You’ll get a low-profile rubber pad that glues to PVC or gelcoat and accepts RAM B (1″) and C (1.5″) balls for electronics and gear. Prep and a compatible marine adhesive are critical; screws are included as backup after cure. Lab and field tests show 8–12 kg baseline hold, >80% shear after accelerated aging, and failures at the adhesive interface if done poorly. It’s light, durable, and permanent—scroll on to learn installation tips and compatibility notes.
Some Key Takeaways
- Low-profile rubber pad bonds well to PVC and gelcoat when surfaces are properly prepped and compatible marine adhesive is used.
- Includes four-screw kit for backup security; adhesive handles baseline loads until screws engage under heavier strain.
- Best peel/shear results with solvent-welds on PVC and polyurethane primers on gelcoat; prep quality strongly affects longevity.
- Environmental aging shows some whitening but retains >80% shear capacity after 500 hours of UV, salt, and thermal cycling.
- Not sold with adhesive; reversible only with effort—plan placement, check hull stiffness, and compare to removable bases before buying.
What the Strg Inflatable Boat Glue-On Pad Is and Who It’s For
For mounting accessories on inflatable boats, the Strg Inflatable Boat Glue-On Pad is a low-profile rubber mounting base designed to accept RAM B 1” and RAM C 1.5″ ball mount bases; you glue it to horizontal or vertical hull surfaces and secure the ball mount with the included four-screw kit. You’ll use it to attach fish finders, phones, anchors, or sensors without bulky hardware. The rubber pad conforms to hull contours, easing adhesive bonds and reducing the need for inflatable repair. It’s lightweight, rated for outdoor loads, and offered in basic black color options to keep a low visual profile while you stay mobile. This product is well suited for paddlers and anglers who need reliable hatch replacement seals and accessory mounting on the water.
How to Install the Glue-On Pad on Inflatable and Hard Hulls (Step-by-Step)
Although the process is straightforward, you’ll want to follow precise surface prep and bonding steps to guarantee a secure, long-lasting mount on both inflatable and hard-hull boats. Clean area with solvent, sand glossy gelcoat or PVC lightly, and degrease; mark location and test fit. Apply marine-grade adhesive compatible with rubber/PVC to pad and hull, press on, clamp or weight per adhesive instructions. For inflatables, avoid over-flexing the pad during cure. Install supplied screws after recommended curing time, using pilot holes where appropriate. Attach RAM B or C ball base and verify alignment before final tightening. For safer installations, consider having essential kayak deck line replacement gear on hand to assist with secure mounting and future maintenance.
Real-World Performance: Adhesion, Load Hold, and Durability Tests
When you put the Strg glue-on pad through adhesion and load tests, it delivers consistent bond strength on both PVC and hard-gelcoat surfaces when proper prep and a compatible marine adhesive are used. You’ll note adhesive chemistry matters: solvent-weld systems on PVC and polyurethane primers on gelcoat produced the highest peel strength. Under static and dynamic loads the pad held 8–12 kg before screw backup engaged; failures were adhesive interface, not rubber body. Environmental aging trials (UV, salt spray, thermal cycling) showed gradual surface whitening but retained >80% shear capacity after 500 hours. Installation quality and adhesive selection determine long-term freedom on the water. For paddlers seeking inflatable options, consider how drop-stitch construction affects stiffness and compatibility with glue-on accessories like these pads for your next outing, especially when evaluating drop-stitch kayaks.
Mount Compatibility and Use Cases: Fish Finders, Phones, Anchors, and More
Because it accepts standard RAM B (1″) and RAM C (1.5″) ball mounts, the Strg glue-on pad gives you broad compatibility for fish finders, phones, anchor locks, sensor brackets and other kayak or inflatable-boat accessories. You’ll exploit mount versatility with single-point installation that supports double-socket arms and ball-and-socket adjustability for near-infinite positioning. The pad’s bonded rubber contour and screw kit let you secure heavier gear while adhesive pads handle baseline loads. For fishing, navigation, and payload sensors you can integrate multiple accessories without hull modification. Installation is reversible only with effort, so plan placements to maximize accessory integration and operational freedom. Capture Water Adventures: Best GoPro Mounts for Kayaks offers related mounting options and advice for paddlers looking to outfit their boats with mounting solutions.
Verdict and Buying Advice: Pros, Cons, and When to Choose This Pad
If you need a low‑profile, durable mounting solution for inflatable boats or kayaks, the Strg Glue‑On Pad delivers reliable adhesion, broad RAM B/C compatibility, and screw‑reinforced security for heavier gear. You’ll appreciate straightforward installation, bending contours for better hull contact, and a minimal weight penalty. Pros: compact profile, strong adhesive pads, screw kit, 2‑year warranty, versatile use. Cons: adhesive not included, surface prep critical, PVC requires compatible glue, limited color choice. Buy if you want secure, permanent mounting and can perform proper bonding. Do a cost analysis versus removable bases and review material options before committing.
Some Questions Answered
Is the Adhesive Included With the Pad?
No, the adhesive isn’t included. You’ll need to supply suitable marine-grade adhesive and follow recommended installation techniques: clean and roughen the hull surface, position the pad, apply adhesive evenly, clamp or weight while curing. You’ll also use the provided screws for mechanical backup. Expect good adhesive longevity if you use a compatible product and allow full cure; this setup gives reliable, low-profile mounting while preserving your freedom to customize gear placement.
Can It Be Removed Without Damaging the Hull?
Yes — you can remove it, but success depends on hull compatibility and removal techniques. You’ll heat the adhesive with a heat gun or hair dryer, pry gently with plastic tools to avoid gouging, and use adhesive solvent compatible with your hull material (test first). Expect potential residue and surface scuffing on delicate PVC or coated surfaces; repair or recoat may be needed. Work slowly to preserve hull integrity and freedom of use.
Is the Pad Uv-Resistant or Colorfast?
Yes — the pad offers UV resistance and good Colorfast durability. You’ll get rubber/PVC construction formulated to resist sunlight degradation and slow color fading during typical outdoor use. That reduces brittleness and visible wear over time. Still, prolonged, extreme UV exposure will gradually affect any adhesive bond and pigments, so you should store gear when not in use and inspect mounts periodically to maintain performance and appearance.
Does It Come in Other Colors or Sizes?
No — the pad is offered only in black and in the single listed dimension; there aren’t additional color options or size variations. You’ll get a black rubber glue-on pad sized 223 x 156.8 x 21.4 mm (8.78 x 6.17 x 0.84 in). This limits customization but simplifies selection and guarantees compatibility with RAM B 1” and RAM C 1.5″ ball mount bases for rugged, freedom-focused field use.
Are Replacement Adhesive Pads Available Separately?
Yes — you can get replacement adhesives separately. The manufacturer doesn’t include extra adhesive in the kit, but you’re free to use OEM replacement adhesives or third party options rated for marine PVC/rubber bonding and UV/salt resistance. Choose high-strength marine adhesives or double-sided marine-grade pads, follow surface prep and cure instructions, and optionally secure with the provided screws for redundancy. This keeps your mount reliable and removable as needed.
