DIY Kydex Kayak Keel Guard - How to make a Kydex Keel Guard
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2024
- If you've tried Gorilla Tape, or Duct Tape or other ways to protect your kayak keel, you know they don't stand up well. In this video I walk you through how to make a keel guard from Kydex. I'm not a DIY guru, but this was just too easy to pass up. Making a Kydex keel guard is a much better option that cheap Gorilla Tape keel guards, or $150 pre-manufactured guards. The list of required materials are below:
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Black Kydex Sheets: (0.8" from video) amzn.to/3uxwwMu
Black Kydex Sheets (.06" for thinner option) amzn.to/39SQ2Lx
3M Double-Side Tape: amzn.to/3fSEjka
Genesis Heat Gun: amzn.to/3msCviY
3M Marine Silicone Sealant: amzn.to/3wAzj9C
Craftsman Shears/Snips: amzn.to/31TCgUu
As an Amazon Affiliate I may receive consideration for purchases.
#kayak keel guard
#diykayak
#kayakmodification 
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Let me know what other kayak mods you'd like to see, and thanks for watching (and subscribing)!
I'd love to see how you would do a version of my drop down rudder
Ever since I saw that video I've been thinking about whether its something I should try. I'll have to think more about that. Looks like a really nice mod.
@@FatDadFishing even if just for tracking, it'll make your life so much better on the water
Sweet job man been looking for something to protect my new kayak thank you
Glad I could help. This will serve you well.
Just ordered the stuff and subscribed!
Pretty neat and clever way to protect keel Rich. Another great video.
Thanks Will! Now onto some fishing!
@@FatDadFishing Yes sir, counting the days. Splashing April 24th.
Nice..I need to make this. Thx for the tip!
Its a great way to protect the hull of your yak, and so easy! Hope the video helps.
Perfect!! Thanks you helped me save $$$.
Glad I could help!
Good idea! It’s on my list! I used JB Weld to add a skeg on, it’s held for 2 years so far. If the 3M don’t hold maybe try the JB Weld.
I'm going to be using JB Weld to fix the transducer I snapped off last weekend. Hopefully it holds just as well as your skeg!
Good looking work.
Thanks 👍
That's a great idea!!
I hope it helps!
Our LL:
1. We used a Dremel type tool to bevel the ages so there would be less drag, less chance of something like grass catching the edges,
2. We found Kydex in a black carbon fiber pattern that made the aesthetics more palatable on a black carbon fiber canoe-FYI,
3. Our application was a carbon/Kevlar (aramid) canoe so we decided to use 2 sided tape, however the tape is too thick; I wish we could find something thinner and water proof. We did not want to use glue due to our concern that we would never be able to replace it given the carbon/Kevlar construction of the canoe.
I sure appreciate the Fat Dad's ingenuity!
I love the changes you made!
Supplemental- we found 2 sided tape elevated the keel guard resutling in excessive drag, so we used black Permatex silicone adhesive (in lieu of glue). In this manner we can remove it more easily and not damage the composite/resin/gel coat. Ping me if you wish to see the finished project.
@@jeffdaiber4000 Permatex Silicone is waterproof so would have avoided the need for that caulking step in video, right?
@@h1888d Yes, correct. Good luck!
3m marine goop will hold underwater forever, I used it to attach a piece of cutting board to an old John boat and stood on it all the time. Tape looks clean with the sealing though, probably easier replacement if needed.
That's good information. I've not tried to use that on any applications yet. My biggest concern is being able to replace the guard if needed, and my second concern is longevity for the guard itself. So far the tape has held perfectly despite the fact I now have some open areas in the silicone seal. I'm going to ride it out to see if it will eventually fall off and will report the results on the channel.
I'm putting my list together for this mod to my new kayak. Is it the 3m marine 5200 sealant that you used instead of the adhesive tape?
Very good your content brother...
Greetings of friendship from Indonesia brother 🙏
Thanks and welcome
@@FatDadFishing ok bosss... a close friendship greeting🤝
Kydex is an awesome, underutilized material.
It really is! For something so easy and customizable, more people should be using it.
@@FatDadFishing definitely
Great jjob
Rich I have the berley pro visor. When you get to the video let me know if you want to see it. I think I’ll be modding it a little though
Thanks John. I already put up the visor video. I love how it turned out. ruclips.net/video/YO8TThNBlxk/видео.html
Hummm, surprised no one has made molds to press these out of aluminum or stainless????
Don’t use acetone, acetone will soften your plastic
After a couple decades of wanting to have a fishing kayak, the day has finally come and I want to protect "my precious" as much as possible, lol. However, how much is really needed and where, and how much would make me look like a lunatic, lol? I could cover the entire bottom of the boat with kydex for the ultimate protection, lol.
Do you think you can make a video sharing your thoughts on how much keel/hull protection is really needed, and if there are other areas of the hull which could use a small panel of kydex protection too?
I can make a video like that in a few weeks.
@@FatDadFishing AWESOME!
I'm so excited, lol.
@@Musicalpa After a dozen outings you will get an idea of where scratches are appearing. Depends on a lot of factors, hull shape and use etc.
#Tip, after you add silicone lightly spray with WD-40 This creates a non stick surface and the excess silicone wipes off with out leaving thin film of silicone around the yak once dry.
Did you just draw the template by hand? I'm not a great drawer, is there a template that I can follow or just wing it? I just ordered my kydex today. Great video
I did the template by hand. Here's what I did....i measured how wide I wanted the guard at the widest point. I then cut a piece of paper to that width. I folded it in half to get a center line. Then used a ruler to sketch the shape on one side of the paper. I refolded the paper and cut it so both sides were identical. I then used that to trace the outline on the Kydex. Hope that helps.
Thanks
Ok, I ordered .093 kydex, and thought of another question for you.
Is there a reason why you chose to use double face tape to adhere it to the kayak rather than using marine goop?
I use double sided tape because I know it will hold...has a bit of "give" and can be replaced without scarring the kayak. I've had the same tape on my hull for multiple seasons and its still holding strong.
I am looking for any reviews on 'Porretta Co. Kayak Keel Guard Hull Protector' . Wondering is you have used these plated and have helped you. Any recommendation will be appreciated.
I have not used that brand...quite honestly I've never heard of them. I often like to create my own modifications when possible.
How's that keel guard wearing? Are you happy with it? Thanks for the vid
Thanks for checking out the video! That guard is still on the kayak. I've considered removing it multiple times to re-tape it and reseal the silicone, but its on there so well I can't easily pry it off. So...I just leave it as is. Its easily one of the best modifications I've made to my kayak.
How does the 3m hold up to heat.... sometimes i leave the kayak on top of my truck if I'm fishing a lot that week.
That's a great question. When I made the video I thought that I'd have to reapply this guard every so often or replace it after it fell off. As a matter of fact I've tried to take it off more than once to put new tape and it is stuck so well I haven't removed it yet. My kayak is stored in a garage or outside so its been through plenty of 100 degree days and its still on there rock solid. The silicone I put around the edges has been worn away for over a year so its only the tape holding it and its still going strong.
@@FatDadFishing awesome thanks for the reply
I see what you did there with that cut out shape.
I was actually tempted to not show the template because of it! The first thing my wife said when she saw it is "I thought you had a fishing channel!" Of course I laughed and figured..let's leave it in.
Use prep sol removes glue oil and drys in minutes
Excellent tip. Thank you!
What glue do you use to attach it to the kayak
Thanks for checking out the video! I use double-sided 3m tape (the link to the tape is in the description). I then used silicone around the edges to create a seal (also linked in the description).
@FatDadFishing you say the tape lasted multiple years before you removed the guard to reapply... Did you remove the guard wanting to replace it due to damage to the KYDEX, or because the tape was failing? Also, do you think the tapes adhesion would survive the kayak being stored in a garage during the long winter in below freezing temperatures?
Tape wasn't failing at all. Was difficult to remove it. I just wanted a new color kydex to match additional guards in made. The kydex was in perfect shape just minor scratches.
@@FatDadFishing Thanks! Good to know. What solvent did you use to remove the tape residue? I hear so many conflicting things when it comes to appropriate solvents for use on Polyethylene. Did you go with the same double sided tape method this time around? Sorry for all the questions.
@@dbsean Honestly I just picked at it with my fingers. Didn't feel like digging out any solvents. But it came off within just a few minutes.
I know this video is done sometime ago. Do you feel like it held up well?
It held up very well. I actually just removed the orginal installation this winter to put new tape on it. I didn't have to but figured replacing it every few years was a good idea.
Bonjour c'est du silicone que vous utiliser à la fin ?
Yes. It is silicone I use.
@@FatDadFishing thank you
After a year with your DIY kydex keel guard, how's it holding up?
The guards are still on there with the same tape and silicone as when I made them. The guard is rock solid!
Wow! Amazing!
I used flex seal than riveted the kydex. Not going anywhere.
How the 3m tape holden up?
Was out on the water today and both guards are holding strong. The key is make sure you have a very good silicone seal around the edges so water doesn't get underneath.
@@FatDadFishing thanks for the fast response 🥃. I will make sure I do.... Oh what size the kydex material should I use You have two on your list the thicker one or thinner one?
@@DetroitFishigan I used the thicker on mine, however if I were to do it again I'd go with the thinner. There's nothing wrong with the thicker kydex, but I think its overkill. The thinner should be easier to mold and will likely still hold up fine for years.
@@FatDadFishing ok. Thanks again 🍻👍🏼.
Sir your keel guard looks like a Johnson. That being said I approve and I really like your idea!!! I cant wait to try this out, id love an update. I mostly use my kayak in the ocean, wondering how it will hold up.
Thanks for watching the video...and yes the guard does have an "odd shape"..but it works! Both guards have been on the kayak all summer. I've done mostly beach landings on sand and gravel all season and they are both pretty solid. Some of the silicone I put around the guard wore off a couple months ago, but I just let it go to see how well the tape would hold up with water getting underneath the guard. So far its still holding solid. Last week I tried to pull the front guard off just to see how well the tape was holding and I couldn't move it. So from my standpoint its a total success. I'll likely put some more silicone in the spot where it came off, but otherwise they've been perfect.
@@FatDadFishing Awesome! Thats great to hear its holding up so well. I happen to have that 3M tape from another project.. I will order the Kydex off your link... Any pro's or con's in the two different thicknesses? other then the .8 being a little more rigid, is it overkill or worth the thicker kydex? Thanks for responding.
@@bmoney32 you will be fine with the thinner kydex. The thicker its working well but the thickness makes it sit higher. This means it can grab larger stones when dragging.
The silicone will not stick to the slightest to a plastic kayak
The silicone will stay on the kayak. It lasted over a year before I pulled it off and put new on. Turns out you don't even need it though. But it will stick.
***Slightly easier method, but same idea***
Get a cheap toaster oven ($45 Walmart)
[if you’re going to be making other things out of kydex I would highly suggest it]
Cut your kydex to the desired shape
Heat the sheet of kydex in the oven
Take it over to the keel and instead of your hands use a rubber floor mat drape it over and pull down it will be a more even press,
or even use a thick foam floor mat and invert the set up
Keel facing down, kydex in between the keel and mat then just press and hold
This is actually how I have made holsters in the past. Definitely much quicker.
@@FatDadFishing omg! Do u have any videos for those holsters????
@@markkussusa Man, I could have made a bunch but it was from my pre-video days. It's a fairly simple process. Heat the Kydex in the oven, and then drop the kydex on a piece of foam. Then push the pistol down into the the Kydex with a cookie sheet (so its pushed down on level). Last, cut holes in the leather and kydex and place rivets.
That looks like a Johnson.
It does.
heat Kydex in oven
100%...That's how I do it when I make holsters. I considered it for the guards, but figured it would be a long trip from oven to kayak, and I knew I'd need to use the heat gun to mold it afterword anyway. Maybe next time I should just give the oven a try first...might save time.
I'm about to do that do I just put it in the oven in a pan
Question: How did the silicone hold up?? I am thinking about using just the silicone (no tape) to bond the KYDEX to my keel.
The silicone didn't last long at all. The tape lasted multiple years before I removed the guard to reapply.
@Fat Dad Fishing Thank you Sir. I will disregard the silicone as a sole bonding method. 👍