Grunch Pads

[George Locke]

A while back someone posted about peel and stick pads in various shapes and colors, but being of advanced age I can't remember what or where. Any info appreciated.

Thanks! Geo.

[Jim Krueger]

George,

Quite some time ago, I think Byron Eubanks did some demonstrations of the epoxy/Kevlar reinforcement of canoe ends as a class offering during one of our rendezvous get-togethers. I'm just not sure. I do think something more substantial and long-lasting, like this, might be the best for your boat, and not that difficult to do. I am sorry I don't know anything about the 'peel and stick' products to comment otherwise.

Jim

[fzburk]

I'm guessing you are talking about skid plates. The ones I have used on canoes and kayaks that are very easy to install, plus quite a bit cheaper are made by

http://www.keeleazy.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The hardest part is separating the backing from the strip without messing up the glue.

Mark

[Jim Krueger]

In my previous comments, I should have said, my only experience with peel and stick products of any kind thus far were with various Velcro strips, and that adhesive sometimes left something to be desired. The adhesive in this application surely must be much better as time has gone on. Either way, once the Kevlar felt is stuck on, it's good stuff!


Jim

[George Locke]

Thanks Jim and Mark,
Those were the ones I was remembering Mark. I'm fixing up an old Genisis that has most all of the vinyl worn off on the back half of the "keel" line. About four inches of it are through the first layer of plastic as well. I see where they recommend a two inch base and then a three inch cover. Is this necessary or maybe just double up on the extra worn area. If getting this stuff separated is tricky is a long run going to cause me to cuss and need to order a little extra for the part I screw up? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!
Geo.

[BEubanks]

One thing to watch for on the typical grunch pad kits is they use a very thick Kevlar mat. It may be thicker than you want if you're extending it beyond the a couple of feet on each end.

The nice thing about using Kevlar cloth as base and fiberglass over that is that you can feather the fiberglass (can't sand Kevlar). As the outer fiberglass layers wear, you can repair with new glass, while the Kevlar base continues to provide the real protection.

Glad to show you how to do this if you want to make a trip down to Arkadelphia.

I'll credit Max Wellhouse with teaching me all I know about working Kevlar and glass for boat repair. Thanks, Max. Your gift of time and expertise keeps on giving . . .

[fzburk]

If you watch the video on their webite (keeleazy.com) closely you should have no problem with the tape. There are three parts, the backing, the tape, and the PVC material. If you don't pay attention the tape can separate from the PVC. My first try I messed up about 2" of tape, then re-watched the video.

I only put a 3" wide strip on my canoe and it was OK. If doing it again I would consider putting two layers, the second layer being wider.

[George Locke]

Thanks Byron for your generous offer but I'm gonna try the Keeleasy stuff. Thanks Mark for the info and insight.
Geo.

[BEubanks]

I've ordered some to try on an old Coleman (bought summer 1977). Kevlar and glass don't work so well on it--flexes too much. The Keeleazy looks like a pretty user-friendly fix.