20 replies to this topic

[Pyrock]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this product. I plan on beaching the Challanger quite a bit but was planning on backing the boat onto the beach for fear of damaging the keel on the sand over and over again. I saw Keelguard in a mag. Here's the link.

http://www.keelguard.com/

[thumper]

looks quite good - i did a lot of damage to an old bowrider years ago which i used to beach alot - so its probably a good investment.

[Kevin Leclair]

Seems like it would be well worth the money.

[jroy]

Hi there. I though some would be interesting in some real pictures of the installation of KeelGuard...

First off, it is really easy to install! Just wash the hull with acetone, wipe, let dry, prime and stick it on...

- Tip #1, buy longer than advertised... I bought 5 feet of keelguard as recommended for 14-15 feet boat (for my sportster 4-tec). I wish I had bought longer because where I beach, it is NOT step at all so a portion of the keel might still rub the ground if there is lots of traffic on the lake and lots of wake..

- It is well worth the money! I unfortunatly don't have the choice but beach the boat where it is a little rockie... Keelguard does an amazing job of protecting the hull.

Here are some picture...

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[jroy]

Another picture.

- it is the exact same color as the hull so it is really not and eyesore at all.

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[jroy]

Finally, from the other side.

Hope it satisfied the curiosity of some folks.

JS

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•  IMGP1674_resize.JPG   91.2KB   45 downloads

[jroy]

Original picture... without resizing... The compressed picture makes it look all jaggy... the finish product is really smooth and follow the line of the boat perfectly..

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•  IMGP1674.JPG   2.06MB   52 downloads

[Pyrock]

Thanks for the pictures and advice. I think I will go for it in a few weeks. It sure seems like you cant loose. It definitely cant hurt the resale value if you decide to sell later on.

[thumper]

yeh thankx a lot i think i may invest in some myself.

[Pyrock]

Any long term updates on Keelguard because I just ordered one for my C180. Is it still performing up to par?

I ordered the 6' piece as per their recommendation. The beaches I frequent are pretty steep so I should only need it for the front 6'.

[jroy]

still works like a charm. No signs of coming off or wearing out...

[Pyrock]

still works like a charm. No signs of coming off or wearing out...

Awsome!! I get mine tomorrow. I hope it's not too hard to install.

[mrjon53]

does the keel gaurd affect the way the boat drives or the handling at all?

[Pyrock]

does the keel gaurd affect the way the boat drives or the handling at all?

On their website, they claim that it actually increases top speed by 2-3 mph... probably by allowing it to plane on the Keelguard.

[jroy]

really easy to install and I haven't felt any difference in the handling of the boat. It is not that thick (although very strong)....

[thumper]

i am still in two minds about fitting it

[Pyrock]

I just installed Keelguard on my C180 and it was a piece of cake. Tomorrow, I test it out. I'll keep you all posted.

[thumper]

cool - if you beach the boat can you let me know if its lists to either side once on the sand?
cheers

[Pyrock]

Well, installation was a piece of cake!! I took it out the next morning and it worked flawlessly. I didn't notice anything different even when beaching. All I know is that it was nice knowing it was there because the beach I was on was pretty gravely so if I didn't have Keelguard, it could have been ugly. After inspecting it the next day, there wasn't even a scratch on the Keelguard. It's soft enough that it absorbs dings but tough enough that it doesn't scratch at all. Nice product and well worth the money!!

[kseroski70]

Adding to a really old post - but noticed the comment about getting it longer.. How much longer would you recommend? Or just the next size up?