: I'm still fairing, so have plenty of time to think about this. I've been
: considering expoying in a series of "D" rings inside of both
: hatches so that I would have a means of securing a partial load of gear,
: in order to prevent it from tumbling around in rough water or during
: rolls. Also, I was thinking about a couple "D" rings in the
: cockpit, probably behind the seat, to act as security rings so that I'd
: have a place to run some cable through a "D" ring and thus lock
: the boat to a pole, tree, truck or whatever.

: Any thoughts on all these "D" rings?

: Rick

A couple of other ideas. If you haven't already stuck the two halves together, for a security point consider mounting stainless steel u-bolt at the nose. Running parallel to the length, it's virtually invisible. 1/4" diameter is strong enough, doubles as a tie point for your carry handles. Just pass it through the hull and glass and expoxy the retaining plate and bolts in place.

Don't get too crazy. Keep in mind the weakest link in the security system is usually the cable you use and a determined thief with a pair of bolt cutters will get through most restraints. Stainless steel 1/4" cable with properly crimped end loops and decent key lock will at least slow them down.

For a cheap alternative to internal D rings, consider 3/4" pvc pipe sliced lengthwise down the middle and in perhaps 3/4" sections. glass and expoxy them at various points on the side walls and they should hold just about anything you would want in your boat. I believe it is Ross Leidy who first used them to hold down his hatch lids with internal bungies and they work well for me.