applying a Keel Guard

J

jacuthbert

New member
I decided to apply a Keel Guard to my CD25. I am no spring chicken and the preparation took me quite awhile and lasted over several days. I finally arrived at the moment of truth this morning. It was time to break the little vials of stuff they give you and spread it over the keel areas that I had so carefully cleaned and prepared and then apply the guard. Needless to say, I had a very hard time of it as I got further under the hull. My arms started giving out on me and the guard finally would not stick the last 12 inches.
Now that you have heard my story of woe, I have a thought and a question.
I am thinking I will use "GOOP" to secure that last 12" on the keel. My worry is that "GOOP" will eat its way through the hull or somehow mess things up worse. SO my question is, can I safely use "GOOP" to apply the rest of the keel guard, or should I use some other adhesive?
Amanda
 
Hi Amanda,

I have used tons of GOOP, when I worked a Shriner's Hospital, for all kinds of shoe and brace (orthotics) work. With the right prep, it would stick to some of our plastics. I'm thinking it might work, but there may be something that would do the job better. Maybe Dr Bob, or some of the more experienced "repair, and rebuild" crowd might know better.

If I used the GOOP, I would certainly and severely tape over the keelGard to hold it in place until the GOOP has had 48 hours at least to set in place.

There may be some contact cement that would hold better, or maybe even a double sided gorilla strength tape that might work too.

Good luck. You are doing great.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Thank you Harvey. I plan to tackle this problem on Thursday. I will see if anyone else chimes in with some thoughts. Then I take a trip to the hardware store, and finish this little project!
Amanda
PS - You mention Shriners...my Dad and brothers are Masons (Scottish Rite)...I am a Jobie, does that mean you'll help me out if you see me in peril on the water?
Amanda
 
Amanda, is it the brand name "Keel Guard"? If so, I thought that had 3M adhesive tape pre-applied and that the prep was to scuff with a scotch brite pad, clean with acetone and apply 3M "primer" for the adhesive tape to bond. So I'm a bit confused. Did you run out of the primer? If so, I'd call the manufacturer, give them your sob story and see if they will send you a bit more (or at least point you where to obtain some).
 
I'm thinking 3M 5200 would be better. Before you do it though, cut a brace the right length that you can wedge in place to hold it while it sets up. There is a fast drying kind and I've seen lately where you can buy just a little tube of it for $5 or so rather than the 10/12 oz tube that's about $15.

For the wedge, just cut a sturdy stick the right length and put a "fork" in one end that is the shape of the keel guard. Try it first before you put the "glue" in there. Prop it at an angle from the driveway or trailer.

I think most all of us would help you if we saw you in trouble on the water or not! [and I'm not a Shriner, I won't fit in one of their little cars :roll: !]

Charlie
 
If so, I'd call the manufacturer, give them your sob story and see if they will send you a bit more (or at least point you where to obtain some).
Click to expand...

Ditto to what Roger posted. That 3M adhesive is amazingly strong [bond]. I'd be leary of anything coming even close. Have no idea what the primer did/does and I nearly ran out myself applying ours.

And you're right; installing it is not the easiest thing in the world to do. If I had to do it again, I'd just get Rhino-line/Linex sprayed on.
 
I'm with Roger and Mark on this one too. My keel guard loosened up on me a bit several years ago and if my old memory serves me correctly, I contacted Keel Guard and they generously sent me their recommended adhesive. I applied it and have had no problems since.
 
localboy":3frc0ted said:
If I had to do it again, I'd just get Rhino-line/Linex sprayed on.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Mark, that is an interesting concept. Although our vessel does not "reside" in the water for any length of time necessitating bottom paint. I'm wondering if for those desiring bottom paint if the Rhino/Linex treatment would be possible for use in place of bottom paint. (I'm thinking the texture might slow you down, but what about the protection as a bottom paint?)

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
 
You are correct, I ran out of the acetone that Keel Guard supplies...but I also ran out of strength...they say this is an easy one hour application...but while I am in the dirt under my CDory I am thinking I need the Incredible Hulk...
I think I will ask them for more of the adhesive...unless I just get fed up and use GOOP! after all, it's only 12 inches more!!!Surely it will work and I will be fresh when I do it!
I really like the Rhino liner idea. If this Keel Guard comes off, Rhino liner is my choice next time...
Thanks you guys, you are all the best!
Amanda
 
jacuthbert":1irp4tp5 said:
Thank you Harvey. I plan to tackle this problem on Thursday. I will see if anyone else chimes in with some thoughts. Then I take a trip to the hardware store, and finish this little project!
Amanda
PS - You mention Shriners...my Dad and brothers are Masons (Scottish Rite)...I am a Jobie, does that mean you'll help me out if you see me in peril on the water?
Amanda
Click to expand...

Amanda, See, isn't this a great place. The experts just jump in and give you all the right fixes. If it is just acitone you ran out of that's an easy fix at the paint store, the rest (primer) should come from the manufacture.

As to being a Shriner, I'm not, but I worked there almost 8 years, (but I never slept in that "makes you whatever" hotel so don't know if I count or not.) A lady I helped in the Costco parking lot called me an officer and a gentleman. Was she ever confused -- more like I had her buffaloed. Hey, I'd do the same for you, on the water or not. (Probably wouldn't need help changing a tire on the water though :)

Did love working with the kids there.

Good luck with the Keel Gard. By the way, It may flex a bit easier if it is warmed up a bit. Radiant heater or a hair dryer might help, just don't cook the boat. :cry

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Harvey
It is the primer that ran low, rather than the other stuff. I would ask for more from the manufacturer, but I want to get this finished ASAP. I will investigate at the hardware store tomorrow when I go to town.
You do sound like a gentleman. That's always a nice thing to find, especially these days.
Thanks for your words of encouragement!
Amanda
 
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