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From: Doug Lloyd <dlloyd_at_telus.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Keel Abrasion, Composite Boats
Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2000 21:31:00 -0800
Peter said:

<<< I re-read Doug L's seam improvement article just now
(http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/mag/43/seams.html). Doug mentions
"adding an exterior and interior keel of UMHW plastic and ash
respectively
(bolted through the hull),">>>

Peter, that's UHMW. I think there was a typo in the article. My latest
keel is a bit thicker and I used a softer material called "Starboard" as
the UHMW gets brittle with age and UV damage. The NSW article wasn't
specifically about "abrasion ablation" (as Dave Kruger calls anything
sacrificial like gel-coat, etc), but rather about kayak stiffness. I
mentioned the modification, because I wanted a bomb-proof hull with no
hint of oil-canning and complete longitudinal stiffness. The
modification also provided the sacrificial aspect, too -- of course. I'm
certainly not promoting the modification, just explaining my way of
doing things as part of an overall scheme to reinforce my kayak for
hard-core use. .

<<<I am interested in methods of preventing abrasion of the boat keel,
and
wonder:>>> <snip>

The "normal" way is to add layer(s) of epoxy and additives, either
aluminum, teflon, etc; or you can add strips of cloth tape, etc,
impregnated with epoxy or other mixtures. In my lectures and
demonstrations on this subject, I often promote Marinetex (tm) as it is
easy to use and wears very well. It is expensive, but the consistency of
the mixture is difficult to duplicate with home-mixing of the necessary
ingredients - IMHO.

For the wooden boat builder, they are already up on the whole epoxy
system and the advertised proprietary additives for keelson wear (the
products are actually generic, and can be cross-used with various epoxy
systems and even polyester resins.

The only reason I went to a tougher solution (my plastic/brass keel
strip) is that the other methods did not last. YES, I prepped properly,
did all the right things with the epoxy methods, but stuff just doesn't
stand up to my brand of punishment and BC's brand of barnacles. And if I
do ever head down to Australia's big, bad surf with my Nordkapp, and
break the kayak in half, the keel will hold the boat together :-)

Doug Lloyd (who hopes he isn't wearing too thin on this list)



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From: Peter Treby <ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Keel Abrasion, Composite Boats
Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2000 22:18:23 +1100
Alex and Doug: Thanks for the helpful info.

"And if I do ever head down to Australia's big, bad surf with my Nordkapp,
and
break the kayak in half, the keel will hold the boat together :-)"

Come on down, whoops, up. We'll get a team together to help you lift your
boat...

Regards,
Peter Treby
37°42'S 145°08'E




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From: Rick Sylvia <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferginc.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Keel Abrasion, Composite Boats
Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2000 08:16:46 -0500
	major snips

	Doug Wrote; 

> I mentioned the modification, because I wanted a bomb-proof hull with no
> hint of oil-canning and complete longitudinal stiffness.
> 
> 
	What's "oil-canning"?

	Rick  (....Virginia) 

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From: <Outfit3029_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Keel Abrasion, Composite Boats
Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 13:58:22 EST
In a message dated 11/8/00 4:38:31 PM !!!First Boot!!!, 
Rick.Sylvia_at_ferginc.com writes:

<< What's "oil-canning"? >>

 Rick, I felt bad that no one responded to your query. Terminology raises 
many questions from newer paddlers. I do not believe that P'wise has an 
official glossary of terms (hint, hint) but it might prove useful. J. Winters 
has several pages on his website entitled "Good Boatspeak" (I think).  I do 
not believe that "oil-canning" is covered, so, here is my version of 
"oil-canning."
   Oil-canning is a term used to describe the flexing action in a boat, 
noticeable in flat areas. Term probably originated from the action required 
to pump oil from an "old time oiling can." You know, the type Grandpa used to 
oil your bicycle chain.  
   Many definitions that I have seen for "oil-canning" describe what is in 
actuality a dent or "whoop" in a plastic boat. I do not believe that to be a 
fair definition as it does not transfer to composite boats. Physical evidence 
of "oil-canning" in composite boats may include semicircular cracks in 
gelcoat.
  For those of you in the physical mode;
     Fill a gallon milk jug with water. Invert the jug completely, holding 
the jug by the handle. Place very light pressure on the side of the jug with 
one or two fingers. You should be able to see, hear and feel the pucker and 
release as the jug empties.
   "Oil-canning"?

Bruce McC
WEO

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