Kevlar Skid Plate

[eastonkayaker]

My winter project is to put a kevlar skid plate on the bow of my Hobie Revolution. Anyone ever done this? Any lessons learned when applying? Looks like a good kit costs around $135. I think it will be well worth it. Many concrete ramps over here on the eastern shore.

[dhmjd]

would it be cheaper to fix the kayak a couple of times? I have no idea, but they basically just melt new plastic in, dont they?

[eastonkayaker]

I talked with Ryan at Easton Cycle, told me that the bow on a Hobie is very difficult to repair if it cracks or wears through. Better to take some preventive measure. There is still a lot of meat there, but after a couple hundred times, loading and unloading from my suburban plus launching/landing on concrete ramps it is showing some wear right on the curve of the bow. I have looked at several kits priced from $40 to $150 just wondering if anyone has any experience with this.

[ictalurus]

I haven't heard of anyone installing a kevlar skid plate, but I believe one or two guys on KFS used some sort of kevlar tape to protect their Kaskazis. I think they just replaced the tape every few years. Another guy just used several layers of thick packing tape. I actually thought about doing that when I got my Tarpon, but then I went and used it right away. After the first scratch, I figured it didn't matter.

[Redfish12]

I saw this on SOL and thought of you guys - http://www.stripersonline.com/surfta...d.php?t=769859

Seems like a good idea for sure.

[jffoley]

I saw this on SOL and thought of you guys - http://www.stripersonline.com/surfta...d.php?t=769859

Seems like a good idea for sure.

Agreed! Looks like something well worth doing.

[DOGFISH]

That seems like a good idea. However, use the right type of epoxy. Not all epoxy or glue will hold to the plastic of a kayak. You may have to research that part of the job. The polyethylene tape seemed like a good option. It could be formed. It could also be removed or replaced.

Another option, if it would stick to a plastic kayak, is the rhino liner material used on truck bed liners. Some boaters are now having that sprayed on their keels to protect while beaching their boats. I saw that on WFN. They tape off the keel area and spray on the material. That would mold right to the kayak, if it sticks to the plastic. That may be better. They can match color. It may be worth while looking into that option.

[eastonkayaker]

I am looking at this kit
http://store.oldtowncanoe.com/produc...95/Skid_Plates

Also heard that West Marine sells some fiberglass sheets that work and cost about half the price, but don't last as long as the Kevlar.

[DOGFISH]

West Marine does sell fiberglass tape. There are also specialty companies around town that sell kevlar tape. Alot of the racers are into keeping everything light.

[surfdog]

i'm liking th HDPE adhesive tape, heat to form and stick and colorless, i use HDPE strips on my shop tools for fence covers

[jffoley]

$20 + $1 shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/PriceCutter-Sl...1415649&sr=8-3

[surfdog]

John you are the man. im adding that to my things to do to the kayak list for this winter, it has developed a bad case of ramp rash last season

[jffoley]

Props gotta go to Michael (Redfish) for the lead in the first place. I checked it out and it makes perfect sense. Cheap enough and so what you might have to replace it every 2 years. Ordered some this afternoon! Thanks Michael!

[Redfish12]

Haha no problem... Glad my addiction to reading fishing reports when I can't be fishing is helping someone!

[Memory Maker]

Just wondering ........ is 3" wide enough ........ they make it much wider but it ain't cheap