Keel guard?

[MD Dore]

I am thinking about installing a keel protector on my Hobie. Has anyone else installed one, and if so, what brand did you use and was it worth the expense?

[AbuMasgouf]

I've installed keelEazy on my Revo a long time ago and it was pretty good. I haven't done it on my outback cuz I got lazy... Haha
It's expensive for what you get but it is still on the Revo after about 2.5 years

[MD Dore]

I've installed keelEazy on my Revo a long time ago and it was pretty good. I haven't done it on my outback cuz I got lazy... Haha
It's expensive for what you get but it is still on the Revo after about 2.5 years

Thanks. Good to hear someone on SL has had a good experience with keelEazy. I agree is a little pricey, but I figure I'd rather spend some bucks protecting the kayak than buying a few more bags of soft plastics that I don't need.

[Cowpokey]

I haven't, my 2014 has some scuffing on the bow and stern keels, but that's after lots of trips. If you are careless and or hard on gear, go for the extra protection...


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[dasher]

I've read some have success with a couple of layers of gorilla tape - its much cheaper and seems to last from what i've read.

[Cowpokey]

I've read some have success with a couple of layers of gorilla tape - its much cheaper and seems to last from what i've read.

If I was going to do it, that's the route I'd go.

[dasher]

It's on my list to do on a nice warm day.

[MD Dore]

I haven't, my 2014 has some scuffing on the bow and stern keels, but that's after lots of trips. If you are careless and or hard on gear, go for the extra protection...


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My Outback also has scuffing on the keels, but I am careful with it and don't really need additional protection for that yak.

But, I do need it for my new boat -- a Tandem Island. I did more sailing than fishing growing up, and I have had my eye on the TI for quite some time. With the help of a gift certificate I picked up at CBKA, I purchased the 2015 demo from Easton Cycle & Sport. (They were fantastic, BTW.) Given that the TI is capable of reaching some relatively high speeds, and the fact that I expect to use the TI in a lot of shallow water areas, I'm at risk of doing some serious damage to the hull if I strike an oyster bed or some other structure. I don't plan on running it aground, but given that I plan to explore a lot of unfamiliar waters with this boat, it's almost a certainty that I will at some point.

[Yak67]

Thanks for the input guys, The S.M.O.G. crew was debating this all season. We use a lot of concrete ramps to launch from in SoMo and our keels took a collective beating. This will be my winter project for both my Yaks. With the season we had last year, I really need to protect those keels.

Yak67
2015 Hobie PA-14
2016 Hobie Outback LE

[Salty Dog]

After reading this thread, check out water and ice shield at your local Lowes or Depot, it is rubberized flashing that has a sticky side to it. It is made in 6 inch wide rolls for flashing doors and windows.

[Cheng-Tot]

I've heard of people using a inner tube or rubber tire, along with gorrila tape. It will grip concrete, but ways around it. Cheap DIY. May or may not work for you.

[MD Dore]

All great suggestions. I'll let you all know which path I end up taking.

[M1A4ME]

Guys are using this to modify their handgun grips to better fit their hands.

No idea what it costs. Sounds like it's easy to apply/shape and durable. No idea if a layer spread/molded over the prow/bow would do the job or not. If so, it sounds like it would be easy to "patch" if it gets gouged up badly.

https://sugru.com/about

[dasher]

Guys are using this to modify their handgun grips to better fit their hands.

No idea what it costs. Sounds like it's easy to apply/shape and durable. No idea if a layer spread/molded over the prow/bow would do the job or not. If so, it sounds like it would be easy to "patch" if it gets gouged up badly.

https://sugru.com/about

I have sugru & used it for other things too expensive & not a viable solution for this in my opinion.

[DonV]

After reading this thread, check out water and ice shield at your local Lowes or Depot, it is rubberized flashing that has a sticky side to it. It is made in 6 inch wide rolls for flashing doors and windows.

Thanks I'm going to give that a try, have some bouncing around the house.

I have just used a thick layer of Goop and it holds up for a year or two.