Adding a forged in fire kayak keel guard

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A keel guard made from plastic pipe shaped by a heat gun covers ramp rash and can be replaced after it gets scuffed. Welding gloves, a spray bottle of water and double-sided tape are other project components. <br><br> <em>Dave Mull</em>
A keel guard made from plastic pipe shaped by a heat gun covers ramp rash and can be replaced after it gets scuffed. Welding gloves, a spray bottle of water and double-sided tape are other project components.
Dave Mull
Measure the scraped-up section of your keel and cut a piece of 1-inch plastic pipe to fit. We used inexpensive black pipe for underground sprinkler systems. Gray, 1-inch electrical conduit is another good choice. Thinner-walled pipe is easier to mold.
Measure the scraped-up section of your keel and cut a piece of 1-inch plastic pipe to fit. We used inexpensive black pipe for underground sprinkler systems. Gray, 1-inch electrical conduit is another good choice. Thinner-walled pipe is easier to mold.
Cut lengthwise straight down the pipe. Heat about a third of the pipe, molding it around the flat keel behind the bow curve. The process takes a while. We heated and pressed each one-third section of pipe four or five times to make it lie flat against the hull.
Cut lengthwise straight down the pipe. Heat about a third of the pipe, molding it around the flat keel behind the bow curve. The process takes a while. We heated and pressed each one-third section of pipe four or five times to make it lie flat against the hull.
Work your way forward and around the bow curve, spritzing with water between heat treatments to set the guard’s shape. If working alone, tape the back section down (painter’s masking tape works) to keep it in place. Four hands are better than two; one person wields the heat gun and the other, wearing the welding gloves, presses the plastic against the keel.
Work your way forward and around the bow curve, spritzing with water between heat treatments to set the guard’s shape. If working alone, tape the back section down (painter’s masking tape works) to keep it in place. Four hands are better than two; one person wields the heat gun and the other, wearing the welding gloves, presses the plastic against the keel.
Once you have a snug fit, smooth edges with a file or sandpaper. Carefully cover the inside of your guard with double-sided, outdoor tape rated for at least 15 pounds. Remove the backing and press firmly into place. We added a little black caulk for cosmetics.
Once you have a snug fit, smooth edges with a file or sandpaper. Carefully cover the inside of your guard with double-sided, outdoor tape rated for at least 15 pounds. Remove the backing and press firmly into place. We added a little black caulk for cosmetics.