Keel guard

[b_cdot]

Hello everyone,

I have a Lund Pro-v (aluminum), it's my 3rd year with the boat. Just curious if anyone suggests getting a keel guard? I pull my boat up lots onto shore. I fish alone a lot and this makes it much easier for me to launch and retrieve the boat at some of the launches I use. Lots of these areas are mud, sand, sometimes scattered rock but I noticed I'm getting some wear and scratches on the keel. Will this eventually cause any considerable damage? Any suggestions or experience with this issue? Thanks! 

 

[OhioFisherman]

https://www.gator-guards.com/tips-install-keelshield-aluminum-boats/

Never had one, no idea if this info applies to all brands, but they mention Lund boats in this one. Rivets are a no-no?

[b_cdot]

Hey I see a picture online of someone who installed one (gator guard) on a riveted boat. I wonder if it stayed on.

[BillM]

Not a very popular thing to put on an aluminum boat.   

[b_cdot]

24 minutes ago, BillM said:

Not a very popular thing to put on an aluminum boat.   

But it's practical

[lew]

I put a keelguard on my glass Skeeter and they're quite easy to install.

Here's an article on installing them on aluminum boats.

https://www.gator-guards.com/tips-install-keelshield-aluminum-boats/

 

[b_cdot]

The lund pro v has the riveted strake on the keel which it says it's incompatible with that installation, but I see a few pics online that looks like it worked

[KraTToR]

This is the one I have and I beach the boat all the time.  You never know what's lurking under the sand..

 

Ranger Factory install

[BillM]

10 hours ago, b_cdot said:

But it's practical

I guess I'll let the aluminum do the work.   If it were a glass boat, then I'd say yes for sure.  Hopefully you can find something that works.

[John Bacon]

I think keel guards are more for fibreglass boats to protect the gel coat from scratches.  Scratches are less of an issue for aluminum.

[wkrp]

Perhaps you could cut the keel guard  down it to avoid the riveted flanges

[b_cdot]

9 hours ago, John Bacon said:

I think keel guards are more for fibreglass boats to protect the gel coat from scratches.  Scratches are less of an issue for aluminum.

Less of an issue for sure, but if I can still find a way to protect the aluminum from getting scraped and dented it would be nice.  

[b_cdot]

I called up Megaware keel guard which looks like a similar product to gatorguard and they say their product needs to be air and water tight or it won't adhere.

1 hour ago, wkrp said:

Perhaps you could cut the keel guard  down it to avoid the riveted flanges

That is something that crossed my mind, I don't want to be the guinea pig though.... if anyone has tried it with success I would like to know

[b_cdot]

On 5/14/2019 at 9:56 AM, KraTToR said:

This is the one I have and I beach the boat all the time.  You never know what's lurking under the sand..

 

Ranger Factory install

That is a pretty cool vid

[David Chong]

I've had a Hamby's Keel Protector on probably my last 7/8 boats, highly recommend having one! Keel Guards look like they are a quality product.

[wkrp]

Your other alternative is to punch holes in the keel guard at the rivet locations. I cannot see  the keel guard staying on with voids around the rivets.

[KraTToR]

This shows how the surrounding sand rubs on the gel-coat but the keel guard protects the pointed edge of the keel as it moves over and into the ground.