Protecting the underside of your yak from scrapes

Being new to the hobby I have taken many solo trips and in some cases have had to drag my yak for small distances. As a result, the bottom is starting to get scraped up. Is there a product like this http://www.keelshield.com/keelshield.html that will help to minimize the damage?

Besides carrying your yak, do you use anything that helps to keep the damage to a minimum?

Thank you!

Purchase a Wheeleez kayak cart...This company has really steped up to bat for the other NCKA members. Seriously!

I have thought about this many times before. Besides the cart ive thought of ways of protecting the underside from launching off rock levees on the delta etc. I have a bunch of 1/8th inch thick, 2 inch by 96 inch long teflon strips i wanted to use as gliders but i couldnt figure out a way to fasten them. Definitely not drilling holes in the bottom of my kayak lol. Jeff

Pretty much comes with the territory YA. But as long as you use a cart like OTO mentioned and drop it as close to the water as possible it shouldn't get too bad. I've got a few yaks that have been used for 3+ years dragged etc. and the hull is still fine. Plus, chicks dig scrapes!

Z

Yeah, get used to it.  It's like getting a little scratch on a new car...it's a horrible travesty at first, then after a while it's no big deal.  A cart will help, but you're gonna get scraped no matter what.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/89/Scupper-Pup-Kayak-Cart.html
I have this cart, and it seems to work pretty well.
The wheels are big enough for rocky roads, and the whole unit is compact and light enough to put in my kayak after disassembly.  I can bring it over and let you try it if you want to take a look at it.
BTW, if you buy one from austinkayak.com it's tax & shipping free.

take a look at the bottom of my poor abused yak, and you won't feel so bad.

yes i am a HOE!  (hard on equipment)

My wet suit is so clean that it has it's own place in my closet with the rest of my street clothes.

My saltwater rods/reels get a fresh water dunk and dry every time I use them.

Terminal tackle I take into the salt gets a fresh water rinse and air dry as well.

My booties get a little bleach in them a couple times a year.

My speargun has been washed more times than it's killed fish,

My float tube gets hosed until it doesn't stink,

When I put my seat away it's almost clean enough to eat off of.

My kayak is hung in the garage with 4 support points so as not to allow it to flex.

All this is because when it's out it getting used it gets thrashed, that's just the way it is.

I figure after what I put my stuff thru when it's getting used it deserves a little TLC at home.

I called Keelshield a few months ago, they are already testing aadhesives for a Keelshield product for kayaks. He said the different materials used to release the kayaks from the manufacturing molds also keep Keelshield from sticking, but they have it almost worked out.He wanted to know what kind on kayaks are the most popular for fishing around here, and how long of a piece I would want for my yak. They are trying for a $25-$35 retail price for a section for the bow and the stern.

I'd love a chunk for the stern- that seems to get the most beating....

I called Keelshield a few months ago, they are already testing aadhesives for a Keelshield product for kayaks. He said the different materials used to release the kayaks from the manufacturing molds also keep Keelshield from sticking, but they have it almost worked out.He wanted to know what kind on kayaks are the most popular for fishing around here, and how long of a piece I would want for my yak. They are trying for a $25-$35 retail price for a section for the bow and the stern.

Thanks troutnut. That is great to hear. I wonder if they are looking for people to become product testers? I am more than willing to be a part of that.


I fully agree that the scrapes come with the territory. I have also noted that the Yak that I have appears to be a little on the thin side.


Thanks Everyone!