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Topic: Hobie Viagra.  (Read 3799 times)

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Plan B

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So, I love my hobie, but I've noticed that the plastic seems really soft.
Is it just me? No matter how carefully I launch or land her, my baby's hull gets all scratched up. Some are kinda deep.  :smt009
I've been looking into using maybe some keel saver tape or something similar.
Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this. what do you do to protect your hull?
Revo 13
Jackson cuda 14.


RBark

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Scratching is pretty normal for launching as far as I can tell. IDK if hobies are better or worse, but I see those scratches on Old Town and Ocean Kayak ones too.

That said you can use Keel Eazy.

http://www.keeleazy.com/shop/

They are more durable than plastic. But pricey, so generally only apply it to the most commonly banged areas.
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Salty.

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All kayaks are made from polyethylene & they all scratch. My friend tried that Keel Eazy tape and it was shredded after a few drags out of the water onto the cement launch ramp. I always go with the Hobie Dune color as it hides scratches & dirt the best. Unless you are really careless your keel should not wear thru and after your yak gets enough scratches you will stop thinking about them.


FISHADOW

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All kayaks are made from polyethylene & they all scratch. My friend tried that Keel Eazy tape and it was shredded after a few drags out of the water onto the cement launch ramp. I always go with the Hobie Dune color as it hides scratches & dirt the best. Unless you are really careless your keel should not wear thru and after your yak gets enough scratches you will stop thinking about them.

This!
I like to have fun.......

LIVE LIFE!!!


SOMA

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All kayaks are made from polyethylene & they all scratch. My friend tried that Keel Eazy tape and it was shredded after a few drags out of the water onto the cement launch ramp. I always go with the Hobie Dune color as it hides scratches & dirt the best. Unless you are really careless your keel should not wear thru and after your yak gets enough scratches you will stop thinking about them.

I got over the fear of scratches real fast.  My 2015 Outback got its first scratch on the beach (rock) before I even got it wet on its maiden voyage.  No sense worrying about scratches now!  A tip on how to put some shine back on the boat, Pledge or Endust.


Herb Superb

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Unless you are really careless your keel should not wear thru and after your yak gets enough scratches you will stop thinking about them.

+1. And Keeleze doesn't last long. Try JB Weld instead.


Fuzzy Tom

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+1 on the JB Weld.  I was getting serious wear on the bow and stern ends of my keel, and coated about a 6"x 2" area on each end, I think a couple of coats.  It has held up very well.  I used masking tape to confine the stuff, then peeled it off when it was half set up so that there isn't a raised edge to get snagged and torn off - if that's possible.
     


Fisherman X

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All kayaks are made from polyethylene & they all scratch. My friend tried that Keel Eazy tape and it was shredded after a few drags out of the water onto the cement launch ramp. I always go with the Hobie Dune color as it hides scratches & dirt the best. Unless you are really careless your keel should not wear thru and after your yak gets enough scratches you will stop thinking about them.

MOST are PE, there are some that are 'glas, some carbon fiber. But yeah, they're gonna get scratches, especially when you are having fun and exploring new stuff.

Those bigger shreds can be heat-gunned back together/down and smooth. Definetly keep an eye on the keel dragging. Save any pucks or pieces you cut out for patch material.
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Plan B

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In my best Forest Gump voice, "I'm not a smart man, but I know hulls get scratched" lol.
It just seems like in the two months of using my revo, I've got way more scratches then the year and a half of hauling my cuda around. It could be that color had something to do with it. The red showing more then the green of the cuda. I never drag the keel on the ground.
But man, it just seems like the plastic is softer. pulling it out this weekend at paradise, a big chunk got shaved off.  :smt010
I'm aware of the keel eeze tape and was thinking about ordering some, but if you guys think it's crap, that's good enough for me. I like the jb weld tip, thinking that's the way to go.
Thanks for the ideas.  :smt006
« Last Edit: February 02, 2015, 07:15:47 PM by Plan B »
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FISHADOW

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I'll tell u like this bro I have a expensive  roll of the keel ez that just sits. I have a inexpensive  patch of jb weld that sits permanently on the yak. I've tryed both. I have almost wore a hole in my prowler from being to rough on it. The jb saved that yak.

Could be that the hobie is just to sexy and it's hard seeing her scratched up... I know has u feel, after my first time launching the revo at gerstle I was over the scratching.
I like to have fun.......

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ybloc

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I thought that JB weld was made to be sanded. Its a two part epoxy that will create a coating, or bond objects together, but even when its hardened it can easily be shaped.
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ybloc

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I thought that JB weld was made to be sanded. Its a two part epoxy that will create a coating, or bond objects together, but even when its hardened it can easily be shaped.

and you would be correct.. :smt001

I would think it would wear out pretty fast.
Jackson Kraken


Plan B

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I'll tell u like this bro I have a expensive  roll of the keel ez that just sits. I have a inexpensive  patch of jb weld that sits permanently on the yak. I've tryed both. I have almost wore a hole in my prowler from being to rough on it. The jb saved that yak.

Could be that the hobie is just to sexy and it's hard seeing her scratched up... I know has u feel, after my first time launching the revo at gerstle I was over the scratching.
The hardest thing about my boat is trying to peddle with the giant erection she gives me.  :smt007 :smt003
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SeaWeed

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I have some stuff that is 30mil clear plastic that is used for headlight covers. Used when I installed a clear Bra on a car. I am thinking of trying that thick plastic. It is durable and after installing on a headlight it can protect the lights very well. I have seen a demo where a hammer was used on the lights and the lens didn't break. I just don't like the color of JB weld on my yak. 
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Tote

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Yep on the JB Weld.
It's best to do it on a hot day as it's way more pliable when warm, but you can use a light bulb close to the work area to keep things warm. Just don't heat up the keel too much.
Spread a generous amount of JB Weld over an 8-12 inch section of the keel going up an inch or so on the sides. Apply a few coats. I use a popsicle stick to smooth it out.
When it's really warm it will dry nice and evenly.
Thanks for the reminder. Looks like mine is due for a refresher.
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