Help with Installing an Anchor Lock on a Flat Water Kayak

[MD_Gene]

I have a flat water kayak. I want to install an anchor lock. The kayak is about 8 or 9 feet long. Inside the kayak, there is a piece of hard foam near the bow and stern. The foam appears to serve as a bulkhead. Can this be true? If so, can it be removed and replaced? I need to be able to get to the stern and install a board on which I will mount the anchor lock. Anyone familiar with this configuration? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[riz]

I don't know quite what you're trying to install, but anchoring a kayak does not have to be involved or expensive. The amount of weight to hold a kayak is not much. I made my one system that works on lakes and moving water. I start with the anchor; I don't want an anchor that can snag, especially in moving water. So I made my own, I used an old12oz mug filled it with melted lead ( use a 20oz cup for concrete) and put an eye bolt in it to attach the anchor rope. Then install tie downs to the kayak to guide the anchor rope to the clam cleat, I can anchor both of the bow and stern. Attach the clam cleat to hold the anchor rope (1 for the bow anchor and 1 for the stern anchor), make sure you place the clam cleats where it will interfere with your paddle stroke. The tie downs should make as straight a line from the tip of the kayak (1 tie down at each tip) to the cam. I use ¼” para cord for the anchor rope and a carabineer to attach the rope to the anchor eyebolt. I will also glue a cushioning ring of foam on the anchor to protect the kayak from the anchor swinging.

http://www.nrs.com/product/2095/screw-mounted-tie-down-kit
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/clamcleat--clamcleats--P002_064_002_002

I hope this helps.

 

[MD_Gene]

Thanks for the insights. I am having a hard time visualizing how you mount the cam cleat so that when you raise the anchor it does not hit the side of the kayak.

I got an anchor lock for Christmas and want to mount it so that it sticks over the stern of the kayak.
http://www.basspro.com/Scotty-Anchor-Lock-with-Deck/Side-Mount/product/10212468/

Does the cam cleat allow your anchor to clear the bow/stern?

I am pretty familiar with boat hardware. I had sailboats on the Chesapeake for many years.

 

[riz]

The clam cleat is for the anchor rope. You slide the rope down the middle and the cleat holds it fast. To release the rope, just give it a pull and lift up. I put it near me on the edge of the ****pit, but not when my knuckles may get near. Looking at your gizmo, the rope lock is built in, so there would be no need for a clam cleat or the tie downs.

 

[Bamboozle]

Riz is right, if you get the Scotty gizmo installed properly all you need is a place to store the rope when the anchor is up.

FWIW - I have one of those Scotty Anchor Locks mounted on a clamp that I use when I rent a boat. It works fantastic when you get it properly mounted. I don't know squat about kayaks but I would think you should put some type of plastic mounting plate on the inside of the hull and use stainless screws between the Scotty base and the mounting plate.

If I was you Gene, I would call or e-mail the kayak manufacturer, tell them what you plan to mount and they should be able to help you out. Scotty may be able to help as well as the Internet if you search "Scotty Anchor Lock on kayak".

 

[MD_Gene]

Good advice. Like I said, I am familiar with cam cleats and what I need to do to ensure that whatever I install on the kayak has to have a brace to accept the bolts underneath the skin of the kayak.

Thanks again.

PS. I have never heard of a "clam" cleat but I have been out of sailing for almost 15 years. Is it something new?

 

[Bamboozle]

Gene:

A cam cleat has two spring loaded cams that pinch the rope and a CLAM cleat is basically a wedge shaped stationary device that you jam the rope into.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/schaefer--fast-entry-cam-cleats--P006725576

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/clamcleat--clamcleats--P002_064_002_002