Keel/bottom protection or reinforcement

[45user]

Is there a way to protect the keel/bottom of your kayak? When I put my kayak on the roof rack I have to stand it up and it scratches the keel and I am little concerned. I've seen some kayaks with some kind of plastic reinforcement on front and back end of the keel
Please share how you guys do it.
Thank you!
45

[Mahigeer]

I use a big piece of thick cardboard on the ground to drag the kayak on it.

[FlyFishinYakr]

I applied a Keelguard on mine (Outback), a 5yd strip.
I also thought about retro-fitting an OK keel protector to mine to protect from "rougher" surfaces.
FFY

[Batmann]

Originally Posted by FlyFishinYakr

I applied a Keelguard on mine (Outback), a 5yd strip.
I also thought about retro-fitting an OK keel protector to mine to protect from "rougher" surfaces.
FFY

I just ordered a small strip of Keelguard to test out on the back of my Outback. Do you have any tips on installation?

[45user]

Originally Posted by FlyFishinYakr

I applied a Keelguard on mine (Outback), a 5yd strip.
I also thought about retro-fitting an OK keel protector to mine to protect from "rougher" surfaces.
FFY

Thabks for the info
Where did you buy the keel guard ?
45

[HobieScot]

Let us know how the keelgaurd works out for you. I was never worried about it before but after my last launch at Dana Point boat launch I noticed three 1/4 inch deep gouges about a foot long in the bottom of my kayak. So now it has me looking for a solution to protect the bottom

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by 45user

Thabks for the info
Where did you buy the keel guard ?
45

WARNING: These things aren't cheap!
They average about $130 for a 5' guard (I bought one according to a little less than half the length of my Yak)
Search eBay for [whatever size & color]' Keelguard you want. I forget who I bought mine from (it was from a marine supply dealer with overstock) but in my search found it for about $30 less than the cheapest listing (<$100, it pays to scroll through entire search or limit search).
Just found this one although it's only 2" wide and comes in Black only (much like the original one I bought, my replacement is 4" and Lt. Gray which is a close match to my "Dune" Outback);
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kayak-Keel-G...item2a53ced4fc
OR the Keelshield Brand that I bought with a choice of colors,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BOAT-KEEL-GU...item2ed68e4f64
FFY

[skrilla]

Originally Posted by 45user

Thabks for the info
Where did you buy the keel guard ?
45

Don't know if they still do but before you could request a sample strip direct from the manufacturer for free. I know a bunch of us here got em. My piece lasted a few months but eventually wore away leaving a hole then the adhesive finally let go soon after. Consider it a wear and tear item.

[ctfphoto]

Just use one or two layers of this and you will be fine.

Replace as needed.

[bolocop]

So I'm reviving this thread. The Pro Angler doesn't have this problem, but the outback and the revos both have keels. Has anyone used flex seal on a kayak or at the house and can attest to whether it will work to protect the keel?

One of my concerns is by dragging the outback or the revo through the sand, eventually you'll wear a hole in the plastic. Wish Hobie would move towards a replaceable keel plate like Jackson Kayak. Hobie could charge $125 for a piece of plastic...

[King Saba]

3 layers of gorilla tape works just fine for my Revo.

[jorluivil]

scratches add character

[ceruleandrms]

keeleazy.com. Ask for a free sample. I use this on my trident. Very easy to use. Check it out

[YOYOYaker]

There is a product called keel-ease. It is applied with heat sensitive adhesive backing, and is formable with heat. It comes in various widths and lengths. They will ship you a free sample from their web site. I've seen application videos on line also.