View Full Version : Keel Guard
Has anyone installed a Keel Guard, or know of someone that has installed one of these, on their boat? I'm considering putting one on my fiberglass boat, but I'm concerned about how good the adhesive is. I don't want it to start to peel off in a few years.
Bob G.
02-22-2000, 08:49 PM
Brad-
I had one installed last year. So far, I like it in the sense that I have been able to beach the boat w/o worry of nicking up the keel. I was going to order a Keel Shield from Cabela's, but decided to find an installer when I was told that the warranty was 90 days if I installed it myself, and it was lifetime if installed by a dealer. I called Keel-Shield, which is located in Florida for names of dealers in my area. Most of the places were fiberglass repair shops. It cost me an hour and a half of labor time on top of the cost of the shield. I would recommend taking a look at what size is most appropriate for your boat, and if it is in-between, go with the larger size. Sorry I don't have the number for Keel Shield for you. Good fishing.
Herky
02-22-2000, 08:54 PM
Brad,
I installed a Keelshield(bought from Cabelas) on my boat last year. I did it myself with no prior experience. It's easy to do and the adhesive holds up well if you install it correctly. For extra insurance 3M 4200 marine adhesive can be applied to the edge of the guard. Make sure it is 4200 though because the bond strength is weak enough to allow removal if needed some day. Overall the Keelshield is one of the better things I ever did.
Were these keel guards installed on Glass or Aluminum hulls. Just currious, I just bought an aluminum boat. I want to take as good of care as possible, but still want to beach it occasionally. Thanks, Jeff
SkeeterMark®
02-24-2000, 11:09 AM
If you want a beaching bumper that looks great and is the industry leader in lasting. Get yourself a hamby's protector. You have to have it installed at a factory authorized dearler that has been trained in installation. There was also a great article in last months bass and walleye boats magazine. I'm speaking from experience, It's the best on the market. www.hambys.com
Herky
02-24-2000, 09:49 PM
JW,
My boat is fiberglass. My previous boat was aluminum. One time I got hung up on top of a rock and the waves pounded my boat up and down on that rock about 20 times before I could get unstuck. Ya know I really couldn't tell where the rock beat on the aluminum. The moral of the story is I think aluminum is tougher than a keelguard and thus I wouldn't worry about it if I was you.
Good Luck
Herky