Sticky, sticky velcro

stranded

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I have an aversion to making holes in Nooka (hull or internally), but want to fit a couple of winch handle pockets on the steering binnacle and also, maybe, a leather bolster to lean against at the helm rather than the existing seat. The former would be to powder coated alloy, the latter to gelcoat. Is there a velcro or similar that would be up to the job?
 
You need 3M Dual Lock Tape. Search eBay / Amazon for details. There are interior and exterior types. It is expensive but far far stronger than velcro. Both sides are the same so you will need a double length.

Richard

Looks like that could be the answer. A quick look hasn't thrown up any data about the adhesive strength. Unpleasant to picture I know, but assume a three foot long bolster (the backing can be anything I want as I will have to have it made) along the iaft inside wall of the cockpit which I will lean my fat butt against (and doubtless move side to side) as I am helming. Do you reckon the mushrooms/adhesive would be up to the job?
 
I think there's a real risk here :)

Suppose the bolster or pocket is removed, you could easily find yourself firmly secured to the boat by the 3M stuff grabbing your clothing.
 
I have an aversion to making holes in Nooka (hull or internally), but want to fit a couple of winch handle pockets on the steering binnacle and also, maybe, a leather bolster to lean against at the helm rather than the existing seat. The former would be to powder coated alloy, the latter to gelcoat. Is there a velcro or similar that would be up to the job?

Do they have to be removeable? If not, go for double-sided foam tape.
 
Looks like that could be the answer. A quick look hasn't thrown up any data about the adhesive strength. Unpleasant to picture I know, but assume a three foot long bolster (the backing can be anything I want as I will have to have it made) along the iaft inside wall of the cockpit which I will lean my fat butt against (and doubtless move side to side) as I am helming. Do you reckon the mushrooms/adhesive would be up to the job?

I intend to secure my new 25kg solar panel to the hard bimini with it so you will have no problems with your bolster. I already have some electrical equipment fastened to the vertical bulkheads with the internal version. They have never moved since the day I clicked them into place - and it does lock with a distinct click clunk!

Richard
 
3M are excellent, search online for Self Adhesive Supplies, their distributor. Dual lock is very good - there are different grades ie the number of mushrooms per square inch. More = higher grip, less = less grip. If you want double sided tape then 3M VHB tape is very, very strong. It is pressure activated so you need to apply about 15 lbs of pressure for it to go to full bond, and don't forget to clean the area with their preparatory wipes first.
 
Your problem is really with the adhesive. I don't think there will be any doubt about velcro or anything else attaching at the velcro attach. Indeed the problem mostly is that the velcro stays connected but the adhesive lets go. Especially when you try to remove the bolster or what ever.
Hence the suggestion of double sided adhesive tape with foam filling.
The boltster can be easily made if you have a sewing machine. You need of course to source the fabric. Then get some foam of suitable density. One source might be those high density foam mats for camping or excercising on. This can be rolled up for a cylindrical bolster. or cut and laid in layers for a oblong cushion. I would suggest the oblong shape giving a large flat surface for attaching the adhesive be it velcro or tape. The more adhesive over the larger area the more likely to stay attached. The cover is made inside out so that seams turn inward. You can make it with a zipper or velcro opening so that you can reove the cover for washing but not so easy if it is stuck to the deck. The opening should be about 80% of the length to enable the foam to be stuffed in. The cover is made in a cylinder or box shape. For a box just cut 6 pieces each about 1cm larger than the size needed for the top sides and 2 ends and hem together. If you don't want an opening then one end or bottom will have to be with an outside seam sewn with foam in place.
For a cylinder shape you cut out 2 circles of fabric about 1cm over sized for the ends.thne cut out a rectangular shape for the sides rolled. ie measure the circumference. make this 2 cms over sized at the long join and 1cm oversized for each end. Sew the ends in and the long seam on the outside. Mount it underneath where it won't be seen. If fabric you want is expensive try making a cover out of cheap fabric for practice. The thicker fabric will be more difficult to sew but it can be doen. good luck olewill
 
Wow, thanks Olewill, what a wonderfully comprehensive guide. I have got a fairly heavy duty domestic sewing machine, or so it claims - will have to see if it is man enough to get through elkhide.

Mark
 
Dual Lock comes with different adhesives, you need SJ3550 (250) VHB 3M Dual Lock Tape
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I've bought several lengths from this seller, very reliable, fresh stock, and the cheapest.

I know you're keen to promote Amazon sellers, and I believe you may benefit from commissions, but it's surely not wise to make claims about them being the cheapest when even a very quick Google shows that your recommended supplier is 40% more expensive?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-DUAL-L...B-ADHESIVE-7-90pm-buy-more-save-/221637758967
 
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... it's surely not wise to make claims about them being the cheapest when even a very quick Google shows that your recommended supplier is 40% more expensive?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-DUAL-L...B-ADHESIVE-7-90pm-buy-more-save-/221637758967

Because I've bought from them; I had to send it back, and pay the postage. It was old stock, and folded! I note he now gives you an extra 2cm to "compensate", I think you lose about 25%. Not only that, but some sellers roll it the wrong way, so the backing comes away in places.

The item I linked to is the cheapest on Amazon, and the seller is very honest. He once sent the wrong type in error, then sent a replacement and told me to keep the first delivery.
 
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Funnily enough I have recently bought exactly the product that Nigel has linked to from the same seller. The comment regarding the backing paper coming away as the strip is incorrectly rolled apply to this seller as the item is sent as per the link's picture which clearly shows this. Having said this I have used only a small section but so far, so good.
 
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Funnily enough I have recently bought exactly the product that Nigel has linked to from the same seller. The comment regarding the backing paper coming away as the strip is incorrectly rolled apply to this seller as the item is sent as per the link's picture which clearly shows this. Having said this I have used only a small section but so far, so good.

This is correctly rolled. If rolled the other way the backing strip gets stretched, and will never go back. [Edit] I may be wrong about this, it's been a year. :)

If you leave it unrolled for a while, or loosely* rolled the other way, it will sort itself out.

*I clip the ends of the 1m length together and hang in a cupboard for storage.
 
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Thanks for the tip, Nigel. :encouragement: I have just modified the storage of my roll accordingly. I was a bit concerned as I could see transverse rucks in the backing paper where it had come away from the adhesive (as seen in the pic).
 
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