DIY Kydex Kayak Keel Guard - How to make a Kydex Keel Guard

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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#kayak keel guard
#diykayak
#kayakmodification

[FatDadFishing]

Let me know what other kayak mods you'd like to see, and thanks for watching (and subscribing)!

[tydengr]

I have no idea that this material existed. Will do for my kayak. thanks

[travisharvey]

Sweet job man been looking for something to protect my new kayak thank you

[wsavinovich]

Pretty neat and clever way to protect keel Rich. Another great video.

[jameskellar]

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.

[johncreely]

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

[Musicalpa]

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?

[jeffdaiber]

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!

[rugerrimfire]

Seems like the manufacturers of all Kayaks should make this standard equipment.

[ralphzaccaria]

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.

[nathanturner]

Kydex is an awesome, underutilized material.

[luisbaez]

Thank you for this video. Just followed it and it worked out great!! Quick question, if you wanted to remove this keel guard with the 3M Double-Side Tape and wanted to replace it or remove it what is a good method to remove it? Thank you.

[ANGLERM]

Very good your content brother...
Greetings of friendship from Indonesia brother 🙏

[midwestkayakco]

Just ordered the stuff and subscribed!

[frankdecaprio]

Nice..I need to make this. Thx for the tip!

[mackjack]

Perfect!! Thanks you helped me save $$$.

[coastalcarolinaliving]

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.

[dbsean]

​ @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?

[kayakgdudley]

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

[leechapman]

#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.