KeelEazy is a PVC product manufactured to protect Thermoformed kayak keels. The Keel is a part of the kayak that protrudes along the center of the underside of the hull. Thermoform ABS plastic being both strong and thin is actually more abrasive than typical Poly rotomolded kayaks. To extend the life of the kayak and to protect your investment I recommend installing Keel Easy. KeelEazy will protect your kayak against abrasive scuffs, wear and scratches to the keel.

Installing KeelEazy is actually really easy. You can choose to protect the entire keel or just the bow and stern areas which receive the most abuse. KeelEazy comes in seven different colors!

1. Black
2. White
3. Orange
4. Blue
5. Green
6. Red
7. Yellow

It also comes in different widths however 2″ is the best for most kayak applications.

Install Video:

KeelEazy Installation:

I opted to install the Keel Guard on the entire length of the keel. I ordered 14 feet so there would be a little extra just in case. Overall length of the Kilroy LT is 12′-11″.

Step 1: Clean the entire keel area with a clean rag and rubbing alcohol. Let dry. Level off any existing scratches with a razor blade.

Step 2: Round off the beginning edge. (This is not in the video) By folding the edge in half length wise and cutting an arc out it will round off the leading edge for a cleaner look after installation. This is optional.

Step 3: Using a razor blade peel back the protective backing.

Step 4: Place the sticky side down starting 6″ min at the bow. Roll it out and remove the backer keeping the keel guard sticky side down. Keep centered on the keel.

Step 5: Warning: Do not apply too much heat. If you burn the keel guard you will need to replace it with a brand new piece.

Step 6: Using a heat gun slowly heat and mold the keel guard to the bow and the curve in the keel. Using a roller or round tool work out the bends and kinks.

Step 7: Continue using the heat gun in small areas heating up the keel guard and pushing it down. You may want to use a glove because it can get pretty hot.

Step 8: Round off the stern edge.

Step 9: Repeat heat and apply.

Complete!

KeelEazy is available as a Kit or per by the foot from The Kayak Fishing Store.

Disclaimer:

Installing aftermarket products may cause damage and/or void manufacturer warranties.  ThePlasticHull.net its authors or any other source of information on this website is in no way responsible for your actions nor any type issues or damage that may occur.  The information provided on this website is a free reference guide only. The authors of all information, sponsors and the owners of the website that host this information are not liable for any problems or issues that arise from the use of this information. Users of this information hereby acknowledge that all use of this information is done by their own free will, at their own sole risk, understanding that destruction of property, injury, or death could occur.

Waterproof Kayak Battery Box Mods & Upgrades

This article illustrates how to modify and wire a 12V plug port and a USB receptacle for charging electronic devices such as cell phones and running GoPro’s with out an internal battery for an all day charge. Using the existing waterproof battery box from a previous article we will first replace the 12V 12 aH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Battery. See SLA or LFP Accessory Battery for your Kayak write up for the differences in batteries and pros/cons of both. I have opted to now use a LFP battery for its long list of great qualities.

Products & materials you will need.

• About two feet each red & black of 16ga shielded copper electrical wire
• (10) Spade Connectors (Blue 14 – 16ga)
• (1) 3 Way Female Double Male Spade Connector
• (2) Inline Fuse Holder w/ 16ga wire
• (2) 3 – 5 amp fuses (Most fish finder electronics recommend 3 amp)
• (1) 12V Marine Power Outlet
• (1) 12V Double USB Receptacle
• (1) Hopkins 2 pole plug (For Fish Finder Connection)
• (1) On Off Switch (I used a stainless steel product to last with the salt water)
• (3) Butt Connectors

Wiring Diagram 8X11

Instructions:

• First thing you will do is remove the existing battery and all of the wiring in the box. We are going to replace everything inside. Keep the cable gland as it will be reused.
• Using a hole saw drill match up the diameter to the outside of the hole saw with the two receptacles. Try to keep the holes even and equal distance apart for aesthetic reasons. After drilling the holes trim the excess from the edge of the holes. Set the receptacles and tighten the collar down.
• Drill a hole using a hole saw that matches the diameter of the switch in your desired location. Make sure the internal protrusion will not interfere with the battery or the 12V receptacles. Install the switch.
• Now we will splice 2 wires together to connect the negative side and the positive sides of the receptacles together. Make one for each RED and BLACK.
• Connect the spade connectors to the correct terminals on the receptacles + with + and – with -.

• Using a butt connector connect the RED + wire from the Fish Finder Plug to one inline fuse.
• Using the 3 Way Female to 2 Male connector connect the Two Inline Fuses to the Male ends and the White 12V Positive from the switch with a male spade to the female end on the 3 way its good to tape this connection with electrical tape or purchase a insulated connector.
• Connect the Red + wire from the switch using a female spade connector to the battery.
• Connect the BLACK – wires by crimping on a female spade connector from the 12V receptacles, the 12V Fish Finder connection and the black wire from the switch together. Simply twist the (3) wires together feed into the hole on the connector and crimp using the crimping tool.
• Then Connect the Female Spade with the (3) black wires to the – Negative side of the battery.

Upon Completion:

Test by pressing the switch to the ON position. The LED Indicator should light up. Test all receptacles and that the fish finder powers up. You now have a portable waterproof kayak battery box with the option to run additional lighting on your kayak, Charge electronics, and run cameras VIA USB power.

This concludes the Kayak Battery Box modifications & Upgrades article. Please leave comments on your thoughts!

Camera Float Life Proof Phone Case Tether

So you purchased a Life Proof case for your phone Now its protected and waterproof! Only problem if you drop it overboard it will sink like a rock. I came up with a simple solution the use of a GoPro tether and a camera float.

GoPro has a 3M sticky back tether product used to tether a GoPro to helmets and surf boards and such. The 3M adhesive is very sticky and will just about stick to anything.

How to install. Simply stick the tether to the back of your phone. In an area that will not interfere with phone mounts. After this installation the phone will not sit flat but its better than loosing it.

You can find the GoPro Tether on Ebay!

Also find the Floating Camera Strap Here!