DIY Kydex Keel Guard - Florida Fish Hunter
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- I finally got around to adding some additional protection against abrasion to my kayaks by making keel guards for both of my Native Slayer Propel 10 kayaks and am very happy with the final results of this project. I should have made this a long time ago but as they say "Better late than never!". These guards only add additional protection to the high wear areas of my specific kayak which is the nose and tail section of the keel and not the complete length of the keel itself. This video documents the complete process involved that I used to make these that can be applied to any kayak out there regardless of make and model.
Material used for the Keel Guard is called KYDEX.
- Kydex thickness used in this project is .080" but .060" is also an acceptable thickness for this project.
- Kydex was mounted using Scotch heavy duty exterior mounting tape (3M vhb tape).
- Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloy. From acrylic, it obtains rigidity and formability; from PVC, toughness, chemical resistance.
- Kydex is weather-proof.
- Kydex can be easily formed with the application of heat (oven or heat gun) and will not stretch or shrink under normal conditions.
- Kydex is scratch resistant with a (Rockwell scale “R” hardness of 90).
► KYDEX → amzn.to/38WgIHZ
► 3M VHB TAPE → amzn.to/2xNSymp
► CLEAR RTV SEALANT → amzn.to/33tQmvX
► 1500 WATT HEATGUN → amzn.to/2IZ8V1z
► KEEL GUARD TEMPLATE → bit.ly/2waTP6A
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The 2 outer tapes should be positioned about 1/8 inch from the total guard perimiter front, back and sides to allow for an 1/8 bead of silicone under the guard edge when complete. This gives a more substantial perimiter seal. I wouldn't leave gaps for possible water to trap between tape strips. When positioning the guard I would use a rubber mallet to get the center tape to bond tight. Then pull the outer tapes and use a rubber mallet also. I think you will achieve a little better mechanical bond all the way around. Some adhesive strips perform better with overnight bonding time. Just suggestions from experience with caulks and tapes.
Just ordered some kydex sheets to do mine. Great job on the video.
Thanks Michael! 😊👍
Awesome idea and I have to say...awesome editing!!! Wish you were the editor for other’s DIY vids.
Just got my kayak. Will be heating up my toaster oven. 👍
Thank you for the kind words 😊👍
Excellent tutorial John! 👍
Thank you John for your support! 😊👍
Wow excellent tutorial friend! Thanks for this video
Thanks Morena Rivas! 😊👍
Thanks for this video. Just ordered my kydex!
Have fun brother! 😊👍
Your step by step instructions gave me the confidence to be able to actually do this correctly the first time, thank you so much!
You're very welcome! I'm glad the video helped you out. 😊👍
Love your videos. Was wondering what temp you set your heat gun?
@@stephenfrith8416 Thanks Stephen! My heat gun only has two settings (low & high) so I used the high setting.
Great idea ! Thanks for sharing !
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! 😊👍
I wonder why the kayak companies just don't do this in the design from the get go. I mean they give us the dragging pads but if you know your product will be ruined or begin to be ruined when you beach your yak on anything other than grass or sand then design a fix now. have the keels replaceable, add the kydex for us.......or make the bow keel super think and show us in marketing that it won't wear through for the life of the yak on normal use. I love my Bonafide SS127 but the material seams soft and this last weekend I beached a concrete boat ramp...thought I was going soft but it not enough and got a nice gouge. I just ordered the Kydex from amazon and plan to add it this weekend.
They won't because they want u to purchase again.
Great DIY - so far you’ve been the only guy I’ve seen who overcomes the danger of premature adhesion by removing the backing from the tape AFTER you’ve positioned the new keel guard on the kayak. Good looking out & thank you for sharing.
Thanks Romans Thirteen-Four! I'm glad you noticed the removal process of the tape backing when mounting the shield. 😊👍
I realize this is an older upload, but I was hoping you would opine as to your preference to put the shiny side in or out, I've seen it done both ways. I believe putting the texture against the keel would offer better adhesion.
Hi a.joegevara3519, that is exactly the reason I put the textured side against the hull - for better adhesion. 😊👍
@@FFHTV I have the.080 on the way, but decided to bond with marine goop. I just purchased my 1st kayak for a father's day camping trip with the grandkids. So only one trip, and I was shocked at the gouging in my keel. I've had Old Town canoes all my life and dragged them everywhere and never experienced damage like my kayak. IMHO this should be a must for everyone, I know I'll be making more for my son, he has 3, and maybe my brother who's a "professional", he's a marine biologist for the department of the interior.
Another amazing video by the guru himself! Stay safe out there.
That is such an awesome comment! Thank you so much for that! Hoping the same level of safety out there for you as well. 😊👍
Thanks for your video, step by step, really helpful. Just a question, will the heat damage the hull?
Kydex is the way to go for making keel protectors. I tried PVC tubing, but gave up after fighting it for hours.
The Kydex was so easy to form it was like it was meant for the job.
I totally agree! 😊👍
This is great, looks like a good product if it holds up. I'd love to see what it looks like now. Can you give an update to show how well it works after months of use?
Good job.
Thanks! 😊👍
Best video on this subject hands down
Thanks!!! 😊👍
You always nails it!!!! 👍☝🏻
Gracias mi hermano! 😊👍
Great video mate! Any problems with kayak handling and tracking when your in the water. Also how would you remove it to replace it
Thanks! I've encountered absolutely no handling or tracking problems whatsoever. For removal just forcibly rip it off 😉
Great Video Just in time LOL.Funny i ordered Kydex Sheets about a 3 weeks ago didn't want to deal with PVC Pipe. Only difference is i bought 0.060 thickness figured it would be easier to shape and cut. I was waiting for warmer weather here in NNE . What made you chose the rough side for hull contact?
Thanks CZ! Yeah pvc is kind of a real pain to work with but I would say that you're fine with .060 thickness and it should definitely be much easier to form for sure. Concerning hull contact, the rough surface side of the kydex will definitely allow for a better bond / adhesion with the 3M tape or glue as opposed to the smooth side. Hope that info helps you out. 😊👍
@@FFHTV Yes Thanks for another great video!
awesome
Thanks malavalla! 😊👍
Do you have an exact measurement of the white piece you used as the slayer keel guard?
In the video description I have provided a link to a full sized printable template for the Slayer keel guard. 😊👍
Any concern with the kayak hull heating up too much during this process? Any melting or warping of the hull while heating the Kydex?
None, absolutely no issues with the hull when applying the required heat to bend the kydex. I initially considered using pvc but after making the one for my hobie pa I opted not to use pvc since it took a lot of heat to bend it and my native slayers hull is way thinner than my hobie, which was a major concern, so the best solution for me was to go with the kydex and as you could see it was pretty quick to bend and easy to shape with minimal heat involved. 😊👍
floridafishhunter any issues with the curved section? I’ve seen people cut it where it curves but it looks like you just kept smoothing it out till it was smooth.
No issues at all with the curvature as you saw in the video. The trick is to wear good gloves that can support the heat while you mold it into shape.
U posted a PVC keel protection a year ago. How long did it stay on? And is this Kydex better? Thanks!
I answered this question on your other comment posted on the pvc keel guard video.
@@FFHTV indeed👍
Are there any keel guard templates for Hobies?
I never made a template for a hobie only the Native Slayer as shown in the video.
Hummm, surprised no one has made molds to press these out of aluminum????
How did the tape hold up?
Great! No issues at all. 😊👍
It was a good video. Is it off after that?
Thanks Cab Fishing! I'm not sure what you mean by "Is it off after that?".
@@FFHTV
I'm sorry. It was poor English.
Is the keel guard peeled off after the video?
Oh no... It's still attached strong as ever just like the first day it was mounted. 😊👍
@@FFHTV
You look amazing‼️😊
I also imitate it😆👍✨
Nice idea as opposed to plastic pipe!
Glad you liked it! 😊👍
If I could make a suggestion, as someone who had made a few kydex holsters, I would put the kydex in a toaster oven and heat up the whole thing to about 350 Fahrenheit. Then you could slap it on your keel and (if you get lucky), you will be able to mold it all in a few seconds.
Thank you for the suggestion Carl. I don't own a toaster oven but I know about using the kitchen oven as it is the way I partially did my keel guard using PVC for my Hobie kayak but this time around the wife did not allow me to use her oven so it had to be all heat gun molded but it all turned out good in the end. 😊👍
@@FFHTV That's why I have the toaster oven. There are boundaries here.
How long in the oven at 350? Or do u place it in while it's preheating and when it reaches 350 take it out?
how many millimeters is this kydex sheet?
.080" 0r 2.032 mm thickness
Thank you!!
You're welcome and thank you for watching! 😊👍
why kydex and not pvc or abs?
Kydex is much much easier to work and form with when compared to pvc which I have also done as seen in the following video: ua-cam.com/video/ypb2G8Vn2CY/v-deo.html
Kydex is thinner, harder, more scratch & scuff resistant
Do you sell these for the slayer 10 ?
Hi Anthony, sorry but I do not.
@@FFHTV ok thanks for responding
Do you think it's possible to bevel the edge of the kydex for smoother tracking through the water?
It is totally possible to bevel the edge of the kydex but I don't think you are going to get any smoother tracking through the water - just my opinion...
Looks like this kayak was never used
You Are The Most Intelligent, What Are You A Plumber?
Awesome tutorial, except the music.
Thanks and sorry about the music.
The federal government takes money from your check weekly when you need a new kayak all you have to do is apply for one they will get it RIGHT !
I had to mute it to watch it. Painful editing job to the ears😂 👂
Sorry to hear that. Aside from the music, which I personally liked, I hope the information provided was useful to you.
Great video but kill the stupid music.