FiberFix Keel Guard

[Steve6902]

So I was at Home Depot and saw a product called FiberFlex. It supposedly bonds to everything and becomes tougher then woodpecker lips. So here's my thinking, Gorilla tape on the keel with FiberFlex on top of that. The FiberFlex never truly bonds with the kayak. This way when it wears out you just peal off the Gorilla tape, and start over. Thoughts???

[mchottie]

your theory seems solid.

please post pictures when you do the install.

[Steve6902]

Actually I was hoping someone else would do it.

[echo5oscar]

Seems like that would strictly rely on the bond between the gorilla tape and the hull. Try it on a 5 gallon bucket or anything made from HDPE. That should give you a good idea how it would work on a kayak. Use it with and without the tape.

[FishMoken]

Is this the item you are talking about? I was just thinking about doing the extra tuff gorilla tape down the keel of the boat and I like your idea of adding this on top. I know I've seen this product at my work. I'm going to check tomorrow, might have to pick some up and let you know how it turns out.


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[Steve6902]

Yep that's it. It comes in a 2 and 4 inch width. So for something like Gorilla tape that is about 2 inches wide you could go with two strips side x side for the 4" fiberfix. I know a lot of people have been doing the Gorilla Tape (GT). However it still gets dinged up and you have to change it every year. With the fiberfix, I was thinking of laying down the GT then roughing it up a little with some 80-100 grit paper. This should allow the fiberfix to stick and adhere better.

[Egriger]

3 layers of Gorilla tape is all you need. I replace it 3 times per year. Cheap, quick and effective.

Some of that "fix" tape bonds using friction.... like shrink wrap.. it adheres to itself

[dasher]

I tried fiber fix on a non-marine solution and it did not last on a shovel handle more than 1 week.

[ski357]

This is the first that I've heard of use of gorilla tape on the haul. Is this application used to prevent damage when transporting a kayak at the launch/recovery point or overall haul protection while in the water? Please elaborate.

[FishingGeek]

This is the first that I've heard of use of gorilla tape on the haul. Is this application used to prevent damage when transporting a kayak at the launch/recovery point or overall haul protection while in the water? Please elaborate.

It protects the keel from a wide variety of places you might scrape it up, launch, recovery, putting on or taking off the car, moving about the garage, etc.

[FishMoken]

I looked at the fiberfix product and just couldn't bring myself to spend the extra money so I ended up just doing the gorilla tape to try it out this year. There is a best by date on the fiberfix and anything as seen on tv usually has some durability issues. Just couldn't justify the added cost. I think it would take 3 boxes just to run the entire keel of the kayak.


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[Steve6902]

Fishmoken, Looks good. How many layers did you put down?? My only concern is that something sharp can go through the tape and damage the hull.

[FishMoken]

Fishmoken, Looks good. How many layers did you put down?? My only concern is that something sharp can go through the tape and damage the hull.

I just started with one strip down the keel then placed one strip to the left and right of the original. So still only one layer thick. My main concern is only from dragging the kayak when I forget my cart. If I fished a river more where I would be running into rocks more often I may consider more layers.


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[baitball]

3 layers of Gorilla tape is all you need. I replace it 3 times per year. Cheap, quick and effective.

Some of that "fix" tape bonds using friction.... like shrink wrap.. it adheres to itself

Egriger,

When you replace the GT, do you find that it leaves behind a sticky mess on the hull? If so, do you reapply GT only once you have a clean slate (e.g. wiping the hull down with Goo Gone cleaner)?

[Steve6902]

Okay different idea. Was in HD today and saw some grey shower liner. This is what you lay down in the shower before you tile over it. It's $6 for a 1'X5' section. So you can slice it however you want. I'll be doing it on my Outback tomorrow. I'll take pics and post.