Keel Guard

[James]

Hi

Do you think this will work on the F-Rib? It doesn't cost the earth.

http://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-protect ... sj6NDYrGUl

I might get some and try fitting it before the weekend.

Thanks

James

[Paul]

Worth a try mate........I've been trying to find the same but in a rubber backed version without success
Yep there's plenty out there in rubber form at silly, silly prices FFS

[James]

I was trying to find a rubber backed version too. We are talking over £100 notes lol

[philpot]

Perhaps something on these lines would do the trick from Polymarine, IMO the most experienced inflatable boat repairs/modification company I have come across. Give them a call because they are extremely helpful.

https://polymarineshop.com/parts-access ... trake.html

Phil

[mattswan2512]

I dont know why it costs so much but its not a doddle to fit either. You need to spend time preparing surfaces and keying and wiping before any application can take place and if its not good enough.... bye bye 150 quids worth of keel guard as it will peel off.
Like the priciple tho and would like it but its to pricy for some thick tape essentialy lol

[The Gurnard]

Hi guys.. spoke to my brother who has put tape on his kayaks many times..he recommended this

http://www.chillcheater.com/keeleazy-keel-strip

and a video of application

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li5UHM7akMo

Im picking some up today for my F-Rib..as the keel gets quite scuffed.. and will let you know how it goes. Still expensive to buy ..I need 2 meters for the 275 size .. but at 40 odd squid ,, half the price of Keel Guard. They use this tape for the rotary blades of helicopters..so it should do the Guppy ..hopefully

[philpot]

That looks very interesting Donny. Are you intending to tuck the tape into the hull joining edges or simply run down the hull and cut at the join. I suppose it depends on the thickness of the tape as to whether you will get in effect two layers of tape in at the join.

I am really anal when it comes to beaching boats and kayaks and do my very best to not drag them on the shore. When I sold my last kayak, there were almost no marks on the under side as I always fitted launch wheels whilst still in the water, I know it is just me being a tart but after paying a grand for a kayak, want to keep it in as near perfect condition as I can. When I was a young boy, three of us clubbed together with the help of parents and bought a 10' dingy and a launch trolley with a British Seagull outboard and the old man we bought it from drummed into us that we should love and cherish the under side of the boat and it will take care of you on the water, just something that has stuck with me all my life, silly really but there you go.

I am most interested to see how you go on with this product Donny

Phil

[The Gurnard]

Hi Phil..nope..I will trim the tape to the edges where it folds..I think the front piece will shield the next edge from the force of water..its certainly worth trying.

Re scratches.. each to their own I guess..but I think the old guys advice is wrong for me. I got the boat to use it for exploring close inshore. Example..I squeezed into this tiny cave (through that small opening behind the boat) .. scratched my head on the roof when the two foot swell lifted me upwards.. ..it could easily damage the boat if I wasn’t careful..but that is where the fun and skill of timing comes in.

Why do it you may ask ? Because it was there ...and a challenge ..and I wanted the photo.

I do look after my stuff..but I didn’t get it for my mantle piece. Its why I also don’t get boats full of bling.. Its just me though..and everyone has different views. Perhaps Im wrong

[philpot]

I don't think you are wrong at all Donny, for me it was just the way I was taught and not having the sort of places that you explore, I had no reason to change things. I will say however if my doorstep River Humber had some of the features you encounter, I would have thrown away those first words of wisdom and done it your way matey...

Phil

[Martin]

Will you be sticking some of that keel guard on your head next time Donny