I am having problems with scratches gouges and nicks on the first few and last few feet of the keel on the Coho which I just finished. While reading an Austrailian web-site a kayaker stated that he was using "Helicopter-tape" to solve this problem. This is some kind of plasticized or tefflon impregneated tape that is applied after heating and shrinks onto the part while cooling. The Austrailian paddler was primarily using the tape to protect the tips and edges of his paddle which is also a problem I wish to solve. Does anyone know of a U.S. source, a brand name, and have any experience with this "Helicoptor-tape"? Are there other solutions? I try to paddle three times a week, it's my form of non-impact exercise, so there is a high frequency of situations that inflict damage to the boat.

Thanks in Advance

Bill Vance