Hull protection Experiment Using "Slick Strips" E-mail
Written by Domenick Venezia   
Sunday, 29 June 2014 22:34

Stern.Closeup.2048

Two years ago I put some plastic hull protection on my Revo13 and tested it out. Seems to be working great and it has not loosened or fallen off. The boat is used almost exclusively in salt water. 

I used Ultra-High Molecular Weight Plastic Strips, called "Slick Strips". I bought the 12" wide, 1/32" thick, adhesive tape stuff. I got 7 feet of it and cut it in half the long way to get 14 feet by 6". You peel the backing strip off to expose the adhesive. 

http://www.eplastics.com/Slick_Strips

As an experiment I put it on the bow and stern. I left the kayak upside down in the sun for a couple of hours to warm the hull, then I scrubbed it with soapy water, dried it, and wiped it down with rubbing alcohol. 

I made paper patterns of what I wanted to do then applied the paper patterns to test the fit. After I was happy I wiped the hull down with alcohol again, cut the pieces, and went for it. Use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm up and preform the Slick Strip as much as possible.

Bow.Closeup.2.Slices.2048 Bow.Closeup.8.Slices.2048

If I were to do it again, I would make the bow strips 4" long (rather than 6" - didn't need all the side coverage), would make the bow strips along the tightest part of the curve narrower, and would extend the coverage forward another couple of inches and back much farther.

I would also change the stern design. Rather than tuck the central tongue inside the wrap around sides, I would wrap the sides around and lay the tongue piece over the seam. The corners of the stern wrap was trimmed after application. 

A guillotine paper cutter, tin snips, or a very heavy scissor makes cutting the stuff easier. I used a guillotine and tin snips. Go slow. Be sure of your design before you commit. I'm not sure I could pry off the Slick Strip.

 

You must be registered to post a comment.


Login

Newsletter

Subscribe here to receive FREE email issues of Kayak Fishing Magazine.

Most Popular

Crabbing From the Kayak
The apron was my design after I caught my first crabs and tried to sort them in the kayak. You should have had pictures of that. I went to a local sail maker and told him what I...
Kayak Fishing for White Seabass
Ghost Busting - When Hunting White Seabass, Silence is Only One of a Kayaker’s Weapons.Reprinted courtesy of KayakFishingZone.com: Paddling the U.S. Pacific Coast and Baja Each...
Myrtle Beach Sharkin
I got back last night at about midnight after a great 8 days at Myrtle Beach. I brought my kayak down again and had perfect weather every day with temps in the low 90's with a...

Random

Taking a Slowride in Texas
    It’s funny the places life takes you and the reasons why. It is something I had never really thought about until Slow Ride Kayak Fishing guide Dean Thomas asked my wife...
The Qualifier Kayak Fishing Trip
For those looking to for an incredible kayak fishing adventure the Qualifier 105 might be the ticket. Below is my account of a recent trip on the Qualifier 105. I have made many...
My First Great Lakes Chinook from the yak
Actually my first in 16 years even counting shore fishing. Had a couple on last year but lost them both within seconds.Got this 17lb Chinook (king) salmon today. I knew it was...

Latest Kayak Reviews

Lifetime Sport Fisher
 
5.0
Cobra Kayaks Tandem
 
3.0
Perception Sport Pescador 10.0 Angler
 
4.0
Hobie Mirage Outback
 
4.0
Current Designs Tailfin
 
5.0
Hobie Mirage Outback
 
2.0
NuCanoe Frontier 12
 
5.0
Native Watercraft Mariner 12.5 Propel Anglers
 
4.0
Hobie Mirage Outback
 
5.0
Pelican Castaway 100
 
2.0
Stealth Pro Fisha 575
 
3.0
Field and Stream Eagle Talon
 
5.0

Latest Equipment Reviews

Body Glove 3T Barefoot Max
 
5.0
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Warrior
 
5.0
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Warrior
 
3.0
Columbia Drainmaker
 
5.0
Sperry SON-R Sounder Shandal
 
4.0
Garmin VIRB Elite
 
4.0
Polaroid XS100
 
4.0
Backwater Paddles Assault Hand Paddle
 
5.0
Backwater Paddles Assault Hand Paddle
 
5.0
Stohlquist Piseas
 
4.0
Wheeleez Tuff Tire Kayak Cart
 
5.0
Boga Grip
 
4.0