jason Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 I am planning out my next boat, and I was wondering if anybody had opinions on this Keel strips. I have the option of: [li]1. No keel strip [li]2. Glass keel strip [li]3. Kevlar keel strip. I am leaning to get a keel strip as I would like to protect the boat. Weight aside is there an advantage of a Kevlar keel strip over a glass one or a glass keel strip over a Kevlar one. Thanks -Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Jason,What about that new one that's now being used? Not sure if it fits into one of your categories, but I believe it's the same stuff they use on truck beds. Osprey applies them I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Millar Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Hi Jason,Both Bob and I have the new "truck bed material" keel strip, he on his Tempest, I on my RomanyLV. They are great and cheaper than glass (which I have on my ExplorerLV) and look wonderful. I had the RomanyLV in some rocks etc two weeks ago, and the new strip came through like a trooper.Carl Ladd at Osprey does them. It takes about a week altogether, but it's worth it.You can take a look at both of ours on Saturday.Deb M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason Posted May 16, 2007 Author Share Posted May 16, 2007 It looks like I have option #4 to think about. Deb, I will have to take a look at your boats this weekend. Thanks -Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Nystrom Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 It was very nicely done and looks like it should be really durable. Perhaps I should have the entire hull of my Pintail done! ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 How about graphite?John Leonard put one on one of my old Gulfstreams and it held up great for SLIDING over rocks. Dave, do you still have that boat?I have seen the TRUCK applications and they can be a bit grabby for my taste. Slippery is better in my opinion.BBob BurnettSr. Sea Kayak Instructor/GuideSeattle Raft & KayakSeattle WA206-321-0011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingsn Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 As to a keel strip...yes is the answer.Material...I have a glass strip on my carb/kev Avocet & est. the weight gain to be about 2#. My understanding is that when a Kevlar (arimid) strip wears down (I know a coach who can wear a srip down to the glass in about 2 yrs.) it can be difficult to repair.I know nothing about truck bedliners but I would go with the tried & true glass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Nystrom Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 ...graphite powder mixed with epoxy and applied over a fiberglass keel strip. Using graphite/epoxy on the hull is not uncommon with small boat builders and it apparently does make the hull slip over obstacles easier. The downsides are that it's really messy to work with (especially if you have to sand it) and it will cause the boat to get very hot if it's left in the sun with the hull upward. Of course, the latter is not a significant consideration with just a keel strip.It's important to make the distinction between graphite and carbon fiber. A carbon fiber keel strip would be a waste of money (and carbon fiber) as it has considerably lower abrasion resistance than fiberglass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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