Integrating a cooler bag to your kayak is one of the best ways to increase your capabilities on the water. Having a cooler bag allows you to be on the water longer and keep your catch safe from the elements or other predatory species looking for an easy snack. Part of the benefit a kayak cooler bag such as the Opah K3 offers is easy storage for food and drinks as well.
Although cooler bags can be made to mount directly to existing bow rigging with no added hardware, the kayak industry has many different designs. In some circumstances, aftermarket attachment points are the best way to assure your rigging is fast and easy!
Here is how we recommend mounting your kayak cooler bag!
Materials Needed
- 4x Pad Eyes (heavy duty plastic or stainless steel)
- 8x Stainless Screws or Bolts
- 3M Marine Adhesive
- 4x Stainless Steel Carabiners
Other Materials
- Phillips Screw Driver
- Permanent Marker
- Drill
- Appropriately sized drill bit
Things to consider
Always use stainless steel hardware to avoid corrosion from use.
If using screws and not bolts, use a coarse thread to grip the plastic more effectively.
Choose a drill bit with a slightly smaller diameter than your screws.
3m Marine Adhesive helps seal as well as bond the mounting hardware. If not available, silicone can be used as well.
Step 1
Place your kayak bag on the bow and find your desired mounting locations. With your permanent marker, note the locations your pad eyes should rest in relation to the mounting D-Rings.
Step 2
Place your pad eyes in the marked locations and note the necessary screw points. Mark them and pre-drill with your drill and drill bit.
Step 3
Place a small bead of 3M Marine Adhesive over the predrilled holes. Place your pad eyes and hand tighten with your hardware. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.