Easy DIY KYDEX KEEL GUARD For Your Kayak! (Under $25)

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to protect that fishing kayak you've invested heavily into then look no further. Kydex is the way to go and it's easier than you think. Check out Easy DIY KYDEX KEEL GUARD for your Fishing Kayak! (Under $25) video to learn how.
Wendell Fishing Merch ➡️ wendellfishing.myspreadshop.com/ ⬅️
⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:00​ Intro
0:26 Research/Options
1:44 Why Kydex?
1:50 Tools and Materials
2:40 Making the Trace
3:38 Making the Cut
4:14 Molding the Kydex
5:48 Prepping the Kayak Surface
6:31 Prepping and Applying Kydex Molds
9:52 Final Step / Sealing the Kydex
MATERIALS USED:
💪 - Kydex (2 Peices): geni.us/Kydex (Amazon)
🦍 - Gorilla Mounting Tape (60 lbs): geni.us/GorillaMountingTape (Amazon)
🚣‍♀️ - Silicone: geni.us/_silicone (Amazon)
TOOLS USED:
🧰 - Dremel: geni.us/_Dremel (Amazon)
✂️ - Dremel Cutting Tool: geni.us/DremelCuttingWheel (Amazon)
🔥 - Heat Gun: geni.us/Heat_Gun (Amazon)
🧤 - Gloves: geni.us/WorkGloves (Amazon)
CAMERA GEAR USED:
📸 - GoPro 7 Black: geni.us/Go_Pro_8 (Amazon)
🤳 - Manfrotto Monopod: geni.us/Manfrotto_Monopod (Amazon)
🦍 - Gorillapod Kit: geni.us/Joby_Gorillapod (Amazon)
🎥 - Ulanzi Go-Pro Casing: geni.us/GoPro_Case (Amazon)
🎙️ - Rode Mic: geni.us/Rode_Mic (Amazon)
📷 - Gopro Chest Mount: geni.us/ChestMountHarness (Amazon)
SOCIAL:
👍 - FACEBOOK: / wendellfishing
🕦 - TikTok: / wendellfishing
💻 - Website: www.WendellFishing.com
#WendellFishing
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@kk5fe]

Thanks for this!! I’ll admit… I was one of the gorilla tape guys…. LOL! I’ll own that. Now I’ll do this DIY project.

[@wendellfishing]

Lol… let me know how it turns out!

[@ffemt703]

A suggestion when working with Kydex; Since the heat gun for prolonged periods can damage your hull, you can pre-heat it in the oven until its rubbery. We make holsters this way and for the soft plastic of some kayaks it is easier to pre-heat then just use heat gun to keep it warm.

[@AHLive215]

usec ommon sence

[@mofishing2241]

Got one better... use a tray and heat the kydex up on the tray with the gun. Also, they make adhesives that bind plastics.

[@TheSumo294]

Use a toaster oven right in the garage. 20 bucks

[@mach179]

I have 2,400-hours on my Delta 12-10 kayak and I'm very careful, i.e., I use wheels vs. dragging my kayak thru the parking lot. Both the bow and stern developed cracks/leaks recently. I fixed them with JB Weld. If I knew his was going to happen I would have bought a toothpaste sized tubes of JB Weld at Walmart and filled the low spots on the bow and stern when it was brand new. Once I saw the gray JB Weld color I would have known I was thru the kayak material. I'd rather spend $20 for JB Weld vs. hours of labor.

[@BeckieZullo]

Great step-by-step instructions!

[@wendellfishing]

Happy to Help Rebecca!

[@mike-indiana6643]

Now that's a informative an usefull video. Thank you sir !

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Mike.. I did a 2.0 a couple of weeks ago you may like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@robertdeyoung73]

Just finished mine this weekend. I am super pleased with the way it turned out. Thanks for the idea and the video.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on brother!

[@john_kelley]

Great video and build! That's a lot cheaper than other options!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss!

[@maurosantillan6111]

EXCELENTE VIDEO GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR TUS PROYECTOS NOS AYUDA MUCHO PARA CUIDAR NUESTROS KAYAK

[@wendellfishing]

Happy to help Mauro!

[@haciendadad]

Another great video! Thanks

[@wendellfishing]

Right on brother!

[@Drunkenjimjim]

Great video man look forward to more kayak mods

[@wendellfishing]

Right on James... I've got some in the works!

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Love it, thanks!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Vernon…. Going two seasons strong on mine so far with no issues

[@tizmo57]

Hell yeah! Great video I'm doing mine this weekend! Thank you!!

[@wendellfishing]

Have fun!

[@tizmo57]

Yo Thanks, I decided to wait and Goop it...I banged one out of tin then epoxied it but is is starting to rust and wear so gonna do this once I get the stuff;)@@wendellfishing

[@wannabeangler]

Great idea and simple! I'm the G. Tape guy AFTER a hole comes, but usually just melt plastics cut outs back over hole.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Wannabeangler!

[@lanceeverhard6951]

Awesome Video

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Lance!

[@erickfuentes5975]

Thanks Great video 👍

[@wendellfishing]

Right on brother... here's a 2.0 version with a different adhesion method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@acemcflanders4904]

Nice work.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Ace! If you end up doing it.. let me know how it goes!

[@RidesTheRain]

Made mine today and got it installed. The Kydex was easy to work with and the final result looks good. Haven't had it on the water yet but it seems really solid. Great solution!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on RidesTheTrain! Thanks for reaching out. I've had mine on for a year with no problems so it should treat you well!

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

Yeah, this type of stick on solution works great especially for those kayaks that stay out of the water. You will soon see that Gorilla adhesive and silicone sealant do not stick to polyethylene. Should be good for a kayak that stays in the garage. thanks

[@RidesTheRain]

@@SilverShadow2LWB Well now that's interesting since I'm retired and go kayak fishing 2 days a week nearly every week and my guard is still firmly in place. It's been in the water for hours on end, banged over rocks and gravel bars and boat ramps and I have yet to touch it.

[@bigstarnesoutdoors]

Thank you.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Big Starnes

[@sentientslug3259]

You did this pretty damn well. im going to try the same thing with PVC seeings that I have a ton lying around. But this just looks so neat.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss! I just did a 2.0 as well with a different design and adhesion. Easier and cheaper! studio.kzbin.infodpZqc_9NQuw/edit

[@ryanamey5024]

For that rear keel guard you could leave most of the tape covering on while you put it in place. Once the guard is in place you can pull at the tab allowing the tape to adhere to the kayak

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Ryan

[@JoeNajorFishing]

Great idea. Looks pretty solid. Gonna give it a shot on my yak. New sub. 👍

[@wendellfishing]

Right on! Let me know how it treats ya!

[@WendellWoodworks]

Protect that investment! 🙂 Great video.

[@wendellfishing]

Ill just buy another one if it gets a hole :)

[@teedub127]

My yak has a replaceable keel piece but the front looks like yours, thanks for the great and informative video.

[@wendellfishing]

No problem Teedub127! Happy to help

[@austinbrooks965]

Great video, thanks man!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Austin. Appreciate it

[@ChesapeakeChris]

Great video, I heard of using Kydex for keel guard. I bought some and the double back sticky tape and marine grade silicone but waiting for a little nicer weather to try it.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Chris! Let me know how it turns out and I hear ya on the weather. My latest videos have been shot in my garage!

[@ChesapeakeChris]

@@wendellfishing I'll let you know 👍🏻

[@wendellfishing]

@@ChesapeakeChris Right on!

[@urbancarvers8974]

We have the same exact heat gun, I had make sure mine was in the shop cause they have the same wear marks. Thought you stole it 🤣 nice work! I’ll be doing this when my sheets come in.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on. Let me know how it turns out!

[@seancurley7954]

I like it! Personally I'd have used marine goop.

[@wendellfishing]

Maybe I will try it out next time

[@ralphpearson5420]

You know I have molded things like that in the oven. Crank id up to about 225 deg. Keep an eye on it then carefully grab it with proper protection and fold it right over. I enjoy your content, thank you I for what you do. REP

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Ralph.. sounds like a solid option if you don't have a heat gun and you gotta get it done! I actually just finished a 2.0 version with a different adhesion. If you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@johnneblett7185]

Re: using a marine cement vs. adhesive. When you researched this, what were the specific advantages and disadvantages for each that drove your choice, if you don’t mind? GREAT VIDEO!!!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Hey John, To be honest, it's been a while since I researched that video so unfortunately I can't answer too well. I know that Polyethylene is a unique plastics that only bonds to certain agents. I'm sure it would work with others, I just landed on this one as it was fairly easy and clean and from what I could find.. held up well. I have had it for two seasons now with no issues. I have even helped put this on some kayaks of some of the subscribers. Hope that helps brother.

[@j.wilson641]

I think just adhering it with the silicone should be good. Great stuff here!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on.. please let me know how it works...I'm interested

[@gerardhebert9207]

i have the same yak, in grey goose, did same keel guards... works fantastic!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Love it. Curious.... how many seasons have you had it on?

[@gerardhebert9207]

@@wendellfishing this is first season ive had yak... bought in nov, put keel guards on in jan... used twice since installing... definitely need them for the concrete ramps and oystwr reefs here in Louisiana

[@305miamifishing9]

How long does this last

[@gerardhebert9207]

@@305miamifishing9 i not long ago, installed them... got my new kayak in september... installed keel guards in late december

[@wendellfishing]

@@305miamifishing9 I've used mine for a half season with no issue to date. Keep in mind, I didn't just throw this video together. I did a ton of research to an put together the best DIY plan I could come up with. Hope it helps.

[@joseluiscuevas4699]

Great video! My kayak got broken and I used epoxy E 600. It's highly recommended for high density polyethylene , dry fast, water resistant and flexible

[@joseluiscuevas4699]

Epoxy E 6000

[@wendellfishing]

Solid tip Jose! Thanks boss

[@paulferrari3921]

I think I would use epoxy too.

[@gittekrog-meyerholmen2223]

A good fishing Kayak with all the basic features one needs for a good fishing experience. If you're going to be on the water for a long period of time, get a stadium seat that fits, and your all set.

[@wendellfishing]

100%

[@davidmanevich1040]

I saw a guy on another video cut the kydex with shears for vinyl siding nice clean cuts

[@wendellfishing]

Shears would work, if you have a scroll saw.. that would be ideal.. A quick sand will remove the roughness.

[@davidmanevich1040]

@@wendellfishing oh yeah I was a carpenter all my life have all kinds of tools.

[@Ianbond21]

Just got my heat gun today and plan on slapping some kydex on my yak asap. One thing i will probably do slightly differently is heat my kydex in the oven first and use the heat gun to keep it warm as i adjust stuff.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on... let me know how it turns out. I'm curious if it cools on you too fast or not.

[@MrBigDaddyUSA]

Great video. I have an Old Town PDL106. Hardest part was / is getting template just right. Wanted to go a bit higher on the nose for those skinny water-to-bank landings. Middle of the template kept kinking in the middle segment.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Mr Big! Yeah... getting ready to do another on my Bonafide P127

[@MrBigDaddyUSA]

@@wendellfishing During part of the chat with Chad, there was a spot where he talked about providing newbie advice- the type the perhaps you and he just assume everyone knows. I’m new to kayak fishing and about ready to enter Chad’s month-long Feb C-P-R tourney here in Alabama. You’ve given a lot of how-to’s but how about finding the right water, take in/out, going alone (which has its own challenges), and some of the other ‘how-to kayak bass fish’? Really would like to hear your insights, etc.

[@wendellfishing]

@@MrBigDaddyUSA Right on... My channel ebbs and flows. during the spring through fall... I do a lot more of the on the water stuff... where as right now.. with hard water.. transition into more how to's etc. All that to say....They are coming!

[@bentontool]

Can you perhaps post a follow-up video to remark on how well this has held-up?

[@wendellfishing]

I don't think I will get around to a video...but I haven't thought about it since I put it on.. no issues whatsoever. I also have a 2.0 version that is cheaper and easier. Also no issues this season. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@theguywitheyebrows]

The only thing im thinkin id change would be a jb weld for plastics instead of mounting tape, some scuffing on the kydex and the hull if it needs it, shlather the epoxy all over both surfaces, and "clamp" with a sandbag for even distribution of clampyness (i know thats not a real word but its the best one for the need). If you loose the sandbag to the epoxy there wont be too many hurt feelings (use a dogfood bag and some dirt wgaf), the edges can be beveled before-hand to discourage 'catching' on stuff at the bottom, and if ever the kydex is compromised there will be a layer of epoxy between the elements and the hull. After that distant yet fated day, you can always re-shlather it up and schlap down another layer of kydex. yes, shlather because epoxy is hateful yet glorious and schlap because its a fun sound to make. thanks for this tip, i'm miles away from my first kayak but i'm well prepared to outfit the tar out of it before i get it wet, and now with a keel guard, thanks to you!! sub earned!

[@wendellfishing]

You are already doing mods on a kayak you are miles away from. I have a feeling you are closer than you think :) Thanks boss for the sub.

[@johngoss3997]

Yo Chad Hoover just gave you a shoutout and linked this vid to his most recent video. That’s dope.

[@wendellfishing]

Whoa really…. That’s rad. I’ll check it out

[@davidmanevich1040]

Thanks for this video I'm going to put one on my kayak today. Only question is how well did the gorilla tape mounting tape work out for holding it. Other videos I've seen have used epoxy???

[@wendellfishing]

I've had mine on for 1.5 years with no issue and I fish 2 -3 times a week.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

Lol, I did the same thing on my last kayak. Great minds, lol. I used half 3m double sided tape and half what ever double sided tape won on project farm. The Amazon/project farm tape was crap. Lasted half the season, and was a pain to get off.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on RH! I put it on a year ago and still no issue.

[@Musicalpa]

After a couple decades of wanting to have a fishing kayak, the day has finally come and I want to protect "my precious" as much as possible, lol. However, how much is really needed and where, and how much would make me look like a lunatic, lol? I could cover the entire bottom of the boat with kydex for the ultimate protection, lol. Do you think you can make a video sharing your thoughts on how much keel/hull protection is really needed, and if there are other areas of the hull which could use a small panel of kydex protection too?

[@wendellfishing]

Yeshua, It's all a matter of preference and how you utilize your yak. A full Kydex cover seems a bit overkill and unlikely to stick to your polyethylene yak. Your main points of "river rash" will be your bottom bow.

[@PeterRanieriII]

great video! couldn't agree more that the keel guard is one of the most important mods. Hey do you know if the berley pro keel guards use this same kydex material? I bought one and after a season it scuffed through, so wondering if this stuff may be stronger as I'm thinking to layer it on top of the old keel guard.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Peter! Great question... the BerleyPro Keel Guards are thermoformed ABS plastic. Kydex is thermoformed as well but the key differences are that Kydex is Fire Retardant, texture is different, and ABS is not as strong as Kydex. Kydex is a bit easier to form than ABS if you are heating it up. Hope that helps!

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@wendellfishing ​ @Wendell Fishing that helps a lot, thanks for the quick response! It makes sense too because I tried heating up the berley pro one before with a heat gun and it didn't really bend like yours in the video, in fact it started bubbling. Thanks again, going to try your method out with kydex

[@wendellfishing]

Right on! Let me know how it turns out and reach out with any questions along the way.

[@doctorgeneral4239]

All boat companies use 3M 5200 or 4000. You don't need the tape at all. Put the 3M sealant on them, press them on the boat, and they won't come off unless you cut them off with a razor blade cutter. It's good for salt or fresh water.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss!

[@alejandrocarvin6778]

You say true

[@billszymanski4844]

great vid. when you want a symetrical template, fold the paper.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Bill! Great add

[@kevinlaughlin889]

Great video! Question - Why use Gorilla tape instead of a silicon adhesive gel or something like that?

[@wendellfishing]

I Got You... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@jimmatt8005]

Great job. I like the way it turned out. I have the Brooklyn RA 220. Looks exactly like yours does. Here we are a year later. How did this hold up for you? I'm debating between the Kydex and using Electrical grade PVC. Any updated info as to the durability of the Kydex Thanks

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Jim, a full year of HEAVY use with no issues. Holds up like a boss. I believe that Kydex has a rockwell hardness of 90 with PVC coming in much softer.

[@jimmatt8005]

@@wendellfishing I'm impressed. Thanks for the reply. I will be using the Kydex based on your recommendation. The great thing with KZbinrs is you guys have hands-on experience that can't be found at the retail level. You are a valuable resource. Again, great job.

[@popaki9484]

Nice idea! Do I need a specific heat gun? I wonder if I can use marine goop or hot glue instead of gorilla tape. What are your thoughts? Thanks for sharing!

[@wendellfishing]

Hello Kali, You don't need any specific heat gun. Anyone should work. When it comes to the other options of Hot glue or Marine Goop, I really don't know. I do know that I did quite a bit of research and arrived at the tape being the best option. Mine is still holding strong after 1 -1/2 years with no issue.

[@ethang3312]

Can you use Sikaflex 291 Marine adhesive and sealant as a replacement to the gorilla mounting tape? Thank you in advance

[@wendellfishing]

Haven't used that.. however,, I have used Marine Grade Goop. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@randolphbehm877]

Nice job? I wonder if 5200 would work in leu of the double sided tape?

[@wendellfishing]

I did a bunch of research as well before I shot this video... if you use the marine sealant, let me know how it goes. Also, the tape has help up to date with heavy use.

[@meagainandagain5756]

My cousin installs granite counters, and installs under mount sinks using silicone. I’m wondering if that would work in place of the two sided tape.

[@wendellfishing]

I really don't know but if you try it, please let me know how it turns out !

[@Scubastevetampabay]

This is awesome but i think I'm gonna use silicone instead on the tape. If it's done right and you push all the air out the suction alone would keep all the water out. I thought about using 5200 but in sure one day I'll need to replace the Kydex.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Scuba... I'm literally filming a 2.0 version of this today. Going to use a different adhesion as well even though the tape has held up like a boss

[@Musicalpa]

Ok, I ordered .093 kydex, and thought of another question for you. Is there a reason why you chose to use double face tape to adhere it to the kayak rather than using marine goop?

[@wendellfishing]

Great question Yeshua, I usually do a fair amount of research on my projects before I put them out to the world. My research lead me to find success with the double sided tape over marine goop.

[@inlikemin]

Looks like a great method! How has it been holding up? Still on there?

[@wendellfishing]

Has been holding up for 2 years.. here's my 2.0 method which I personally like better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@estevansanchez9639]

Does the tape hold pretty good? I want to make sure it won’t come off when I’m moving the boat on the ground.

[@wendellfishing]

NO issue in two years.. I also have another adhesion method that has worked as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@fisher-samoyed9857]

Do you need a dremel to cut the kydex? Or a scissor would be good?

[@wendellfishing]

Scissors won't work.. but Tin Snips will. Here's a more recent 2.0 video with a different adhesion method you may like better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG9opaVbrOEq9k

[@bojanpeterkovic3871]

Hey guys, i loved this keel guard video until i realized that nothing sticks to my big fish 120. I would like to know how you got the gorilla tape and the silicone to stay on your kayak? Honest question

[@wendellfishing]

Bojan, so you tried the gorilla tape and silicone and it didn't work? I know that cleaning it thoroughly with alcohol helps the adhesion as well. Hope that helps

[@rodneyhendrickson9811]

How long did that tape hold that on They have a 2 part epoxy glue Do you think that will work Are should I buy the tape I'm fixing to do mine this summer I Bought the same plastic your using But i bought that glue I just wander if I should buy the Tape That looks good the way you did it ''Thanks man''

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Rodney, I don't know about the 2 part epoxy.... never have used it.. All I know is that I'm going on two years with no issue. Here's a short of my keel guard... I put a beating on it. kzbin.infoZlHvUChrdAg

[@Sonjaorleans]

Coal tar epoxy works better than jb weld or any other method

[@JoeyIngles]

Thank you for the time stamps and the materials list. But man, you cut the kydex out of the middle?

[@wendellfishing]

I have no other real use for it

[@JoeyIngles]

@@wendellfishing Well if it works, it works. Excellent job.

[@wendellfishing]

@@JoeyIngles Been holding up!

[@TheDreamer1949]

First I am posting this a year after you posted this video - how has the kydex held up? also Just wondering - First, I have been researching as well as YES, I really like your video and agree. One question is maybe an upgrade. I am concerned that the two sides tape and silicon will eventually give even when the Kydex is holding up well. What are your thoughts on using a JB Weld epoxy glue instead of the two sided tape? I would probably still use the silicone with the JB Weld. YOUR THOUGHTS

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks for reaching out Lawrence, The keel guard is still holding up like a boss after heavy use. I really can't answer your question as I have never used JBWeld.. but I know a lot of guys use it for HDPE so it sounds like you should be good to go. Let me know how it goes. I'm curious.

[@DilltheLegend]

The previous owner of my kayak had installed a keel guard from kydex just like this video but the keel guard is old and work out, how would I go about removing the old one to install a new one?

[@wendellfishing]

Toluene is a more powerful solvent that will remove fully set GOOP. However, an easier method may be to just layer it on top of the established keel guard and mold it around it.

[@DilltheLegend]

@@wendellfishingthanks for the reply all i had to do was rip it off kinda needed to use a knife to cut around the tape and silicone

[@TheMyrmidonSoldier]

Long shot you'll respond but anyone who may have an opinion, what about using PVC cement to adhere the guards to the keel?

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Boss, I respond to everyone. I usually do quite a bit of research on my videos and If PVC cement didn't make honorable mention then I probably didn't see it as a viable option long term.

[@Musicalpa]

How are those guards holding up?

[@wendellfishing]

Working great with no issue after 1 year so far.

[@patrickgniech7873]

I would use marine epoxy down the center and along the outside edge so when you push down on it, a bead of epoxy pushes out the edge to seal it and keep it ridgid. JMO..

[@wendellfishing]

Solid tip Patrick.... I actually have a 2.0 version coming out in the next couple of weeks using a different adhesion method

[@iamobserving9917]

What about using contact cement instead of tape? that way it would pretty much eliminate water from getting under it. Very cool idea by the way.

[@wendellfishing]

I did quite of bit of research before I did this... I'm sure there are multiple other ways.. but I'm at around 2 years of heavy use with no issues to date

[@jimnewton2183]

Contact cement wouldn't give you the give (flexibility) you need in this application.

[@skotfree9958]

I noticed the mounting tape says not for use on polyethylene or polypropylene plastics. Has that caused you any issues?

[@wendellfishing]

I've had it on my yak for about a year now with no issues

[@DigitaLIon781]

Original reply: I have a Titan 12, and the bow is a virgin. I'm the second owner, and the original owner custom made a guard out of schedule 40 PVC pipe. He used gray double sided tape, and lasted a good long while. Not sealed, water and rocks were getting inside, in between the tape and kayak. I just tried the 60lbs rated gorilla tape, and tested in on a clean smooth portion of the bow. Was able to peel it off easily. I'm not confident enough that it'll hold the new kydex keel guard. Seems like I'll be locating some 3M VHB double sided tape to do the job, since prying off the old guard with that tape was really secure. Edit: "hold on." ha! Applied heat to a test piece of gorilla tape on the kayak, and on a piece of kydex. Holding strength won't be achieved until 72 hours. Will check back in later. 20220521: welp, peeled off the temp/test piece. I don't feel comfortable with it prying off so easy, even if it holds the kydex well with the sealant on the edges. I mostly fish the CA Delta and the levee ramps are steep. Even though I try to slow down when coming in, I'm afraid the back and forth will lodge the piece loose. Going with something a bit stronger, aka 3M VHB tape.

[@skotfree9958]

@@DigitaLIon781 I did almost exactly what Wendell fishing did (w/ the gorilla tape that is recommended) and I haven't had a chance to get on the water, but I think the adhesive on that tape may be stronger than you think once it sets.

[@Musicalpa]

What width did you cut the kydex for your bow keel?

[@wendellfishing]

Yeshua, I just measured it and it's 4 1/2 inches

[@Musicalpa]

@@wendellfishing Thank you. I watched your video closely, and I took a guess based on the piece you made and the span of your thumb and first finger when you were holding it, and I was only off by a half inch. I made mine 5" wide for the very front bow, and two more pieces to follow it which gradually widen to the width of the keel as it flattens and an 1.5" overlap on each side for the piece just in front of the console opening. I plan on putting two more piece on the sides of the console opening, then I'm going to start on a few pieces on the aft keel, around the wheel in the keel, and in front of the keel as skid plate protection. I will say, the .093 kydex actually measured in at .103, and it was a bit more difficult than it looked in your video, but still manageable with perseverance and patience. So far so good. I had intentions on trying to made a diy video like yours, but I'm too focussed on what I'm doing to make the time to plant cameras. As you know, it's a lot of work planting the cameras, but even more to put it all together to make sense. I appreciate all efforts and help. Shalom aleichem

[@agfa663]

Instead of silicone I would use automotive black urethane. They use that to glue windshieldS and plastic trims on car.

[@wendellfishing]

interesting... have you used this on polyethalene?

[@tomgilberg8038]

Why not use silicone to attach the entire gaurd?

[@wendellfishing]

Never tried it!

[@idostuff220]

Does it hold up in salt water?

[@wendellfishing]

Never tested so I can answer with any authority as mine has been heavy used in freshwater for 2 years with no issue so far

[@jasonstone8222]

How'd that hold up?

[@wendellfishing]

Beat the crap out of it... held up like a boss: kzbin.infoZlHvUChrdAg

[@pegasus6724]

I use duct tape on my running shoes My treads on my shoes should have been worn out months ago But a little duct tape over the the parts that take the most abrasion is cheap and effective And my treads are near perfect after 6 months

[@darrenm9597]

Hows it holding up? Have you used in salt water?

[@wendellfishing]

Great question and great name as well :) It's holding up well and I'm more rough on it now that it's there but in complete transparency, I've had it out only a few times since. I'm planning on doing a follow up video but need more time beating it up for a legit review and being up in NE Ohio the opportunities are far and in between. I've not had it in saltwater. All freshwater around here. Thanks for the question and let me know how it turns out for you if you pull the trigger.

[@darrenm9597]

Gonna attempt install this weekend I'll keep you posted

[@wendellfishing]

@@darrenm9597 Sounds good

[@305miamifishing9]

@@darrenm9597 any updates sir?

[@Ruthless9o7]

how has it held up?

[@wendellfishing]

Coming up on 11/2 years with no issue.. still on there.. and still protects.. and I beat it to death.

[@Ruthless9o7]

@@wendellfishing im sold! thanks!

[@tmiller249]

Is there a reason everyone uses black? A nearby plastic wholesale that sells to the public has both white and black. I'm thinking of using white as the bottom of my kayak is all white.

[@wendellfishing]

Same stuff, you will be good to go either way!

[@JasonStewartsStreak]

Why not use 100% silicone to stick the kydex on?

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Jason, I have found that the silicone doesn't hold up that well over time. Have you had luck with it.

[@JasonStewartsStreak]

@@wendellfishing I went with loctite marine adhesive, it came in a caulk tube and the keel guards are falling off after the first trip

[@theperfectpaintertoolreview]

Is this still holding up? I like the idea but the back of the gorilla mounting tape it says it doesn't work with polyethylene, which is what kayaks are made of.

[@wendellfishing]

Never had an issue in 2 years

[@theperfectpaintertoolreview]

@@wendellfishing thanks, I bought everything to make my own. This seems like the most durable for the money

[@GT_Racer347]

Has it held up?

[@wendellfishing]

It has... two seasons pretty hard with no issues

[@GT_Racer347]

@@wendellfishing Outstanding! I really like that idea and will probably try it out soon.

[@wendellfishing]

@@GT_Racer347 Right on! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@johndelonge828]

Would aluminium work better

[@wendellfishing]

Couldn't say to be honest.. All I can say is that I have two years on it with no issue

[@dormie9]

I went and bought a heat gun and dremel, way past $25 budget and I don’t even have kydex because I’m out of money now.

[@wendellfishing]

Since this was a DIY video, I assumed the viewer would have the tools and the $25 was a materials cost estimate.

[@dormie9]

@@wendellfishing haha nice of you to reply. I’m just joking :)

[@timothyortiz2222]

Why not just use silicone to hold everything down and waterproof.

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Tim, When I was making this video, I did a ton of research and landed on this method. So far so good. Got a couple of years of heavy use with no issues to date. And I have beaten the tar out of it. Here's my latest Short on it: kzbin.infoZlHvUChrdAg

[@greenspiraldragon]

Rubber electrical tape. You may have to use a stronger glue.

[@wendellfishing]

So far no problems!

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

The problem with this whole video is You're showing an UNTESTED project/product(s) It's hard to find any product that sticks well to KAYAK PLASTIC. Granted the kydex looks like it Molded nicely My question is.. Now that we're almost a year later... DID IT HOLD UP? You smoothed out the surface instead of roughing it up to make the tape hold. Silicone doesn't last on kayaks and looks terrible after it ages a bit. An update would be nice!

[@wendellfishing]

Over a year with no issues with heavy use.

[@MrBammbalamm]

skip the tape and just use silicone

[@wendellfishing]

Silicone would get destroyed IMO. All of which I applied already pealed off.

[@pegasus6724]

Duct tape £5.95 water proof and perfect

[@frankfelipe2364]

You could of epoxy it , it will last longer

[@wendellfishing]

Have you epoxied yours?

[@chads3308]

I don't wanna brag, but mine comes with keel guards so ..

[@wendellfishing]

Not braggin.. that's great

[@just1smothie]

Under $25? Kydex, 2 sheets for $19, Gorilla tape $23, Silicone $26.42. Not considering the time you used to make it, how did you add those 3 to under $25???. Might as well buy one already made for it and not waste time messing for something that won't work.

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah, this video was made a while back when the prices were much lower

[@pegasus6724]

Hooo ya

[@Lemonarmpits]

Mike Tyson of kayaks

[@wendellfishing]

🥱

[@fishntools]

Hummm, surprised no one has made molds to press these out of aluminum or stainless????

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah.. I think it would be hard because every hull type is different.

[@ninjason57]

$25!!! As long as you have a heat gun and dremel...

[@wendellfishing]

Or a scroll saw, you could also heat up the kydex and cut it when it’s soft. I’ve heard of guys heating it up in the oven.

[@ShabitzMP]

heat guns are like 13 bucks at harbor freight. You can use many methods to cut it.

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

Not $250?

[@wendellfishing]

?

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

@@wendellfishing seems a bit more than 25

[@wendellfishing]

@@andriyshapovalov8886 I agree with you.. when I shot this video last year the prices were significantly lower

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

Who cares if water gets under. As long as rocks stay out.

[@wendellfishing]

Nice.. do you like it?

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

@@wendellfishing of course, looks good 👍

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

@@wendellfishing I mean as long as no holes in the kill, silicone seems not necessary.

[@wendellfishing]

@@andriyshapovalov8886 Go for it and let me know how it holds up.. I'm curious

[@nitrocw]

Don’t drag your boat or land on oysters… problem solved… $0.00

[@wendellfishing]

Solved!