Hull skid protection, again

Somewhere I ran into the site linked below:

http://www.circletracksupply.com/BEAR-BOND-BODY-REPAIR-KIT.html

Note the sizes of the strips.  If we assume 6"x36" is enough to do a single kayak, then the package would do 12 yaks for a cost of about $15 each.   If we assume it will take 6"x72", then 6 yaks for $30 each.  I think I'll try and track down the source.  Anyone find this interesting?

Wow....cool stuff!  A few more launches on our "barnacle beaches" and I just might be needing some of this.

Of course only as a last resort.....learning to be a tad more picky about where I put in at......

 

Has anyone out there ever tried putting any sort of spray on coating (Rhino liner, Speedliner 1000, or Gluvit) on the bottom of there poly kayak to try and protect it from scrapes.  I know that they use this stuff on drift boats, but am wondering if it would stick to poly bottom boat?

Rhino liner will protect, but at the risk of doubling the weight of your kayak, and probably cutting down your speed/efficiency down

Bear Bond, on the otherhand, won't do much. it's just tape.  Pretty f'n strong tape, but tape nonetheless.  It won't hold up to barnacles.

Actually, a central 6" wide stripe of protection from bow to stern would do it.  The entire bottom of the boat need not be protected.  I have LineX bedliner in my truck and while it is REALLY tough, it is also REALLY rough, and would trash the hydrodynamics of the smooth hull. 

Here is an article from Salmon University on coating a drift boat.  Seems that an initial limited coat might be okay on a kayak, but once worn, recoating could be a problem.  http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/gluvit.htm

I'm not sure what to do with my Revo except be careful.  The plastic seems much softer than my Trident.

I've been looking at some aviation protective tapes, but I'm still looking.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/8672.php

I also have been considering UHMW tape, you can find it online in an assortment of widths and lengths, but the cost is on the high side. This stuff would be the ultimate, tough as nails but also slick.

I'm interested. I'm pretty abusive on my gear. I was thinking I need it just in a few spots on the keel. I was hoping for some type of epoxy or tape type fix.  Ultimately I'd think a thin replaceable coating on about a 2ft by 6inch strip in front and back would cover the hardest hit spots.

  I know it will increase drag but so does a planer flasher and big gear. I need the boat to float to have fun.

Lots of places sell kevlar skid plate kits for canoes, and they work very well. Should work for kayaks, too.

www.keeleazy.com/  Getting a sample of their product to test.

www.keeleazy.com/  Getting a sample of their product to test.

this looks like it would work great.  Let us know how it turns out.

www.keeleazy.com/  Getting a sample of their product to test.

Anything to report?

They sent a 2" X 9" sample but I haven't taken the time to install it.  Need to bring the Kayak into the basement as it is too cold to apply the KeelEasy outside and it would not adhere as well.

I think it would take the 'normal' scuffing but is not thick and dense enough to prevent deep scratches formed by sliding the yak on pavement or a rough concrete ramp.  Sand and small washed beach gravel should be fine.

I use a rubber pad to pivot my 11' Revo from the stern to rest on the end of the bunks before lifting and sliding it onto the tonneau cover on my truck.  Even with the KeelEasy installed, I would still use the pad.

I would suggest you order a sample to check it out.  The sample is free.

Thanks for the report.

Here's a couple of YouTube videos on installing the KeelEasy strips.  At $4/ft it's not cheap.

Just finished applying KeelEazy to the Revo.  This is more difficult than working on a fiberglass kayak due to the short radii at the bow and stern.  But once you have cut your pattern it is very easy to install with the heat gun.  We'll see how it holds up.

keeleazy.com