Kayak Parts & Accessories

Check the kayak's make and measure the existing part; seats, hatches and rudders are often model-specific. For example, a Hobie Pro Angler seat won't fit a Compass kayak, while universal items like bungee cord and handles usually work across models.

Rudders provide active steering for tight maneuvers or surf, whereas skegs help straight-line tracking in wind or open-water touring. Retractable skegs can offer adjustable depth up to 12 inches, and rudder assemblies with cables commonly rely on tensile strengths over 500 lbs for reliable control.

On overnight trips, hatch covers with rubber or silicone gaskets keep gear dry and hull plastics or composites add impact resistance. Many hatches also use bungee retention and deck gaskets that pair to maintain watertight storage for gear-heavy expeditions.

Marine-grade stainless steel or nylon hardware is best for resisting saltwater corrosion, and UV-resistant bungee cords help retain elasticity on sun-exposed decks. Hull components are typically molded from reinforced plastics or composites designed for high-impact durability in rough water.

Accessory rails let you mount rod holders, electronics, and other gear, with systems from Ketch Products enabling customizable layouts for multiple accessories. YakAttack scupper plugs and pad eyes are common on sit-on-top models because they secure gear and integrate cleanly with rail-mounted setups.