Hi,
I’ve got a Tiderace Pace Action which has a plumb bow, and I wondered if it might be worth putting some keel strip just on the bow, I’m not bothered about the rest, it’s flat anyway. I definitely notice an earlier contact with the beach if I’m doing a surf landing for example.
Anyone done this to a boat with a plumb bow, like a Taran 16 or similar ?
Plumb bow protection
Re: Plumb bow protection
I was worried about contact with rocks (I usually launch from a rocky shore) and tried using some helicopter tape on my boat's bow.
It's really difficult to get it to fit on a compound curve. If you used keeleze, you might have more success.
Not convinced it is necessary. I don't bother anymore.
It's really difficult to get it to fit on a compound curve. If you used keeleze, you might have more success.
Not convinced it is necessary. I don't bother anymore.
Re: Plumb bow protection
I used a mix of epoxy resin and graphite powder to protect the stern/skeg area on my Shrike which seems to do the trick. It's a wooden boat so I do tend to launch and beach with care I tend to get out whilst afloat but sometimes a short drag might be needed with a fully laden boat . process as below
https://media.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/u ... 3-9998.png
https://media.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/u ... 4-8707.png
https://media.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/u ... 3-9998.png
https://media.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/u ... 4-8707.png
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Re: Plumb bow protection

Hi Doug
I did a quarter protection on the Bow nose, which worked just great, the strip also went full length underneath just up to the rudder, which certainly helped
Hope the photo gives you some idea
Rich
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Re: Plumb bow protection
Hi Rich
I also have a plumb bow kayak, and wanted to put something as a guard on the bow, just like your photo.
What tape or material did you use?
Thanks
Hugh
I also have a plumb bow kayak, and wanted to put something as a guard on the bow, just like your photo.
What tape or material did you use?
Thanks
Hugh
Re: Plumb bow protection
Anyone used dinghy brass keelband? Might be suitable for vulnerable areas. I wouldn't use pre-drilled strip but the solid, bend to suit then epoxy. The largest of the sections shown (20mm x 5mm) works out at 600g/m, so a smaller section would be less than a can of cola per metre.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qqYmX9IjMuc
https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Force-4/B ... l-Band/KHK
Colin
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qqYmX9IjMuc
https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Force-4/B ... l-Band/KHK
Colin
Re: Plumb bow protection
Similar protection is used in many craft types, often localised as in skeg protection. There is no reason it has to be sacrificial. However, consideration should be given so as not to create hard spots where hull deflection occurs.
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Re: Plumb bow protection
I've tried strip aluminium alloy on the stern of a tandem downriver race canoe (when you go down a drop, the bow kicks up when you hit the wave at the bottom and slams the stern onto the ledge). It didn't work. The flexural stiffness of the metal and the way it yields is so different to the boat that it just debonded. I think the screws on a dinghy give it a bit of compliance. A similar thing happens with rigid kevlar 'bang plates' on Royalex open canoes.Anyone used dinghy brass keelband?
Re: Plumb bow protection
Bonding will be an issue with the materials in both those situations, that's why I thought the brass strip better than aluminium. I did have a French built catamaran with plumb bows for my kids, which had factory aluminium strips down the stems through to the skegs. Used in France for training - often seen being dragged along concrete slips!!!
Re: Plumb bow protection
Hi Hugh, sorry for late replyHughdeIongh wrote: ↑Tue Feb 11, 2025 6:14 pmHi Rich
I also have a plumb bow kayak, and wanted to put something as a guard on the bow, just like your photo.
What tape or material did you use?
Thanks
Hugh
I used Reed Chillcheater Keel Easy. very easy to apply. instructional video is worth a watch first as it describes preparation and application, especially to the curve
https://www.chillcheater.com/collections/keel-eazy
Hope this helps
Happy paddling
Rich