Dynel Skid Plates

[Rex Stardust]

Hello,

I just finished the first 4 days out in my new cedar strip and it's obvious I could use some extra abrasion resistance on the stems. As careful as I was, it's impossible not to scrape a few rocks after 17 portages, almost all of which had rocky landings or put-ins. I've settled on Dynel so now I'm tasked with finding some in Canada. There are a number of distirbutors in the US but so far, the ones I've looked at are either not shpping to Canada, rates are high or just not available.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a Canadian distributor or US with reasonable shipping rates? I may be stuck shipping to the border and hopping across to pick it up but that's something I'd prefer to avoid.

I'd welcome any tips on application as well. My plan is to use release fabric, compress with a J-roller and perhaps include G/flex in the epoxy. I'm aware that Dynel doesn't wet our clear so I'm not yet sure whether I would just live with the milky appearance or just add black pigment and call it a design feature. If anyone has a picture of Dynel on a cedar strip with no pigment, I'd be interested in having a good look at it. In the end though, I don't care too much about the appearance. I've taken a few "beauty" pictures and now I just want to use it as much and as long as possible.

Thanks,
Duane

 

[recped]

Duane

I can help you out with some Dynel, I will send a Direct message.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I always add graphite as pigment, just for the UV resistance. Like the "little black dress", it goes with any color.

 

[Rex Stardust]

I always add graphite as pigment, just for the UV resistance. Like the "little black dress", it goes with any color.

How much would you need for a set of skid plates? I have some kickin' around that I bought for a sticky lock, but it's a very small tube.

recped: I'm emailed. Thx.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

How much would you need for a set of skid plates? I have some kickin' around that I bought for a sticky lock, but it's a very small tube.

It doesn't take much, but I think you'll need a little more than that. I bought this can of it that will probably last me years.


I've done skids on three boats and some smaller repairs and fabrications, and I've only used maybe 1/6 of the contents.

 

[Alan Gage]

My local farm supply store has graphite powder for lubricating some sort of farm equipment. It's always worked well for me and it's a squeeze bottle, like ketchup, which makes it easy to dispense.

Alan

 

[Jim Dodd]

Another option.
In stead of Dynel, or Kevlar ?
Try 100% Polyester Fleece, ( Sweat Shirt material).
I've used it in place of Kevlar.
It will add thickness to the heavy abrasion areas of the stem.
No it's not as tuff as Kevlar.
Unlike Kevlar it is sandable.
It is a great alternative, plus a variety of colors to match your hull. Available at any fabric store.

Jim