tvcrider Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 I am soliciting recommendations for someone who can install a keel strip on a new composite boat. I believe Straz Kayaks has been mentioned here before as doing this sort of work. I sent several email inquiries to the contact address at their website, without reponse.Anyone else?Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick stoehrer Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 if you have the space to do it, it is actually pretty easy. let's see....the hull - clean, sand, clean with alcohol...apply masking tape on either side of the keel, cut off and apply the cloth, apply resin and let sit/dry. repeat. don't forget to notch the end of the fiberglass cloth so that it will sit flat when you form it around the fine edges of the bow/stern.sand it down to remove any rough edges. wipe and clean with alcohol. let it dry.the color of the hull will come right through the mostly transluscent cloth or you can mix gelcoat and paint to accent the strip on the keel. once that's all done, remove the tape and voila...keel strip.but if you want outside help - new england small craft - call brad. he could do the same thing for you and he's right in rowley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvcrider Posted August 8, 2006 Author Share Posted August 8, 2006 (nm) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvcrider Posted August 8, 2006 Author Share Posted August 8, 2006 Hi Rick,Yes, in theory could install one. I even have the instruction from SK magazine from several years ago, but* It would be a great winter project, but I don't have the space.* I don't know anyone locally that could lend me the necessary space* We have no local Marine supply shops (i.e. West Marine, etc.), so getting the prerequisite materials is PITA.* If I find once that I start that I am missing or need some key material it is even a bigger PITA!* If the price is reasonable and the workmanship is of proven quality I would rather pay to have it done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob budd Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 You can do it in your own backyard. You can also use fillers to strengthen the epoxy in lieu of the tape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick stoehrer Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 i went back and read your profile...i have no idea where binghamton ny is...and assuming that's correct don't have a direct reccomendation for you in regards to a shop...mostly i'm a creature of the new england coastline.do you know any of the adirondack paddlers? don't know if that's anywhere near you but they may have better, more localized information for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvcrider Posted August 8, 2006 Author Share Posted August 8, 2006 Well, I was looking for a recommendation 'in your neck of the woods' (eastern coast of Mass, etc.) I didn't expect to find someone locally in upstate NY. I tried Atlantic Kayak Tours on the Hudson River. They use to do that sort of work, but not anymore.Yeah, if I could make it to one of Brian's famous late winter outfitting seminars that would be nice, but I do not see that happening soon.Tenatively I would leave the boat at the selected shop over that winter and pick it up next spring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick stoehrer Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 tim had my boat last fall...he did okay work but nothing i'd go out of the way to reccomend....although in his defense, maybe it's a miracle she still floats at all.new england small craft in rowley - there's a link on this site somewhere...they do pretty good work. that orion bob is paddling is my old boat and joel/nesc repaired it pretty good years ago. how's it holding up bob, any any complaints? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob budd Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 >i have no idea where binghamton ny is...It's at the intersection of I-81 and I-88. Near the easter end of the long horizontal section at the bottom of New York. You can drive there in a long morning if the Lee police department isn't out snagging tickets on the Turnpike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvcrider Posted August 8, 2006 Author Share Posted August 8, 2006 Bob,That is a pretty good description on the location of our fair city.If I am heading your way or to the R.I. coast it can also be said that the NYS Police can make things much to interesting on Interstate 88, particularly if it's quota' time in a given month ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Millar Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Hi Joe,If you're heading to RI, Carl Ladd at Osprey Sea Kayak in Westport, MA does really nice work. Check their website www.ospreyseakayak.com for more info.Deb M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvcrider Posted August 9, 2006 Author Share Posted August 9, 2006 Hi Deb,Thanks very much for the tip! I was in Samantha's and Carl's shop last Fall.I didn't realize Carl did any repair/glass work. Westport isn't too far from Sakonnet Pt.One of my favorite paddling spots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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