I need to install some pad eyes and a scotty rod holder on my daughter's yak. I do not have access to the inside hull. So my question is, am I better off using rivets or screws? Any specific brand or type I should use to avoid rust? Should I add a little marine goop to seal the entry point of the rivet/screw? I appreciate the feedback.

I prefer screws with well nuts. Use locktite and marine silicon and you will have a perfect water tight seal, and its easier than using a rivet gun to me

Either well nuts or rivets will work.

Do you have a rivet gun? Have you used it before. If you do, and your comfortable with it, I would use a Rivet gun. If not...screws, nuts work just as well.

There's no wrong choice between the two options...just preference.

im not a riveteer or anything, but is there something special to use a rivet gun? For well nuts, don't you have to drill a bigger hole for the nut to fit?
For me, i prefer rivets because they are easy to use, and the rivets themself are cheap. removing them is easy as well.

For something that makes a small hole and isn't terribly weight bearing (pad eyes, rod holders, etc) I'll use either rivets or self tapping screws. Something that makes a big hole (hatch) I'd go with nuts/bolts. Goop it for sure.

Being that he said he does not have access to the inside of his hull I would say rivets are the answer

if you go with well nuts you also don't need hull access

I don't have a whole lot of $$ to invest in this small project. Rivets may be the best option due to a smaller hole in the yak. However, I would have to buy a rivet gun. The well nuts seem like a strong hold and the easier option for me since I have the tools needed. Just concerned about the bigger hole. I appreciate the feedback.

I'm curious, if I bought the product from a local kayak dealer, would they install for free? Or would a fee be involved? It is just pad eyes, so maybe not.

You can borrow my rivet gun--PM sent.

you can get a stanley rivet gun at homedepot for 10$ and you will have it for anything else you might want to use it for not just kayaking.

Rivets for the padeyes and well nuts for the rod holder. That's what I would do anyhow...
Just be sure to use the correct size bit for the well nuts.

I had never used rivets prior to watching a YouTube video on how to install flush mount rod holders. That being said, it was just as easy as it seemed in the video. I bought a 15 dollar rivet gun that came with dozens of rivets of various size, and it worked perfect for the task. I did not have access to the hull so they worked well. I put a ring of caulk around the base before pushing the rod holder all the way down and wiped away the excess. It looks great and has worked well. I would suggest rivets.

If you use rivets make sure you use the backing washers or the rivets that spread out like an anchor bolt. A rivet will eventually pull out of the plastic if you don't.