Rivets or Screws?

Hey guys, I'm just starting the process of outfitting my first kayak.  I have a new WS Tarpon 140.  I'm adding some flush mount rod holders behind the seats.  Unfortunately, there is no inside access to put a nut and bolt, so I'm trying to decide on whether to use rivets or just screw them in. 

Any advice would be appreciated. I've attached a picture of where I'm installing them.

These are what I use. They are great!

http://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Extra-Long-Mounting-Rivets/dp/B0062BXAEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395771688&sr=8-1&keywords=scotty+rivets

I like rivets, too. Anyone ever try the expanding drywall anchors with some stainless screws?

I like rivets, too. Anyone ever try the expanding drywall anchors with some stainless screws?

Thats funny, that thought actually came to my mind.....I decided to go with the butterfly rivets instead....

Use long rivets.  One thing I like to do when using rivets is to wrap them in the sealant tape you would wrap around the threads of a threaded pipe or nipple to get a nice water-tight seal.  Not the whole length of the rivet though, just a few wraps around the part just under the head. 

Use long rivets.  One thing I like to do when using rivets is to wrap them in the sealant tape you would wrap around the threads of a threaded pipe or nipple to get a nice water-tight seal.  Not the whole length of the rivet though, just a few wraps around the part just under the head.

Interesting idea about the teflon tape, I think I'll try that.  I was thinking about using the drywall screws and I think it would be fine because its it seems like a low stress part, but maybe I'll go with the rivets.  The only think stopping me was the fact that I don't have a rivet gun.  Is the Harbor Freight gun sufficient?

Use long rivets.  One thing I like to do when using rivets is to wrap them in the sealant tape you would wrap around the threads of a threaded pipe or nipple to get a nice water-tight seal.  Not the whole length of the rivet though, just a few wraps around the part just under the head.

Interesting idea about the teflon tape, I think I'll try that.  I was thinking about using the drywall screws and I think it would be fine because its it seems like a low stress part, but maybe I'll go with the rivets.  The only think stopping me was the fact that I don't have a rivet gun.  Is the Harbor Freight gun sufficient?

Negative on the harbor freight rivet gun. I have found out "the hard way" to use a decent brand rivet gun. The scotty rivets are pretty tuff, they broke my master mechanic cheapy rivet gun. I went to a fasterner store and paid like $30 bucks on a nice rivet gun kit.

Use long rivets.  One thing I like to do when using rivets is to wrap them in the sealant tape you would wrap around the threads of a threaded pipe or nipple to get a nice water-tight seal.  Not the whole length of the rivet though, just a few wraps around the part just under the head.

Interesting idea about the teflon tape, I think I'll try that.  I was thinking about using the drywall screws and I think it would be fine because its it seems like a low stress part, but maybe I'll go with the rivets.  The only think stopping me was the fact that I don't have a rivet gun.  Is the Harbor Freight gun sufficient?

Negative on the harbor freight rivet gun. I have found out "the hard way" to use a decent brand rivet gun. The scotty rivets are pretty tuff, they broke my master mechanic cheapy rivet gun. I went to a fasterner store and paid like $30 bucks on a nice rivet gun kit.

I forgot to add in the "FAT" blood blister I got when the cheap one broke.

Rod holders are NOT "low stress parts."  Use the long rivets with a dab of Marine Goop for sealant.

Rod holders are NOT "low stress parts."  Use the long rivets with a dab of Marine Goop for sealant.

This is exactly what I did.....strong enough to take an hard impact blow from the garage ceiling to the concrete floor when my hoist straps failed

Use long "aluminum" rivets if you are just using regular rivets, I use 5/8ths inch long ones and they work great on most applications. like demonick said, use a healthy dab of marine goop for sealant and a bit of extra holding power.

I don't recommend Stainless rivets as they are a bear to get to pop, they just keep stretching the hole out, unless they are the butterfly type.

Of course stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts are the best if you can reach inside to fasten them.

This thread is reading my mind... considering options for rod holders on my wife's boat, don't have access everywhere. Thank goodness for NWKA know-how. I guess I need to find a good rivet gun.

 I guess I need to find a good rivet gun.

This is the exact kit I have, although I got it for like $22 at a local fastener store.

 I guess I need to find a good rivet gun.

This is the exact kit I have, although I got it for like $22 at a local fastener store.

DUH......the link would probably help

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W1R50A/ref=s9_simh_gw_p469_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12VE20P828CC14EVXMJ2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

I like rivets, too. Anyone ever try the expanding drywall anchors with some stainless screws?

Iv tried these when a rivet got pulled out and it was a waist of time and money. The screw ends up spinning the plastic part and if you put to much pressure on it then it just pushes threw.