Re: [Paddlewise] keelguard

On 23 Dec 2004 at 12:36, kayakwriter_at_netscape.net wrote:

> I'm still thinking about this. Aside from the simplicity (always
> appealing to the lazy), the gel-coated-only strip as suggested in
> the online article seemed to have the virtue of being coloured all
> the way through, so scuffs wouldn't show up as much. On the other
> hand, you gotta think there are reasons they don't build entire
> kayaks outta merely gelcoat impregnated fibreglass. But perhaps
> epoxy's strength, critical in a complete boat, is less vital in a
> keel strip, were the issue is abrasion resistance. Any thoughts
> from the council?  

In the old days, I would have said that gelcoat was a good way to 
protect the hull and was a sacrificial bit that was easy to repair.  
However, as Nick S. has pointed out, the gelcoat is basically dead 
weight and isn't very good at preventing abrasion.  He advocates that 
a good epoxy/glass layer will outlast gelcoat and work just fine 
in an abrasive environment.  I've become convinced he's right.  An 
extra layer of glass will be much tougher than gelcoat for the same 
weight.  If the keel is hidden from the sun most of the time, UV is 
not an issue and bare epoxy/glass will be more than adequate for a 
keel.  

For the rest of the kayak, a good epoxy paint will provide UV 
protection without need for gelcoat.  The kayak would be lighter for 
the same strength or stronger for the same weight.

Mike