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Author Topic:   Keelgard info?

stagalv posted 04-06-2002 05:54 PM ET (US)
Have any of you placed a Keelgard on your Whaler? For those who are not familiar with it -- it is a tough rubber strip that is placed centerline from the bow eye bolt to protect the hull from scrapes when you beach a boat. Please let me know what you like or dislike about these products. Easy application? Rex
boatsru posted 04-06-2002 07:42 PM ET (US)
Keelguards should only be factory installed by Boston Whaler's commercial division. If you could custom design a keel guard that would attach with an adhesive, that would be the way to go, but to attach using screws is a big no-no!. The commercial division of Whaler would use a powder coated stainless keel guard bonded with 5200 and screws. Additionally, during layup they would insert more fiberglass and other reinforcements into the keel to accept the screws. Be careful is my only advice to you.
Dick posted 04-06-2002 08:30 PM ET (US)
The Megaware Keel Guard is designed for home installation and attaches with a very strong MMM adhesive.
I have never installed one but have watched as several were installed. It isn't difficult but patience is required, once the glue on the Keel Guard hits the hull you are not going to move it.
basspro.com
www.keelguard.com
rsgwynn1 posted 04-06-2002 10:10 PM ET (US)
I had a Keel Guard on my old Whaler. You can install it yourself, assuming that trailer rollers aren't in the way, but the glass needs to be cleaned and roughed up for the adhesive to stick. Mine came partially off several times, so I'd recommend a shop installation, especially if the glass is oxidized.
dgp posted 04-06-2002 10:28 PM ET (US)
Another alternative is the Hamby's Protector Beaching Bumper, see www.hambys.com . These are very popular with the bassboat crowd. They are quite a bit thicker then the Keelguard.
Ferdinando posted 04-06-2002 10:37 PM ET (US)
Rex:
I have installed 3 Keelguards to date on 3 Whalers. None have ever come off and quite frankly I would not leave home without it.
What helps me the most is that I take some tracing paper, trace the outline of the Keelguard and then mark the exact position I want it to be on my keel. I follow the manufacters instructions to the tee, sanding, priming and placement. As mentioned above once you touch the hull
their is no moving the Keelguard around to position it, it is best done with 2 people.
As I said it's great, I would not own a boat
without one. Good luck, Fred
stagalv posted 04-07-2002 10:55 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the answers. I really wanted to put one on my boat but was worried about the adhesive coming off. I would like the extra protection up there so that will by my next project. Thanks, Rex
DJS posted 04-08-2002 09:05 AM ET (US)
I have been considering the installation of one of these Keel Guards. Everything I have heard about installing it is that you should practice how you are going to do it before applying the adhesive. As Fred said above "once you touch the hull there is no moving the keelguard around to position it." My concern is: How would you remove the keelguard if necessary, such as for some type of repair? Anyone with experience uninstalling a keelguard?
prj posted 04-08-2002 10:26 AM ET (US)
installed a keelguard on my 15' striper last spring shortly after purchase. previous owner had used a single keel roller/bunk trailer as a "drive on". guess he occasionally aligned with keel roller, but more often appeared to align with galvy flange supporting sides of roller.
keel stripped of gel coat and much glass and generally just destroyed.
drained water from this area as best as possible, patched up with marine epoxy molded to previous keel shape and installed guard.
was not terribly difficult, be prepared with materials, read and re-read instructions and be patient.
most difficult area where chines come to front and merge with keel. hard transition, but possible.
good luck .
sport15er posted 04-10-2002 03:56 PM ET (US)
How exactly is the merge accomplished where the chines meet the keel? Is it pliable enough to mold, or is cutting involved?
Anyone have pics of this detail?
prj posted 04-10-2002 06:11 PM ET (US)
in one word? inelegantly.
keelguard bunched at that location, and despite the 3M adhesive, guard was not flexible enough to stick at the transition. mine is actually pulled away from glass here.
i might suggest that you install and then attempt to cut a narrow vee out of guard to lay back tight and close the gap.
sorry, that detail's not camera worthy.

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Author	Topic: Keelgard info?
stagalv	posted 04-06-2002 05:54 PM ET (US) Have any of you placed a Keelgard on your Whaler? For those who are not familiar with it -- it is a tough rubber strip that is placed centerline from the bow eye bolt to protect the hull from scrapes when you beach a boat. Please let me know what you like or dislike about these products. Easy application? Rex
boatsru	posted 04-06-2002 07:42 PM ET (US) Keelguards should only be factory installed by Boston Whaler's commercial division. If you could custom design a keel guard that would attach with an adhesive, that would be the way to go, but to attach using screws is a big no-no!. The commercial division of Whaler would use a powder coated stainless keel guard bonded with 5200 and screws. Additionally, during layup they would insert more fiberglass and other reinforcements into the keel to accept the screws. Be careful is my only advice to you.
Dick	posted 04-06-2002 08:30 PM ET (US) The Megaware Keel Guard is designed for home installation and attaches with a very strong MMM adhesive. I have never installed one but have watched as several were installed. It isn't difficult but patience is required, once the glue on the Keel Guard hits the hull you are not going to move it. basspro.com www.keelguard.com
rsgwynn1	posted 04-06-2002 10:10 PM ET (US) I had a Keel Guard on my old Whaler. You can install it yourself, assuming that trailer rollers aren't in the way, but the glass needs to be cleaned and roughed up for the adhesive to stick. Mine came partially off several times, so I'd recommend a shop installation, especially if the glass is oxidized.
dgp	posted 04-06-2002 10:28 PM ET (US) Another alternative is the Hamby's Protector Beaching Bumper, see www.hambys.com . These are very popular with the bassboat crowd. They are quite a bit thicker then the Keelguard.
Ferdinando	posted 04-06-2002 10:37 PM ET (US) Rex: I have installed 3 Keelguards to date on 3 Whalers. None have ever come off and quite frankly I would not leave home without it. What helps me the most is that I take some tracing paper, trace the outline of the Keelguard and then mark the exact position I want it to be on my keel. I follow the manufacters instructions to the tee, sanding, priming and placement. As mentioned above once you touch the hull their is no moving the Keelguard around to position it, it is best done with 2 people. As I said it's great, I would not own a boat without one. Good luck, Fred
stagalv	posted 04-07-2002 10:55 PM ET (US) Thanks for the answers. I really wanted to put one on my boat but was worried about the adhesive coming off. I would like the extra protection up there so that will by my next project. Thanks, Rex
DJS	posted 04-08-2002 09:05 AM ET (US) I have been considering the installation of one of these Keel Guards. Everything I have heard about installing it is that you should practice how you are going to do it before applying the adhesive. As Fred said above "once you touch the hull there is no moving the keelguard around to position it." My concern is: How would you remove the keelguard if necessary, such as for some type of repair? Anyone with experience uninstalling a keelguard?
prj	posted 04-08-2002 10:26 AM ET (US) installed a keelguard on my 15' striper last spring shortly after purchase. previous owner had used a single keel roller/bunk trailer as a "drive on". guess he occasionally aligned with keel roller, but more often appeared to align with galvy flange supporting sides of roller. keel stripped of gel coat and much glass and generally just destroyed. drained water from this area as best as possible, patched up with marine epoxy molded to previous keel shape and installed guard. was not terribly difficult, be prepared with materials, read and re-read instructions and be patient. most difficult area where chines come to front and merge with keel. hard transition, but possible. good luck .
sport15er	posted 04-10-2002 03:56 PM ET (US) How exactly is the merge accomplished where the chines meet the keel? Is it pliable enough to mold, or is cutting involved? Anyone have pics of this detail?
prj	posted 04-10-2002 06:11 PM ET (US) in one word? inelegantly. keelguard bunched at that location, and despite the 3M adhesive, guard was not flexible enough to stick at the transition. mine is actually pulled away from glass here. i might suggest that you install and then attempt to cut a narrow vee out of guard to lay back tight and close the gap. sorry, that detail's not camera worthy.