Can somebody tell me what that industrial tape is that I’ve seen some people put on their OC1s to avoid damaging it with their paddle? Our club just got a new OC6 and I was considering putting some on the bottom of the ama to avoid scrapes. Unless someone has a better suggestion. Thanks!
Submitted by aukaiNYC on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 4:35am
Aukai NYC,
the black tape is a plumbing product - pipe wrap - while it's cheap, easy to apply and slightly rubberized and pretty much every Hurricane owner in the Pacific Nothwest uses it , IMO it's visually unappealing and makes a brand new canoe look like it already has a boo boo... Available at Lowes etc.
Harder to find in Canada as our plumbing specs are different.
With the huge surge in SUP, I tried the Surfco/Surftech textured rail tape on my OC-1 last season. it worked ok, but became yellow and cracked at the edges. the thicker material was harder to apply over complex curves.
Recently I came upon a superior solution. 3M PPF or Paint Protection Film. a crystal clear urethane film that is used to mask the front of vehciles to prevent stone chips ( aka "Clear Bra) brah?
It's crystal clear, virtually invisibile, UV resistant and stands up to "the Ford water test" - what ever that is... Avaiable at auto supply stores ( we had to order it in) and comes in a variety of widths.
Applied this material to the footwell edges at the waterline and parts of the ama... used a wet application per the instructios, and a hair dryer and a credit card to chase the bubbles.. went on like butter. gonna try it on my SUP next.
more info here
http://www.ppffilm.com/technical.html
good luck!
Open Ocean Outriggers
"the ocean experience"
Vancouver, BC
www.outrigger.ca
#1 Wed, 05/11/2011 - 5:54am
You could always just stop beating the boat w/ your paddle : )
#2 Wed, 05/11/2011 - 6:34am
Yeah, I'm sure he's trying to damage his canoe on purpose. All the braddah was trying to do was get some help with a problem he was facing. Although the obvious wise crack can be humorous, it prevents people from seeking help with issues concerning the sport.
I for one have seen this product on a friend's Pegasus. He had a small section on the inside section of his ama covered. It made me think of those micro-film screen savers they make for cell phones and such. I don't know how much weight it added, and it couldn't have been but a few ounces, but I thought it was genius. If you didn't look closely at the boat, it was all but invisible.
Kaneohe
#3 Wed, 05/11/2011 - 2:09pm
I've used the paint protection film on my new XM & it's brilliant - practically invisible, tough & does a fantastic job (not a single mark on the hull since I installed it). Will be using it on every canoe from now on. Accidental contact between blade & hull is unavoidable. Protect your investment & use it, you won't be sorry (apologies for sounding like a salesman but I think it's the best product to protect your canoe).
Cheers.
#4 Wed, 05/11/2011 - 4:22pm
lot of guys use the clear tint that's available at any tint shop.
#5 Wed, 05/11/2011 - 5:45pm
Thanks so much, Openocean and everyone! The clear 3M auto tape looks perfect and a lot more attractive than the plumbing version. Thanks for the recommendation!
#6 Thu, 05/12/2011 - 5:22am
@hasto:
Did you apply the PPF to the entire hull of your boat?
#7 Thu, 05/12/2011 - 6:28am
that sounds a bit excessive
#8 Thu, 05/12/2011 - 7:37am
I thought so too, that's why I asked.
#9 Thu, 05/12/2011 - 11:10am
Hi Kileki. Isotopez is correct- the entire hull would be excessive & unnecessary :).
I applied the film on both sides from the beginning of the cockpit where the pedals are to approx. 1/2 way along the section where the seat goes (or where my hip is when I'm in the seat). One continuous sheet cut to measure on each side. Barely noticable & works like a charm!
Cheers.
#10 Thu, 05/12/2011 - 11:54am
Great, but where the heck do you get it?
#11 Fri, 08/26/2011 - 3:18pm