Keel Guards

[kozman01]

Just wanted to know if anyone was or was not pleased with their Keel Guard. I put one on my 18 foot Searay this last weekend and it just doesn't look like I thought it would. I'm sure I did something wrong but it just doesn't appear to me that the tape is actually going to hold to the glass for a "lifetime". I prepped according to directions and placed them over one set of strakes as per the instructions and it appreas that there is a slight opening in the tape as it goes over the strake. Is this going to cause me problems in the future? I wasn't sure about putting this thing on but now I seem owned by the product. If it ever starts to come off, I'll have to put another one as as my keel is scuffed, per instructions, and nobody wants to see a messed up keel on a keep new looking boat. Anyways, just wanted to get some opinions from this highly educational and "opinionated" board. Thanks!

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Keel Guards

You know us well...try a search, there are several threads on this subject. I too went back and forth between Keel Shield and Keel Guard. Both companies seem customer focused. Call them and tell them your delima. Did you heat it up real good in the sun first and relax the plastic? Middle of nowhere can be cool at times. Maybe a heat gun or a bit of sealer can fix this bubble from a standpoint of asthetics.

 

[kozman01]

Re: Keel Guards

Thanks for the reply. I went through the threads and couldn't find anything specific on the molding the guard over the strakes. It was 90 degrees the day I put it on and it was soft as taffy while applying it. I think I'll just put a little sealent in the spaces around the strakes. Thanks again

 

[Regal-89]

Re: Keel Guards

I can tell you from my experience, I have the Keel Shield. I installed it before last summer, and when installing mine it went on pretty well. One thing that does suck, once you scuff up the gel its hard to get those marks back out. I would bet if you called them and told them your story they would send you either more glue to reapply or try at least to help. I can say mine has worked very well, it definitly helps if I have to unload someone off at the shore rather than a dock.