Installing A Keel Guard Protector Rubstrake To An Inflatable Boat or Other Accessories Items

[@quantumuninstall]

Thanks for the videos. Gives an inflatable boat owner who is very diy-oriented the confidence and a little demonstration of how to do just about anything. Will definitely be visiting the store for a future durability upgrade!

[@stevendegracia6713]

Great Job,always informative,ill keep watching.getting ready to redo a dux hammerhead,when I feel more comfortable watching you and your vids.thanks Steve

[@gashopperinc]

Thank you all again for watching!!! Make sure to hit that LIKE button if you enjoyed, SUBSCRIBE if your new to the channel. Be sure to read the description for supplies and materials used in this video.

[@hamoudachebbi9382]

Can an extra layer be added on intex or zodiac ? A whole layer i mean

[@gashopperinc]

You can definitely cover the whole bottom of the boat if you wanted.

[@Chilipal]

I would like to add this to my vintage Achilles. As well as the bottom of the tubes for beaching and rocky shores.
Is that a bad idea to add 3 of these? Keel and both tubes?

[@gashopperinc]

A really good idea I would have to say.

[@michiganmagneto]

That's awesome. I want one of those on my boat. Those rub strips can also go on the very bottom of the tubes right?

[@gashopperinc]

Yes, you can cover the complete bottom of your boat instead of just the keel like this client requested. Customer wanted to just protect the keel portion as that was the area getting the most wear and damage on this boat. I've done a few complete bottom protection covers for inflatable boats. Just make sure you get the PVC strips for PVC boats or EPDM rubber for Hypalon boats.

[@michiganmagneto]

@@gashopperinc EDPM. Good info. Now there's an answer to a future question I was going to ask. Where in Canada are you? I'm guessing you're nowhere near Windsor Ontario.

[@gashopperinc]

Located in East Selkirk Manitoba. Not that close to Windsor, but I had clients bring or shipped their boats from further locations.

[@michiganmagneto]

@@gashopperinc yeah, I didn't think I'd be able just to drive across the bridge and drop it off. I don't have that kind of good luck.

[@DirtHouseBoi]

i need take the rub strake off of the side of my boat to patch a seam leak. is it the same process? thanks!

[@gashopperinc]

Installation will be the same process. Might be a little tricky on PVC boat to remove, as most of them are welded. But take your time with a heat gun and slowly heat it up to where the Rubstrake will come with a dull pry tool. I have a video posted on how to do that. Especially if damage is near a Rubstrake or under it.

[@mcbain6969]

What type of material do you use as a keel guard. Would it be possible to purchase somethings from a floor covering store or anywhere else in a small town? Thank you sir.

[@gashopperinc]

We source our materials from rubber companies who provide tested materials for tjese boats. Keel guard and hull protectors we glue down are dependent on the material of the boat for optimal performance and adhesion when glued. If boat is PVC fabric, then look for a PVC rubber, if Hypalon or CSM, you'll have to look for EPDM rubber. If your local floor company has any of those materials to match your boat, then you may be able to get away by using that material.

[@mcbain6969]

thank you sir

[@intercepter01]

Where do you get your material for the boats? I’m looking to get more than just patches.

[@gashopperinc]

We're a dealer for many brands, so all our materials come from the manufacturer or supplier of the boats we sell.

[@marvinmondezie1618]

What you think about saturn boats ?sd 385 thinking of buy 1

[@gashopperinc]

They're well made inflatable boats. Just have to keep in mind if buying used; for the age of the boat and condition of the fabric. I've seen boats that spent there whole lives in storage and just had to be glued back together cause the glue surpassed it's lifespan. And I've seen 3 year old boats that have been abused and neglected that are good for the trash. If new, then no worries. Hit the waves and have some fun!!!

[@marvinmondezie1618]

@@gashopperinc thanks for your opinion really appreciated brand new it is then 👍

[@intercepter01]

Hello. I rescued a fire rescue boat from the trash and I am pretty much learning everything about inflatable boat repair from you. My biggest problem right now is the transom pretty much came totally unglued. The wood looks good but I’m not exactly sure how to glue all the pieces back together. Any possibility of you doing a video of how each part is placed on? I saw your other transom video but I’m hoping for a little more detail. Also, I am using Clifton LA4123 One part epoxy for patches and seems really strong. Can I use it for the floor and transom also? The boat is a zodiac mk II Futura. Thank you in advance.

[@gashopperinc]

Your just in luck, next video coming up will be a Zodiac Mark 3 Futura, where pretty much everything around the transom has come apart and going to be getting a complete reglue, just waiting on the transom to come out of gelcoat.

[@intercepter01]

@@gashopperinc sweet. Can’t wait to see it.

[@mortonmorton6083]

Fiberglass the transom then ruff up the area that is goin to be glued with pvc you can buy a roll of a repair pvc the problem with older boats is that the transom was not fiberglassed and delaminated

[@Chilipal]

What grit and rpm are you using on your air sander?

[@gashopperinc]

Generally we use 120 grit sandpaper on a variable speed Orbital Sander.

[@Chilipal]

@@gashopperinc thanks, I’m trying to restore an old zodiac rib. Previous owner(s), failed repairs are proving difficult to remove. Seems like they threw everything at it, 5200, epoxy, flexiseal etc etc
I have the tubes off, and trying different methods to remove old junk. Acetone, Mek, methylene chloride, you name it. Guess I’ll have to break out the dremel and sanders, just afraid of removing too much material and compromising the tubes too much. Although I suppose I can apply new pvc material over the top where scrim is exposed?

[@gashopperinc]

@@Chilipal what I do is wet down the older glue with MEK, then go over with the dremel and repeat. This seems to make the glue tacky and the stone just picks it up. It is time consuming.

[@Chilipal]

I abandoned the project and gave it away to a father and son to play with… just wasn’t worth it, tubes were also leaking, blah.