Help! Who has a KeelGuard on their boat?

[519VX]

What are your thoughts on having one on your boat?

[Mike Cork]

I have a keelshield and will not go without the protection again. They are amazing The ability to beach your boat most anywhere is very nice, here in Louisiana most of our shore is sand or mud and we don't have to worry about rocks, however you can drop a guy off right on the launch ramp if you want to.

Bouncing over logs, stumps, sand and gravel bars the Keel Shield has made a tremendous difference in the over all appearance of the hull. The Keel Shield does not scratch or fade, after a year it still looks brand new, and I can attest that with out it, my previous boats keel looks like trash.

No matter what brand you get I suggest you get one. I do however reccommend the Keel Shield, it is very easy to put on yourself and will last. T1A a member here on the site can get all the details you might want to know

[CHUNKY C]

I have a Keelguard brand and I put it on myself. So far I haven't had any problems. When I beach the boat in sand or small rock it barely makes a scratch on the rubber. It's easy to install but don't do it by yourself. I had 2 others who wanted to help and it was a breeze. Just be sure to spend A LOT of time to make sure you prep the hull right and use acetone. Follow the directions to the letter and you will be fine. The keelguard comes with a little dvd to show you how.

[pawpaw]

I have a keelshield that me and my daughter put on about 10 years ago, It has been dragged over rocks cement and lots of stumps and still looks basically new.

[CHUNKY C]

Just wanted to add a note. Keelshield and Keelguard are to different companies but both have a great product. When I first started researching I didn't know till someone told me. FYI

[Ron Fogelson]

What are your thoughts on having one on your boat?

I'm with Cork on this, I also have a keelshield.  My wife and I put it on in an hour or so.  Must of the time was to prep it and make sure I did it right.  I've never had an issue with it, not one and if you ever see my boat in person you can tell I take it any place I think I have a chance at hooking a fish.  Logs, stumps, beaches, rocks, a few fences that people left in the river  and so on.

T1A is the guy to chat with if you want a keelshield.     Can't say anything about the other brands on the market but again I agree with Mike and recommend you put something on it.

[larrylargemouth]

No matter which one you choose it is worth every penny.  I helped a friend put one on his new boat this year and it only took a little over an hour.

[txwhitetailhunter]

I installed a Keel Guard on my boat. AWESOME!  All the work is in prepping the boat.  Extra help would make installation easier.  I used duct tape to hold it in place while I traced the outline then removed it and REALLY CLEANED and roughed the keel area.  Pay special attention to any chimes near the bow area.  I have 1 small spot where I had to add a little epoxy to keep the keel guard glued down.

[Baron49]

Would this be a any benefit for a heavy duty aluminum boat?

I went back to Aluminum because of the rocks, gravel, and everything else I find in the waters locally and so far so good, but did not know if this would give enough added proctection to make it worth it.  PolarKraft runs an extra strip of aluminum right down the bow to the bottom of the boat in the same area where I see these plastic sheilds installed.

[CHUNKY C]

Would this be a any benefit for a heavy duty aluminum boat?

I went back to Aluminum because of the rocks, gravel, and everything else I find in the waters locally and so far so good, but did not know if this would give enough added proctection to make it worth it.  PolarKraft runs an extra strip of aluminum right down the bow to the bottom of the boat in the same area where I see these plastic sheilds installed.

The Keelguard directions said you can use it on aluminum but you need to contact the company and tell them what boat you have. Obviously it wont stick to some hulls too well. But I would recommend it if you can put it on.

You can contact them here:

http://www.keelguard.com/contact.html]http://www.keelguard.com/contact.html

[Kitz]

I put a keel guard on my boat myself. And it can be done alone, contrary to what most folks say, you just really need to take your time. My keel was a little banged up from the previous owner, so I could see the value in them before I ever even bought it. I won't own a boat without one from here on out. Like I said, piece of cake to install alone, just take your time. Plus, mine came with a free bow guard.

[silversalmon]

I would suggest KEELSHIELD     contact them about your aluminum boat 

http://www.keelshield.com/

[-Shawn-]

I have a keelshield and will not go without the protection again. They are amazing The ability to beach your boat most anywhere is very nice, here in Louisiana most of our shore is sand or mud and we don't have to worry about rocks, however you can drop a guy off right on the launch ramp if you want to.

Bouncing over logs, stumps, sand and gravel bars the Keel Shield has made a tremendous difference in the over all appearance of the hull. The Keel Shield does not scratch or fade, after a year it still looks brand new, and I can attest that with out it, my previous boats keel looks like trash.

No matter what brand you get I suggest you get one. I do however reccommend the Keel Shield, it is very easy to put on yourself and will last. T1A a member here on the site can get all the details you might want to know

You mean your previous boat before your previous boat.