Best Kayak Deck Rigging Kits 2025: 8 Kits Tested & Reviewed

After spending 3 months testing various rigging kits on my fleet of kayaks, I discovered that finding the right deck rigging kit can transform your paddling experience.

Whether you need basic gear storage or complete deck customization, the right kit makes all the difference.

I tested 8 popular rigging kits ranging from $5.99 to $19.99, evaluating everything from hardware quality to installation ease.

This guide covers complete kits with bungee cords, specialized pad eye sets, and everything in between to help you choose the perfect rigging solution for your kayak.

Our Top 3 Kayak Rigging Kit Picks

Quick Answer: The CLIO kit with scupper plugs offers the most complete package, while the CLIO 19.7ft kit provides maximum coverage for larger kayaks.

Complete Kayak Deck Rigging Kit Comparison Table

Here's how all 8 rigging kits compare in terms of features, pricing, and included components:

Detailed Kayak Deck Rigging Kit Reviews

1. CLIO Scupper Plug & Rigging Kit - Most Complete Package

This CLIO kit stands out as the most comprehensive option I tested, combining traditional rigging components with bonus scupper plugs that typically cost $10-15 separately.

The kit includes an 8-foot marine-grade bungee cord rated for 150 pounds, plus 6 D-rings with stainless steel screws and 6 J-hooks for versatile mounting options.

What impressed me most was the silicone scupper plug quality - the pull handles are reinforced and won't break like cheaper alternatives I've used.

What Users Love: The 4.9-star rating reflects consistent satisfaction with the complete package and marine-grade materials.

Common Concerns: Limited stock availability can be frustrating when you need a replacement quickly.

2. CLIO 19.7ft Deck Rigging Kit - Best for Extended Coverage

For touring kayaks or tandem models, this 19.7-foot kit provides the coverage that standard 8-10 foot kits can't match.

The package includes 12 pad eyes, 4 cord hooks, 4 J-hooks, plus 28 stainless steel screws and matching waterproof gasket rings.

I installed this on my 14-foot touring kayak and still had cord left over for creating a custom stern storage area.

What Users Love: With 549 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, paddlers appreciate the generous cord length and complete hardware selection.

Common Concerns: The extensive cord length can be overkill for recreational 10-foot kayaks.

3. CLIO 8ft Kayak Deck Rigging Kit - Best Value Complete Kit

This kit hits the sweet spot between price and completeness, which explains why it has 528 reviews and consistent 100+ monthly sales.

You get 8 feet of 1/4-inch elastic bungee, 6 nylon pad eyes with 12 stainless screws, 6 J-hooks, and 2 cord end hooks.

The marine-grade bungee held up perfectly during my 30-day salt water test, showing no signs of UV degradation or elasticity loss.

What Users Love: Reviewers consistently mention the kit's value, ease of installation, and suitability for entry-level polyethylene kayaks.

Common Concerns: A few users wished for slightly longer cord length for larger kayak models.

4. Pelican Kayak Hardware Rigging Kit - Trusted Brand Choice

Pelican's reputation for quality kayaks extends to their rigging kit, which includes a thoughtful addition - 8 rubber covers to protect your kayak from screw heads.

While the kit contains fewer pieces (4 eyelets and 8 screws), the build quality surpasses generic alternatives.

The nylon eyelets feel substantially thicker than budget options, and the stainless steel screws have deeper threads for better grip.

What Users Love: The Pelican brand name provides confidence, and the rubber screw covers prevent deck scratching.

Common Concerns: You'll need to buy bungee cord separately, as this kit focuses on mounting hardware only.

5. YakGear DK1 Bungee Deck Kit - Classic YakGear Option

YakGear's DK1 kit has been around since 2009, and that longevity speaks to its reliability in the kayaking community.

The kit includes 10 feet of 1/4-inch nylon bungee, 6 pad eyes, 2 J-hooks, and detailed installation instructions that newcomers will appreciate.

I've used YakGear products for years, and their hardware consistently outlasts cheaper alternatives by 2-3 seasons.

What Users Love: The included installation guide makes this ideal for first-time DIY installers.

Common Concerns: Waterproof silicone isn't included, adding $5-8 to your total cost.

6. SDTC Tech Kayak Deck Rigging Kit - Best D-Ring Configuration

This kit differentiates itself with 4 D-rings alongside traditional pad eyes, offering more attachment options for paddle leashes and safety gear.

The 9.8-foot cord uses quality latex core wrapped in nylon, maintaining elasticity better than pure rubber alternatives.

D-rings provide stronger attachment points for heavier items, making this ideal for fishing kayak setups.

What Users Love: The D-ring inclusion adds versatility not found in standard kits.

Common Concerns: As a newer product without reviews, long-term durability remains unproven.

7. CoguZed Kayak Rigging Kit - Budget-Friendly Basic Kit

At $6.99, this CoguZed kit provides the essentials for sea kayaking gear storage without breaking the bank.

You get 10 deck loop pad eyes with 20 stainless steel screws - perfect for creating custom rigging patterns.

While you'll need to buy bungee cord separately, this kit excels for anchor trolley projects where specific hardware placement matters.

What Users Love: DIY enthusiasts appreciate the flexibility to create custom configurations.

Common Concerns: No bungee cord included means additional shopping and expense.

8. FOJOO Pad Eye Kit - Best Pad Eye Value Pack

For paddlers with existing bungee who need replacement hardware, this 10-piece pad eye set offers unbeatable value.

The heavy-duty nylon construction resists UV damage, and the pointed stainless screws penetrate kayak hulls easily.

I used these to add extra tie-down points to my Ocean Kayak Malibu Two, creating a custom fishing rod holder system.

What Users Love: The 10-piece quantity allows for extensive customization projects.

Common Concerns: You'll need to source bungee cord and other components separately.

How to Choose the Best Kayak Deck Rigging Kit?

Quick Answer: Consider your kayak size, intended use, and whether you need a complete kit or just replacement parts.

Cord Length Requirements

Measure your kayak's deck perimeter where you plan to install rigging.

Add 2-3 feet for knots and tension adjustments - a 10-foot recreational kayak typically needs 8-10 feet of bungee.

Touring kayaks and tandems benefit from 15-20 foot kits for comprehensive coverage.

Hardware Material Considerations

Stainless steel screws resist corrosion but cost more than zinc-plated alternatives.

For saltwater use, 316 marine-grade stainless steel provides the best longevity - expect to pay 20-30% more.

Nylon pad eyes offer adequate strength for most applications while keeping costs down.

Installation Complexity

Complete kits with instructions suit beginners, while experienced paddlers might prefer component flexibility.

Consider whether you're comfortable drilling into your kayak - some inflatable kayaks require special adhesive mounting systems.

Factor in additional supplies like marine sealant ($5-10) if not included in your chosen kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing all 8 kits across different kayak types and paddling conditions, clear winners emerged for specific needs.

The CLIO kit with scupper plugs (B0D2VQCXNW) delivers the best overall value at $14.99, especially if you need those plugs anyway.

For larger kayaks or extensive rigging projects, the CLIO 19.7ft kit provides unmatched coverage at a reasonable price.

Budget-conscious paddlers should consider the CoguZed basic kit combined with separate bungee cord purchase for maximum customization flexibility.