Boat Gunwalle Protection

[pilot4net]

As I have posted earlier, I have a new 2005 Xpress bass boat with the metallic paint package with clear coat. The boat has 4" wide gunwalles with a little 3/4" rub rail along the outboard edge. The problem is that I have gotten several scratches on the gunwalles where there is no protection from inadvertently rubbing against a dock when trying to launch the boat or when trying to board or exit the boat. My question to you all is how do you protect the finish of your boats in this area? Is there some kind of stick-on protectant film that I can purchase to protect this vulnerable area. I would appreciate any information you all can give me. Thanks.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boat Gunwalle Protection

There is no film that I know of and doubt that any would give you the protection you seek. Best bet is to use bumpers to keep the boat from the dock and have the crew hold the boat away from the dock. One thing I do is to watch which way the wind is blowing and use the side of the dock where the wind (or current) is blowing you away from the dock. Use dock lines to hold it.

 

[gspig]

Re: Boat Gunwalle Protection

I think that there is a stone chip guard sold at auto parts places. It is a thick clear stick on film.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Boat Gunwalle Protection

just a thought what about about about putting some of that keel guard around it?

 

[pilot4net]

Re: Boat Gunwalle Protection

I appreciate your responses. I actually thought about putting some keel guard around the edge. Last night I did some research on this topic and found that there is some paint protectant film that I can buy by the foot and it installs like a window tint film, very similar to 3M Paint Protection film made for cars. Thanks all.