Keel protection (Skid Plate)

[ilbuildit]

   Has anyone ever thought of or is there a product out there that adds protection to the keel such as on the CP-16?

   I have skid plates on my Old Town canoe for pulling up on the shore so it doesn't damage the hull. Since our boats can be moored up on shallow shorelines sometimes that errant rock comes into play and kisses the keel. I haven't been unfortunate to hit a rock yet but always wonder what is lurking under the sand on my local lake. Also the sand over time starts to take it's toll on the gelcoat.

   My first thought is a shaped aluminum skid plate that could be bonded to the keel (Protecting the leading edge as well) and sealed around the edges so water doesn't just sit between the keel and the Skid plate. Would this cause drag on the boat and would one notice such a change on such a small craft anyway?

   Always thinking I am. Wanting to know others opinions/thoughts on the matter.

   Thanks in advanced.

   Lee...

[fafnir]

Rather then using metal perhaps mix something like graphite powder with epoxy and then apply that to the leading edge and bottom of your keel over the gel coat.  Its not going to protect against whacking against rocks, not much will, but I believe that this material will be harder and more scratch reistent then gel coat, and then you can very easily add more later to fill in the scratches. I wouldn't do this over any kind of a bottom paint though.  I have done this to a wooden kayak that I built quite a few years ago and it has held up well over time.

[sonn]

Lee,

Check this site out:

http://www.kingstarboard.com/Products/StarboardFamily.aspx

This stuff is phenomenal.  I would buy an appropriate sized piece with a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and epoxy it to the bottom of the keel.  Once it is bonded in place fare the edges and if necessary use some high quality fiberglass small chop filler or epoxy paste made with micro ballons to get a smooth seam line.

You won't have to worry about the bottom of your keel again.

[fafnir]

I found a company that sells a rub strip kit for fiberglass kayaks which I think would work perfect on a sailboat.  From the site:

This is a retrofittable kit, to contain wear at the bow and stern on kayaks, made up out of several layers of super-tough Dynel fabric bedded in graphite-filled epoxy. Works on wood epoxy boats and solid fiberglass boats (not shown). You may purchase:
the complete Rubstrip Kit including Dynel strips, 24 oz epoxy kit, graphite powder, Fineline tape, latex gloves, and instructions.
the Rubstrip Kit without the epoxy.
four strips of 18" dynel cloth and instructions Same as included in the Rubstrip kit.

Here is the link: http://www.clcboats.com/kayakgear.php

They have pictures and it looks pretty good,  I think this will be on my boat once I get the bottom paint taken off.