Keel guards

[mistaredone]

Last season I spent alot of time fishing a lake with a beach launch and only realised at the end of the season the damage I had done to my keel on my fiberglass boat.

 

 

Im looking at getting a keel guard for this season and was wondering if I should repair the keel before aplying the keel guard? Also I was wondering if anyone had a cheeper solution they have used rather than buying a Keel Shield at bass pro for $140. The price seems crazy of 6' of sticky plastic.

 

Thanks

[Abraxus]

Wow! Thats nasty!

 

Ab

[skeeter]

well you definatley need to fix that keel first..

as for a protector i dont know but im sure that one of the senior members will help, you out.

 

like an Imperial Angler with 15,930 posts......LOL

 

Edited March 12, 2010 by skeeter

[Gerry]

If you're beaching a fiberglass boat you do need a keel guard/keel shield. The keel guard is the more expensive version but can't tell you why. I've always had a keel guard on my glass boats. I'm not sure if the keel needs to be repaired as the guard will actually cover that area. I do know that they should be professionally installed, they use some special glues to keep them fastened. I had one come loose on a bassboat and the dealer didn't want to touch it, they got a company rep fix it.

[Fisherman]

Fix it first, no point in putting a band aid over something that needs stitches, then go and get the keel guard. Otherwise, you'll become proficient in fiberglass keel repairs..

[hirk]

As long as it's just gel wear and not down to the glass mat (look closely and make SURE you don't see glass matting) you won't get any water intrusion and don't need to touch it up,just apply the guard over it.

[Roy]

AHHHHHHHH That'll buff right out!

[lew]

I went with the Keel Shield when I bought my new glass boat last year and so far I'm very happy with it. Fortunately I don't normally have to beach my boat, but I spend alot of time on both Stoney and the West Bay of Nippissing so it's nice to know it'll be there if I ever accidentely troll across one of those unseen islands

 

Very easy to install as long as you follow the instructions EXACTLY and do it on a warm day.

 

I bought mine from Genco Marine on the Toronto waterfront.

 

http://www.gencomarine.com/

[fish_fishburn]

Hamby Keel Gaurd have been around for ever and if I'm not mistaken life time warrenty. Follow instructions exactly.