Hull protection experiment results

Two years ago I put some plastic hull protection on my Revo13 and tested it out.  Seems to be working great and it has not loosened or fallen off.  The boat is used almost exclusively in salt water.

I used Ultra-High Molecular Weight Plastic Strips, called "Slick Strips".  I bought the 12" wide, 1/32" thick, adhesive tape stuff.  I got 7 feet of it and cut it in half the long way to get 14 feet by 6".  You peel the backing strip off to expose the adhesive.

http://www.eplastics.com/Slick_Strips

As an experiment I put it on the bow and stern.  I left the kayak upside down in the sun for a couple of hours to warm the hull, then I scrubbed it with soapy water, dried it, and wiped it down with rubbing alcohol.

I made paper patterns of what I wanted to do then applied the paper patterns to test the fit.  After I was happy I wiped the hull down with alcohol again, cut the pieces, and went for it.  Use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm up and preform the Slick Strip as much as possible. 

If I were to do it again, I would make the bow strips 4" long (rather than 6" - didn't need all the side coverage), would make the bow strips along the tightest part of the curve narrower, and would extend the coverage forward another couple of inches and back much farther. 

I would also change the stern design.  Rather than tuck the central tongue inside the wrap around sides, I would wrap the sides around and lay the tongue piece over the seam.  The corners of the stern wrap was trimmed after application.

A guillotine paper cutter, tin snips, or a very heavy scissor makes cutting the stuff easier.  I used a guillotine and tin snips.  Go slow.  Be sure of your design before you commit.  I'm not sure I could pry off the Slick Strip.

I've always wondered how and with what materials this could be done. Thanks for the info! I've scraped my tarpon140 up more in the past 3 months here in the sound with its scraggly launches than I have in all the years launching in lake michigan. I'll be ordering some of these strips pronto.

This is a great find. I have thought about this since you mentioned it awhile back (maybe I saw it on your website, I can't remember which). 

I am curious if this could be done with G-flex epoxy and multiple layers of 4 oz cloth.   The cloth is flexible so no pattern needed and you can adjust it while working with it since it takes awhile to set and cure.  Also, it is clear so it would cure to the color of your boat.  When I build cedar strip or stitch-n-glue kayaks, I build up the keel, bow, and stern to about 12 ozs for abrasion resistance.  As it gets worn, I can apply more resin to fill the scratches and smooth it back out.  Downside- G-flex is very pricey.

  Looks damn good Demonick,
 Sure save a lot of wear and tear on a hull.

  Craig --you could certainly use 4 oz. fiberglass. Or if you really wanted to beef it up use a carbon or Kevlar based cloth instead. I put that on several of the kayaks and driftboats I used to build in high stress areas. It will cost a little more---- but it is pretty bullet proof.

  Looks damn good Demonick,
 Sure save a lot of wear and tear on a hull.

  Craig --you could certainly use 4 oz. fiberglass. Or if you really wanted to beef it up use a carbon or Kevlar based cloth instead. I put that on several of the kayaks and driftboats I used to build in high stress areas. It will cost a little more---- but it is pretty bullet proof.

That is true.  I have never worked with them myself, but it is similar assume (except for not finishing clear).

  Looks damn good Demonick,
 Sure save a lot of wear and tear on a hull.

  Craig --you could certainly use 4 oz. fiberglass. Or if you really wanted to beef it up use a carbon or Kevlar based cloth instead. I put that on several of the kayaks and driftboats I used to build in high stress areas. It will cost a little more---- but it is pretty bullet proof.

That is true.  I have never worked with them myself, but it is similar assume (except for not finishing clear).

  Not necessarily true. The carbon fiber cloth I got was white --but after sealing it with resin it turned out clear. The Kevlar indeed turned out black. The kayak and the mini-drifter that I still have both have Kevlar strips in some areas I wanted to beef up. You can't see it but I know it's there.

I was considering an order for the tape in a 3 inch wide 50 foot roll if we get enough people interested in it the price goes down per roll. Anyone else interested? 25 would be optimal shipping around $199 so about $8 per roll

I am...but I live in Seattle.

I am...but I live in Seattle.

That's ok

Cool. Well keep me posted. Let me know if i can give you any info, etc...

How has the UHMW tape work for you fellas?  Looking to upgrade keel protection from the one season usage of Keeleazy tape. 

Never got enough guys to order it at a good rate

How has the UHMW tape work for you fellas?  Looking to upgrade keel protection from the one season usage of Keeleazy tape. 

The UHMW tape as described in this thread has performed better than expected. Still as tightly stuck as the first day. It is important to prep the surface as described, including warmth.

Might have to order it at full price if nobody wants to jump in on a group purchase.
Edit just checked still the same price.

Thank you for the input.