1 reply to this topic

[chancey22]

Hi Everyone,
I just got a new 2010 Challenger 180 SE this summer and am new to the site. I am wondering if I should have a keel guard installed on the boat? I would like to beach the boat occasionally at the lakes where we use it and I am worried about scratching the fiberglass and gel coat finish. First off, are small scratches in the fiberglass under the boat harmful in anyway (I'm talking smaller scratches, not gouges)? Anyone have any opinions on whether or not to install a keel guard? Does it affect the boat's performance in any way? Anyone have any good brands or products for a keel guard that you would recommend?
Any advice or opinions on the subject would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Kevin Leclair]

I would recommend installing a keel guard if you are going to be doing any beaching of the boat. It would be better to have the keel guard than have to deal with even small scratches - minor ones should not be a problem but depending on how deep they are then it can start causing problems if water seeps into them.

The keel guard shouldn't affect the performance of the boat, at least nothing drastic that you will be able to feel a difference. Take a look on our links page toward the bottom, we have a couple links for keel guard manufacturers, http://seadoosportboats.com/page/links