rivet removal

  Recently started doing all of my own kaykak rigging work and repair and I need a little help.                                   I have a broken deck loop that I need to replace and wanted to know the best "kayak friendly" way to remove the old rivet before I take out my drill.   I have no access to the inside, of this particular boat, at the site of the rivet, so  all work must be done on the top side.

I have used the following technique:

1. Remove any of the remaining material from the rivet

2. Get snub nosed "dykes" or heavy duty wire cutters and cowboy up on the rivet

3. Retrieve rivet piece from the inside

4. Fill hole with goop or kayak patch kit.

What kind of kayak is it? I have the same issue with my kayak except it has a plug fitting to drain with. One thing I want to pass along is that goop wis not winter friendly; it will freeze and maybe split from the part glued to it, and you might not notice this happening. The reason for asking what kayak you have is some kayak have a factory spot that can accept a hatch; maybe this would work for you. As for the rivet; you just have to get past the high spot/cap and pop it down into the kayak. The reason for the hatch Idea. Or you can keep the rivit in the yak and have a rattle effect for fishing; let us know how it goes.

     This particular boat is a old WS boat called "the Riot". It has been discontinued for awhile.  I use this boat to fish trout streams, mostly in the eastern sierras.  It is a SOT, hybrid rec/surf boat that is only 8' long. Its quick off the line and agile enough for the twisting streams of the sierras. I have it rigged as a "no frills" fish hunter but the only hatch is a 8" and it is all the way in the aft section. I can use it to remove the remains of the rivet post but I cant reach very far into the boat. Thanks for the heads up on the goop and the wisdom reguarding my rivet issue.

Use a bit the same diamater as the rivet,the center as you look at it not the outside,and just drill it out ...thats all there is to it....Alan

Thought of something else. Maybe if you install a rod holder you could then drill out the rivits and use the rod hole to empty the rivits. Just a thought.

 flush mount rod holders are already installed but thanks for thought. ill be able to remove the left over rivet without a problem through the rear hatch.  I havnt yet decided on which removal tactic ill be using yet. ive spent my rec time on the water in another boat, since the bite has been on.  thanks again for all the help and suggestions.