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.

Extended Use Review: EcoRox Bluetooth Speaker

Enjoy tunes played wireless from your smartphone or Bluetooth enabled device with the EcoRox Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker! The EcoRox is a small rugged self powered and rechargeable lasting up to 10 hours of play time! The range of wireless play is around a max of 33 feet making it great for use on a kayak. Its IPX7 full submersible waterproof rating ensures the speaker to be protected against accidentally rolling your kayak. If not mounted it also floats!

The EcoRox is excellent for time spent out on the water when you’d like to enjoy music or even back at camp around the campfire. Its volume is loud enough to vibrate your entire kayak while providing a clear sound on windy days. For such a compact speaker the bass is excellent!

The EcoRox has two mounting options which make this a superior choice in Bluetooth speakers for water sports. The integrated carabiner allows for quick clipping the speaker to a pack or bungee. In addition on the bottom of the speaker molded in is a brass 1/2-20 threaded insert allowing it to be compatible with any RAM or Yak Attack system.

RAM Mounts:

• RAP-B-366U (Mounts to Speaker)
• RAP-B-201U-A (Short Arm) or
• RAP-B-379U-252025 (Jackson Kayak Threaded Inserts)
• Various Flush Mounting Options

Yak Attack:

1″ Screwball with 1/2″ Mighty Bolt (For Track Mounting)

Mounting Location:

Click Photo To Enlarge

If mounted close enough to the user there are a series of control buttons located on the speaker such as volume controls and track controls. Keep in mind when mounting the speaker you will want to keep it within reach to turn it on and off and control the various functions although most can be controlled by your smartphone. Another feature is you can take speaker phone calls as it includes an integrated Microphone.

The photo on the right displays mounting to a golf cart using a Medium sized Ram Tough Claw with 1″ ball. This mounting solution will allow any mounting location provided a railing or edge.

Specs from EcoXGear website:

Size & Weight

• IPX7 Waterproof. Fully submersible in Water
• Rugged, Waterproof and Floating Bluetooth Speaker
• 8W (2 x 4W) Speakers
• Top Mounted Bass Radiator
• Connects to your Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops

• Top Panel Control Buttons: Power, Bluetooth Pairing, Volume +/-, and Speakerphone Answer
• Built in Battery: Lithium Rechargeable, 10 hour play or talk time (actual time varies)
• Aux-In
• Mounting Options via ¼ 20” Camera mount screw post

• Height: 2.5″
• Width: 5.3″
• Depth: 3″
• Weight: 11 ounces (0.6875 lbs.)

Input & Outputs

• Micro USB Charging Jack
• 3.5mm Aux-In Jack

Power

• Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
• Over 10 hours playtime
• Fully re-charges in 2.5 hours

For more information and photos of this speaker please see the EcoXGear website.

The Plastic Hull is not sponsored or affiliated with EcoXGear or any products they offer.

Jackson Kayak has really simplified the installation of fish finders for the end user first with the Big Rig and now with its new offshore kayak the Kraken! Like the Big Rig the Kraken is Raymarine Dragonfly ready. This means the Lowrance HDI skimmer also fits really nice in this scupper with the Lowrance Scupper Mount Kit! This article covers how to install a Lowrance skimmer transducer & Fish Finder on the Kraken in a scupper hole so the transducer is in the water.

Things you will need:

• Lowrance HDI Skimmer
• Lowrance Scupper Transducer Mount Kit
• (2) West Marine Wire Cap
• Drill with 1″ hole saw
• Philips head screw driver
• 2 waterproof butt connectors
• 3/8″ diameter x 4″ long heat shrink tubing

Install:

First unwrap the transducer cable from its packaging and twist tie. run the wire from the hull through the scupper up to the deck . Unboxing the scupper mount simply follow the diagram. With the HDI/Chirp skimmer you will simply slide the transducer on the track at the bottom of the transducer mount. It needs to be positioned forward on the mount so slide the track all the way up to where the wire goes inside the transducer. Now Slide the foam insert and then through the top bracket that will fit perfectly to the scupper. Using the wing nut thread it all the way down to the top bracket to snug it up. Once snug you may now clip the threaded plastic off flush with the bracket and clip the cap over.

Now to run the transducer wire to the inside of the kayak.  Using a 1″ diameter hole saw drill through the radius area of the hatch. BE careful as the plastic is ver thin here. Once the hole is made runt he cable through the wire cap and screw the wire cap in using the screw driver. The screws will self tap.

Next for wiring back to the fish finder unit and battery. This is really up to you where you would like the location to be. I tend to keep it out of the way of where fishing line cannot fowl with the wires and also so adjusting the location of the fish finder on the fly. Also take into consideration the factory installed battery box tray between the front day hatch and the center hatch (7). In my case the fish finder location is to be on the center hatch tracks and being fully adjustable to slide the entire length of the track. The decision to run the wired through the deck in front of the center hatch in my case was the conclusion. This location allows the wires to swing and not get int he way when operating the hatch. The next step will be fabricating a track mount console that will allow me to mount the fish finder to the center of the hatch.

To connect the battery using a plug connector first slide a 3-4″ x 3/8″ diameter heat shrink tubing over the bare wire side of the Lowrance power wire. Crimp the butt connectors to the wires with the  correct polarity and heat shrink the connectors. Then slide over the 3/8″ heat shrink tubing and shrink  the connectors in. I prefer to use clear heat shrink tubing due to all of the use int he salt water. Sometimes connections fail and have water seep in. This speeds up the trouble shooting as now the corrosion is detectable visually.

Complete!