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Kevlar fabric tape on keels

Posted: June 23rd, 2017, 2:25 pm
by gahamby
My search turned up nothing. Has anyone put Kevlar fabric tape on their keels?
The keels on my 15 are showing signs of wear. I've fared out the pits and scratches with 3M Vinyl Ester Marine Filler.
Should I gel coat the area? I find myself beaching on some rough spots sometimes.
Kevlar is hell to work with. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks GH

Re: Kevlar fabric tape on keels

Posted: June 24th, 2017, 11:00 am
by Bill Roberts
Don't use Kevlar. It becomes a mess in an abrasion situation. Test: Sand Kevlar with a very rough sandpaper like sliding up on a sandy beach.
The Kevlar does not sand away but it holds on and turns into a steel wool pad. The resin goes away somewhat but the fibers stay and become a giant fuzzy mess almost impossible to get rid of. Fiberglass tape with gel coat is the best repair. Then, don't sail upon a rough sandy beach. Stop the boat in knee deep water and pick up your friends. Have a nice sail.
Many a Hobie 16 has been ruined by sailing the boat up on sand beaches at speed. This rounds the sharp corner at the keel and then the boat won't sail to windward. It just slides sideways even more and won't tack.

Re: Kevlar fabric tape on keels

Posted: August 7th, 2017, 7:45 pm
by Kevin Keller
I bring an anchor and try to leave it in the water if I can. Depending on the wind.

Bill is right about sanding. When I was repairing the beam saddles on my 20 I came across Kevlar in that area. At first I didn't know what it was but figured it out. It does fuzz up when sanding. It also has a problem wetting up with the resin.

I'd just put several layers of fiberglass tape on my hulls to protect it from inadvertent groundings.