Hints on installing HydroTurf adhesive strips?

[scooper77515]

Just ordered them yesterday custom cut for the XP. I just now got all the old plastic stuff off and pushed the rivets down into the hull so there are no sharp points sticking up.

So, before I install this stuff, and I want to do it RIGHT for nearly $100 I spent on it, any hints on prepping for installation and on installation itself? Anything that you may have found out the hard way but won't be on the instruction sheet?

And before you ask, I am pretty sure I did not get the PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) because I ordered it through the local Sea-doo dealer, and quoted price was right around $85, and I think the PSA is about $25 more expensive. Since this is a very old ski and probably doesn't have many years left on it, I did not spend the extra (feel free to insert "you IDIOT!!! SHOULDA GOT THE PSA!!!" here) and was not offered it unless I went through the www.hydroturf.com website.

 

[kustomkarl]

Scott first off you have to remove all the old adhesive and have a very clean and smooth surface. Check the fit and apply a waterproof spray adhesive to both surfaces. let it air dry for about 15-20 minutes as it is a contact adhesive. Now attach the pad from one point and rub it as you apply it to the surface. Work you way to the end , but don't stretch it too much as it will be too long as compared to the other side. Let it lay natural and follow the lines of the material, to lay smooth. Now hit it with a heat gun...hair dryer is preferred, until it is almost too hot to touch. let it finish drying in the sun...and all done.

Karl

 

[scooper77515]

Hair dryer?

I bet THAT is not in the instructions...

First off, the old stuff was riveted on, no adhesive, and underneath is a clean textured surface. Technically, I could ride it as it is if I wanted to abrade the rough surfaces off my feet and heels, since it has a sandy surface underneath. I bet it is HELL on the knees when trying to re-mount after falling off...

So, the heat will make the adhesive stick better?

Should I maybe rub the surface of the ski with a rag soaked in acetone to get any surface gunk off?

Oh, and as always, thanks for the quick reply!!!:cheers:

 

[kustomkarl]

I thought your xp had sticky pads on there ...I forget, or have it mixed up with another model...so many to keep track of..lol
The acetone will work pretty good. Yes, the hair dryer will help the glue stick pretty quick than sun dry it to make it cure faster.:cheers:

 

[scooper77515]

I know the Hydroturf comes with a patching compound to fill the holes, but I am filling them now with a sun-curing epoxy that we use on surfboards (for a quick fix when we want to fix a ding and not wait until we can fiberglass it up correctly). Then when the padding comes in, I don't have to wait for their stuff to cure before I can apply it...:hurray:

 

[kustomkarl]

That'a a good idea Scott. It is better to be ready than last minute repair in a rush.

 

[brianh1]

Good advice, also remember to sand lightly before placing the mats down this will help for the glue stick to surface.

 

[scooper77515]

Thanks for the input!

I was thinking about hitting it with a 100 grit before I acetone and apply. Not hard, but just enough to scuff it up.

 

[kustomkarl]

Scott the 100 grit is a little course to do the job, I would use 400 grit and use a wet, dry sandpaper to keep any dust away. Wet sand it for a good bond.

Karl

 

[scooper77515]

Got them in...

They have no adhesive on the backs, as I thought they would. The instructions recommend sanding the gloss off, using DAP "red label" waterproof contact cement.

I have the finish under the old ones that looks like they put sand in the gloss coat, to give it a non-slip surface. Should I sand all that off, or just knock the tops off and apply the glue?

 

[kustomkarl]

You need a mechanical bond...knock the tops off and scuff it a little, and do it to it ...

uh... stop smelling the glue.....:ack:

 

[All Things Custom]

It should be sufficient to knock off the tops, it dosent have to be smoothed, besides if you do that you will damage the integrety of the gellcoat.

most importantly, make sure both are dry and free of any water or oil and you will be fine.

fill the holes well or you will end up with more water in the hull than you like:ack:

 

[scooper77515]

3-minute response time!!!

That was a GREAT response time. I didn't even have time to turn of the computer and go to the garage to work on the ski:cheers:

Thanks, I am off to apply the strips.

More importantly, I have 2 stickers that say "HydroTurf--Devour The Competition" so I just KNOW the ski will pick up 3-4 mph after I paste them on:reddevil:

 

[ScubaDoo]

I think that only works if you apply grease to you feet before you go riding...:rofl:

 

[scooper77515]

Done!

Actually, those stickers were a God-Send...

Since I took off all the hot-pink XP decals, the bike looks very generic. Better than it did with the pink splashes, but still generic. It needed a little something to break up the YELLOW. I put one of those stickers in the large empty space under my seat on each side. Just a little something break up the LARGE YELLOW EXPANSE...

I did save this site http://www.jetskidetailing.com/FB-JET_SKI_GRAPHICS_5XP.htm for XP decals from another thread, but they are still a little "loud" and I want a "little something" to break up the YELLOW...but not this much.

 

[kustomkarl]

Actually, those stickers were a God-Send...

Since I took off all the hot-pink XP decals, the bike looks very generic.

Does your seadoo have pedals?:ack:

 

[scooper77515]

Ooops...

Ski...it feels like a motorcycle to me when I ride it, and I sometimes call it "my bike"...

Is that a Jet-skier's pet peeve?

 

[kustomkarl]

I have no pet peeves...except that "Jetski" is a Kawasaki Trademark..."Waverunner" is a Yamaha Trademark...Pwc is for,... well you know....Maybe I do have a pet peeve. :ack: :rofl: :cheers:

Karl

 

[scooper77515]

So I guess I just can't make you happy...oh, well...:cheers:

I have a feeling you will get over it pretty soon. Meanwhile, I will be out kickin' it on my wave-runnin' jet-ski bike