Attaching Vinyl D-rings on your T-Fomex Esquif Canoe

A quick how-to with AQOutdoors Edmonton Manager Andy and Doug (the goodest boy).

So, I’m going to hopefully not make a fool of myself this coming season, but I suspect it's going to involve a fair bit of swimming and getting heckled by my kayak buddies as I try to wrangle my 15ft Esquif prospector down some class twos. I had some float bags installed this past year and I put in some flat kneepads for comfort. Now, I’ve decided to add a D-ring for some used thigh straps I picked up on the cheap. This same process can be used for any D-ring or vinyl patch you need to attach to an Esquif T-Formex canoe, whether it be for float bags, paddle holders, thigh straps, foot braces, gear loops etc. This will also work for older Royalex boats as well.

Step 1: Clean the Area

Use an all-purpose cleaner to clean the area where the D-ring will be attached. Let it dry completely.

Clean as a whistle.

Step 2: Locate, Measure, and Mark the Spot

Locate, measure and Mark area for the D-ring. Measure three times at least to be sure. Pencils work best, I only had a Sharpie on hand.

I really should have used a pencil.

Step 3: Tape Off the Area

Use painter’s tape or regular masking tape to mark off the area around your measurement marks.

Painter’s tape or masking tape works great.

Step 4: Sand the Surface

Lightly sand both the taped-off area on the boat and the back of the D-ring with 80–100 grit sandpaper. This helps with adhesion.

80–100 grit works great.

Step 5: Clean the Sanded Area

Use a vacuum or cleaner to remove any debris.

Again, clean as a whistle.

Step 6: Prep the Surface

Repair any tape as needed and clean the area with alcohol, nail polish remover, or a similar solvent to remove oils and grease. Don’t overdo it.

I used alcohol swabs. Nail polish remover or any light solvent should work well.

Step 7: Apply the First Layer of Vinyl-Tec

Apply a thin coat of Vinyl-Tec to both the back of the patch and the sanded area on the boat.

Vinyl-Tec for the win!

Step 8: Apply a Second Layer

Once the first layer is dry or tacky to the touch, apply a second coat.

Use in a well-ventilated area.

Step 9: Attach the D-Ring

Once both layers are tacky, press the D-ring patch firmly onto the glued area. Use a soup can, tape roll, or your partner’s rolling pin to remove any air bubbles. Then, carefully remove the tape.