Shop Tips » Fitting Out Your Boat |
Internal Footbrace Mounts
- Locate the footbraces. The rear end of a pair of adjustable footbraces should be about 38” forward of the aft bulkhead. To be sure this is comfortable on you, it isn’t a bad idea to put the kayak in the grass and have a seat to check the location. The mounting holes should be centered about 2” down from the sheerline of the kayak.
- Position the kayak. Place the kayak on its side so that the side panel is level with the ground. We'll be installing footbrace studs on one side at a time.
- Mark the location. Make a clear mark where the footbrace studs will be glued on the interior side of the hull.
- Protect the threads. If you get epoxy on the threads, you'll be in trouble. Wrap the threads on the stud with tape.
- Mix glue. Use Cab-O-Sil or Silica Powder to thicken epoxy resin and hardener to a peanut-butter-like mixture. Brush a spoonful or two of the thickened mix onto the side of the hull and press the footbrace stud into the epoxy.
- Apply fiberglass tape. Cut a strip of fiberglass (included in the kit) into four 3" x 3" squares. Snip a small hole in the center for the bolt, and slip the patch of tape over the bolt. Press the fiberglass patch into the still-wet thickened epoxy around the base of the footbrace stud. Smooth out the patch.