to use!

Durability & Maintenance

Given their aluminum construction, the Scotty Mounting Rivets are expected to last for many years, even in harsh marine environments. Regular rinsing with fresh water is the only maintenance required to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity.

They are not designed to be repaired, but the cost-effectiveness of the kit makes replacement a simple and affordable solution. Their durability is incredible given the harsh conditions that kayaks endure!

Accessories and Customization Options

The Scotty Mounting Rivets are primarily designed as a standalone fastening solution, so they don’t come with any specific accessories. However, they are compatible with a wide range of kayak accessories, including rod holders, fish finder mounts, and paddle clips. They work well with Scotty branded products.

While the rivets themselves aren’t customizable, they can be used in conjunction with backing plates or washers to further distribute the load or accommodate different material thicknesses. This enhances their versatility and applicability to a broader range of projects.

Pros and Cons of Scotty Mounting Rivets

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Who Should Buy Scotty Mounting Rivets?

The Scotty Mounting Rivets are perfect for kayak anglers, recreational paddlers, and DIY enthusiasts who want to customize or repair their watercraft. They are also well-suited for anyone working with thin-walled materials where access to the backside of the fastener is limited.

Those who require extremely heavy-duty mounting solutions for industrial or commercial applications might need to explore alternative options. Likewise, if you don’t own a rivet gun or are unwilling to purchase one, this product may not be the best choice.

A must-have accessory for use with these rivets is a good quality rivet gun. Also, consider purchasing additional backing plates or washers for extra reinforcement when mounting heavier items.

Conclusion on Scotty Mounting Rivets

The Scotty Mounting Rivets are a simple, effective, and affordable solution for mounting accessories on kayaks and other thin-walled watercraft. Their ease of use, secure hold, and durable construction make them an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike. The Scotty Mounting Rivets are an amazing choice!

At $9.49 for a pack of ten, the price is certainly justified by the quality and performance of these rivets. They offer a significant improvement over traditional screws or bolts, providing a cleaner, more secure, and less damaging mounting solution.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Scotty Mounting Rivets to anyone looking to customize or repair their kayak. They are a worthwhile investment that will enhance your paddling experience and extend the life of your watercraft. So, grab a pack of Scotty Mounting Rivets today and take your kayak customization to the next level!