With all this time we have stuck at home at the weekend and for some of you, in the weeks with Covid 19, it gives us time to look a the jobs we never get a chance sort out. I have put together some photos and a video for maintenance on a fibreglass sea kayak. It may give you some idea on ways to tackle the jobs such as fitting a keeleazy strip. In the video there is a run down on what I use to overhaul a sea kayak. You do not need all of this but, at the same time, I am aiming to get the sea kayak looking like new.

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KeelEazy – Keel protector

Fitting KeelEazy is very simple, but you will need a hairdryer from the Boss. Find and mark the centre line of the keel. I have a laser level so I use this to get a straight line, but you cold use string. Once you have the centre line make a paper template the same width as the keeleazy strip, lay it over the hull with equal amounts on both sides. Then get to work with the hair dryer.

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The Running Strip

The running strip is where the top and bottom of the sea kayak have been bonded together. As soon as you have applied the black gel-coat with a bit of gel-wax to help it run smoothly; you must remove the masking tape immediately. Pulling away from the gel-coat as you can see in one of the photos. If you don’t it will stick fast leaving a jagged sharp edge.

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With the Black running strip down the side of the sea kayak, you will see masking tape, once removed will give a nice clean line. You must remove the masking tape as soon as possible by pulling away from the new work.

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When you go to polish the sea kayak you will need to keep the hull wet at all times with water & the polish. I just use a car polisher.

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Have fun and if I can help with info you know where I am. See you all soon on the water. Mark.

Submitted by Mark B 250121