Poll: Keel Guard

[mfgniagara]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

Years ago I used to boat on a lake with all rocky shore lines. This was before anyone every heard of the stick on keel guards. We just did a lot of glass repairs or you bolted on or epoxied on anything you could to protect the keel.
I think those keel guards are a real lifesaver in those places. I don't think I'd run a glass boat these days without one.
A buddy though did have some issues getting one to stick to his older boat, the v shape of his bow was too sharp of an angle and the keel guard didn't want to conform and stick to it right. I'm not sure which brand, but it was mail ordered.
He ended up not being able to mount it as far up the bow keel as he would have liked for this reason. I do wish they were cheaper though. Its a bit tough to swallow the $140 price tag on most of those keel guard strips. Years ago it wasn't uncommon to see boats with aluminum angle worked and fitted to the keel on boats which ran in rough or rocky waters. With today's modern adhesives, I'd suppose you could glue on a custom made metal keel too.

 

['96 Charger]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

I might get one after I finish my fiberglass rework so that this doesn't happen again:

Although, I have a feeling a Keel Guard would have just torn off and I'd have to replace a $200 strip of rubber instead of $60 worth of fiberglass supplies.

OUCH! That literally made me cry a little.

On the keel guards where are y'all buying yours from? And is there a tutorial for proper prep work?

 

[ufm82]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

Keel guards are a great investment IMHO. I had one on my 20' cuddy and have one currently on my 19' center console. Both were white, both yellowed a bit but both were well worth it. One beaching on the bank or the concrete ramp and it's paid for itself. One of the ramps I launch at has no dock and the only way to load people without them walking in the dirt and making a mess in the boat is to park on the ramp and let them climb in from there. That alone makes the guard worthwhile.
As stated, prep is crucial for long term integrity. I painstakingly cleaned and scrubbed the entire are where the guards went on. My guard extends about a foot above the waterline at the bow when the boat is at rest- that way it won't be pulled loose when running. It goes back 7 feet from there. I've not beached where the contact point was further back than that.
I like the Megaware brand I think- that's the brand that makes the stainless steel scuff guards that go by your bow eye. Mine ran $175 at Bass Pro- I bought a longer one than recommended for more protection but really didn't need it.
I see lots and lots of boats with damage to the keel and most people never look- I do. It's easy to apply, cheap enough and is good insurance against damage like seen in that picture.

UFM82

 

[jkust]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

Fix the damage, don't ever beach it. Just moor it off the beech a few feet. I can see the benefits of the KG if you beach but easy enough to avoid.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

Our SeaRay has a keel guard after some minor nicks were addressed.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

And I vote for Pecan.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

Strawberry

 

['96 Charger]

Re: Poll: Keel Guard

Fix the damage, don't ever beach it. Just moor it off the beech a few feet. I can see the benefits of the KG if you beach but easy enough to avoid.

Only if you don't mind getting wet. Me and my buddies fish in the winter. One of them is on the lake right now with the air temp in the 40's. While I try to only put my boat in where there's either a dock or a soft bank to beach on that's not always possible. If that's the case bare fiberglass bumps the ramp. Will be getting a keel guard ASAP. It's next on the list after a new axle. Spindle got bent.