For kayak anglers seeking to enhance their fishing experience and protect their watercraft investment, the BerleyPro Bumper Bro offers a reliable solution. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to installing the Bumper Bro using marine goop or a suitable adhesive. By following these instructions, you can ensure a secure and durable attachment without the need for screws. Let’s dive in and have your kayak equipped with a BerleyPro Bumper Bro in no time!

Trial fit the Bumper Bro to check fit and mark position

Step 1: Locate the Ideal Position and Reform the Bumper (if necessary): The fit of the BerleyPro Bumper Bro may vary slightly depending on the kayak model. Therefore, carefully position the bumper on the bow or stern of your kayak to find the location where it fits best with the least gaps. Mark this location using masking tape or a pencil. If there are gaps between the bumper and the kayak, gently heat the bumper with a heat gun while wearing a heat-proof glove. Apply slight pressure and reform the bumper to better conform to the shape of the kayak.

Scuff and clean the area where the Bumper Bro will be installed

Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Surface: Thoroughly clean the mounting surface on the kayak using isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth. This ensures the surface is free of dirt, grime, or residue. For improved adhesion, lightly sand the surface with sandpaper then dust off before cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. This step promotes better contact and enhances the effectiveness of the adhesive.

Clean the inside of the Bumper Bro for better adhesion

Step 3: Clean the Bumper Bro: Thoroughly clean the inside surface of the Bumper Bro using isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth or paper towel. Allow the Bumper Bro and the mounting surface on the kayak to dry completely.

Apply a bead of marine adhesive along the centerline of the keel

Step 4: Apply the Marine Goop or Adhesive: Check fit the Bumper Bro to make sure you have it the correct way round for fitting onto the kayak. It is a good idea to use pieces of tape to mark the keel just beyond the ends of the Bumper Bro to serve as a guide as you press it in place. Squeeze a small bead of marine Goop or your choice of adhesive along the sides of the Bumper Bro 15mm (1/2 inch) down from each edge. Also apply a generous bead along the centerline of the kayak keel.

Press the Bumper Bro in place and secure with tape

Step 5: Position and Secure the Bumper Bro: Carefully position the Bumper Bro on the marked location of your kayak, aligning it properly with the contours of the hull. Apply firm but gentle pressure to press the bumper against the kayak surface. If needed, use masking tape to temporarily secure the bumper in place while the adhesive cures.

Allow the adhesive to full cure before using your kayak

Step 6: Allow the Adhesive to Cure: After securing the bumper in place, allow the adhesive to cure undisturbed for at least 24 hours, or per the instructions provided by the adhesive manufacturer. This curing time ensures a strong and lasting bond between the bumper and the kayak.

52 thoughts on “BerleyPro Bumper Bro Kayak Keel Guard Installation

  1. John says:

    Wow I’m so excited about this product, and will definitely give it a try as other products on the market suck. The only suggestion is it needs to extend further back to cover all scuffing, sort of like a scalene triangle design.

  2. Larry Coyle says:

    G/flex 654 thickened epoxy adhesive made by West System truly sticks to polyethylene plastic which most kayaks are made of. Great idea for protecting keel and bow. Way to go Berkley pro. And love my new steering handle for my Native Slayer!

  3. Brendon Hewett says:

    I have a hobie lynx and have ordered one of your keel guards, I see a few lynx owners online are leaving comments about gaps and incorrect fit. Any advice for snug fit for the lynx?

    • Martyn says:

      Hey Brendon, 90% of the time they’re pretty good and can be pulled down. If not you can quickly heat it up in the middle for around 15 seconds with a heat gun and that will pull the sides in snug

  4. TODD OUIMETTE says:

    The native slayer 12.5 max isn’t fitted for the 2022 model. Learned the hard way know i have a front and rear guard that i can’t use.

  5. Jeff Gren says:

    Hey, what about the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL?

    And what’s up with no stern protector for Old Town kayaks, specifically the Sportsman 106 PDL, or is that due to replaceable sacrificial plate?

  6. James ONeail says:

    Do you have to flip the kayak over? Is there still a way to install it if you have the kayal allready rigged.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *