Keel Protector

[jet]

everytime i put the kayak in the truck bed, the keel rubs on the pavement as i lift the front to slide on to the tailgate. well, i noticed it's actually wearing away pretty good. i could just lay down the red tshirt i use for the hauling flag or even a small piece of plywood, but of course i want to make it more complicated by making something. i was thinking of a piece of nylon, or say cutting board attached to a belt/strap and quick connect buckle.

thoughts or ideas?

[tufnik]

I just use an old blanket folded several times.

[ictalurus]

Before you go too crazy, you might want to try a couple layers of this:

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

I put some on my Revo before I hit the water. So far, it has held up pretty well, but one layer probably won't be enough for what you need. I only put one layer on mine early this winter, and some areas have torn just from incidental contact between the stern and the ramp when I get in. Three layers would probably last a while, though. The red shirt is probably the cheapest and easiest, though. Hopefully, more companies will follow OK's lead and make replaceable keels.

[surfdog]

i put 3 layers on the stren keel, it didnt last long i think maybe this winter i'll take it to a plastics shop by backyard boats and have an extra layer welded on

[jet]

i did the tshirt deal today..it's not confirmed, but i'm not seeing too much protection. should have taken a picture

[ictalurus]

When I had a Suburban, I had old bag/mat that I (meaning my wife) made by sewing together the legs of old, worn out jeans. I would either put that over the tip of the bow or under it depending on where I was loading (I loaded my Outback stern first onto the roof). That worked pretty well, but most of the places I launched were gravel instead of paved.

[surfdog]

an old strip of carpet might work if i can find some about a foot wide and 4' long