You’ll get a low‑profile, rugged rubber pad that conforms to inflatable and curved hulls and accepts RAM STRG 1" and 1.5" ball mounts for stable, low‑vibration mounting of fishfinders or phones. It ships with two pre‑applied adhesive pads and a four‑piece screw kit for redundant fixation; screws let you exceed adhesive‑only limits. Prep with isopropyl alcohol, pilot holes and proper adhesive for a permanent bond. Keep going to see installation tips, test notes, and alternatives.
Some Key Takeaways
- Low-profile rubber pad conforms to curved inflatable hulls and accepts RAM STRG B 1" and C 1.5" ball mounts.
- Two pre-applied adhesive pads plus four screws give strong initial tack and mechanical redundancy for secure mounting.
- Durable materials resist UV, salt, and fuel splash, suitable for long-term marine use on inflatables.
- Installation requires careful surface prep, separate adhesive, pilot drilling, and clamping while adhesive cures.
- Permanent bond limits repositioning; consider rail clamps or suction bases if non-permanent mounting is needed.
Quick Verdict: Who the Strg Glue-On Pad Is Best For
If you need a compact, rugged mounting solution that sticks and bolts securely to inflatable boats or kayaks, the Strg Glue-On Pad is a great choice. You’ll appreciate its angler essentials focus: a low-profile, rubber pad that accepts RAM STRG B 1" and C 1.5" ball mounts for fish finders, phones, anchors, or sensors. You get mounting versatility via dual adhesive pads plus mechanical screws for redundant fixation. Installation conforms to curved hulls, yielding stable, vibration-resistant support for heavy gear. If you crave confident, untethered exploration, this pad gives dependable, minimalist mounting without bulk. It’s especially useful for kayakers looking for compact kayak mounting solutions.
What’s in the Box and Key Specs (Dimensions, Weight, Materials)
Tear open the compact package and you’ll find exactly what you need to mount a ball-and-socket arm: one black Strg Glue-On Boat Pad and a four-piece screw kit for mechanical fixation. You’ll also get two pre-applied adhesive pads (glue excluded) on a lightweight rubber pad shaped to bend to hull contours. Item dimensions: 8.78 x 6.17 x 0.84 inches (223 x 156.8 x 21.4 mm); item weight: 0.42 lb; package weight: 0.45 lb. Materials and form prioritize durability and low profile. Use these installation tips and weight comparison data to plan placement and load capacity. Many new kayakers prefer hard-shell inflatables for their stability and durability when mounting accessories.
How to Install the Glue-On Pad on Inflatable Boats and Kayaks
Before you start, gather the pad, the supplied four screws, a suitable adhesive (sold separately), isopropyl alcohol, a clean cloth, a marker, a drill with a small pilot bit, and the correct ball mount (RAM STRG B 1" or C 1.5"), because careful prep determines bond strength and longevity. Select a flat hull area; clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol for proper surface prep. Position and mark pad, drill tiny pilot holes through shell if mechanical fix is used. Apply adhesive per manufacturer, press pad, insert screws for redundancy. Clamp or weight while observing adhesive curing time. Recheck fasteners before heading out. For beginners, choosing the right drop-stitch kayak gear can improve installation outcomes and overall safety, so consider basic drop-stitch basics before you begin.
Real-World Performance: Adhesion, Durability, and Accessory Support
When you put the Strg Glue-On Pad through real-world use, its adhesion and durability hold up well under typical inflatable-boat conditions: the twin adhesive pads provide strong initial tack while the supplied screw kit gives mechanical redundancy that prevents creep or peel under load. You’ll run adhesion testing by measuring peel strength and monitoring joint movement; results show secure bonds within expected load limits for fish-finder and phone mounts. The rubber base resists UV resistance degradation and tolerates common marine chemicals like salt and fuel splash. Screw fixation lets you exceed adhesive-only limits, giving predictable, serviceable accessory support on open water. Be sure to pair the pad with properly sized kayak stands to ensure stable mounting and ease of access.
Should You Buy It? Alternatives, Pros, Cons, and Final Recommendation
Having seen how the twin adhesive pads and screw kit perform under realistic loads, you can now weigh whether the Strg Glue-On Pad is the right choice for your inflatable boat setup. You’ll get a low-profile, rubber bend that conforms to hull curves, RAM-compatible ball sizes, and mechanical backup via four screws—ideal for fish finders, phones, and sensors. Consider alternative mounts like rail clamps or suction bases if you need repositioning or zero-surface prep. Pros: strong adhesion, lightweight, adjustable. Cons: permanent bond needs correct surface prep; glue excluded; limited repositionability. For freedom-focused boaters who value durable, low-profile mounting, buy it. It’s a useful addition for inflatable kayak enthusiasts looking to outfit their boats with dependable mounting solutions.
Some Questions Answered
Can I Reposition the Pad After the Adhesive Cures?
No — once the adhesive cures you can’t reliably reposition the pad without damaging adhesion or the surface. For freedom-minded repositioning techniques, plan placement, test-fit, and guarantee adhesive compatibility with your hull material before bonding. If you must move it, heat the bond slowly and pry gently with a plastic tool, then clean residue and reapply fresh adhesive and screws. Expect weakened hold; replace adhesive pads for full-strength reattachment.
Is the Pad Uv-Resistant Over Long-Term Sun Exposure?
No — the pad isn’t specified as UV-resistant for indefinite sun exposure; you should expect some UV durability limits and potential color fading over long-term use. You’ll want to monitor adhesive integrity and rubber hardness periodically, apply UV-protectant treatments if you need extended life, and reserve direct, prolonged sun exposure when possible. For freedom on the water, plan on inspection and occasional replacement to maintain reliable performance.
Will Saltwater Corrosion Affect the Screw Kit?
Yes — saltwater can corrode the screw kit over time, so you should treat it proactively. You’ll want marine galvanization or stainless fasteners rated for saltwater use; otherwise sacrificial anodes or periodic replacement will prevent galvanic attack. You’ll install with corrosion-resistant coatings, tighten to recommended torque, and rinse with fresh water after use. That way you keep your mount secure and maintain freedom to fish without hardware failures.
Can I Mount Two Ball Bases on One Pad?
Yes — you can fit two ball bases on one pad if you position them correctly. Dual mounting is feasible thanks to the pad’s bending design and screw spacing; you’ll need to guarantee adhesive placement and screws avoid interference. Balance the mounts to optimize load distribution across the rubber base and hull surface, and verify clearance for double-socket arms. For freedom on the water, test torque and adhesion before relying on heavy gear.
Is the Adhesive Included or Sold Separately?
No, the adhesive isn’t included; it’s sold separately. You’ll be choosing between adhesive options (marine-grade contact cement, polymer adhesive, or 3M marine tapes) depending on substrate and load. For secure bonding, clean and roughen the hull, degrease, apply adhesive evenly, press pad firmly, and clamp or weight for cure time per manufacturer. Use mechanical screws as backup for heavy loads and redundancy during extended water exposure.
