Mariner Kayaks simply have a hole drilled in the deck for the bungie. The bungie is stretched out, forced through the hole, and knotted on the backside. The pressure on the sides of the hole from the bungie swelling when it is released is all there is keeping water out.

I don't think you'd collect more than a cup or two of water after an extensive rolling practice with this system. The ends of the bungies are hidden, and no on-deck fittings to snag or break.

These boats don't have normal-looking deck outfitting, but that doesn't mean that they're necessarily bad. I think a lot of "normal" deck rigging is installed to look pretty, but functionality suffers. The more you paddle, the more sense Mariner's system makes.

Shawn

> Has any one seen the fittings in Hutchenson's book Expedition Kayaking.

> He suggests to lay a piece of glass under the deck where the fitting is to
> be, drill two holes in the deck for the line to go through. One bigger
> than the other if it is going to take a knot. and then glass half a ping
> pong ball under the deck to act as the recess. It seems like a sano way to
> go. but I was wondering if it would be strong enough for deck lines? Any
> one done this? I am having a hard time committing to drilling untill I am
> sure.