Keel Guard on Aluminum boat

**M R Dux** · 11-07-2017, 09:29 AM

I have a new boat coming next week and want to protect it from day one. I launch by myself 95% of the time. I hook at rope to my bow eye then to my trailer wench. This allows me to let the boat float clear of the trailer then I ease forward to let the keel rest on the ramp. Once I unhook it, I park the truck with the boat sitting on the ramp. I launch 90% of the time at a resort and tying up the ramp of 4-5 minutes is rarely an issue since it's a double ramp.

I've been looking at the keel guard, gator guard, or a multitude of other products of different names but same application. It's a polymer strip that self-glues to the keel up toward the bow to protect the boat. I looked at several different makes and decided on one. I ordered it then went on YouTube to watch videos of installation. One of the videos said their product wouldn't stick to welded aluminum boats because of the uneven surface around the keel.

Has anyone put a keel protector on their aluminum boat? How did it apply and did it stay in place? I'd really rather not put a $150 protector on the boat then lose it because it didn't stick.

**CatFan** · 11-07-2017, 09:35 AM

Contact Hamby's at 1-800-742-281. Ask about both the beaching bumper and the Hamby's Light. I have seen the Beaching Bumper on at least one metal boat.

**rdant** · 11-07-2017, 10:15 AM

I put one on my Crestliner deep V when it was new. Not long after that I was in Tn. came out of a bay, hit the gas and dam near flipped the boat on I side. It had came loose and ripped near the front of the guard. It went in the trash. Then spent days removing the glue.

**Mike1234** · 11-07-2017, 10:50 AM

Off subject but did you get rid of the bay boat?

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**Red190** · 11-07-2017, 10:53 AM

How about a strip of line-x type stuff. Not had any experience with it personally but could be an option.

**M R Dux** · 11-07-2017, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by Mike1234

Off subject but did you get rid of the bay boat?

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Long story but new boat is same as old boat. I'll be posting about it as soon as all the T's are crossed and I's dotted.

I inquired with a couple of the keel guard companies and both said NO, their product wasn't intended to make an almost 90 degree bend. Won't work. Waiting to hear back from Excel.

**Mike1234** · 11-07-2017, 12:38 PM

Sounds good I really like the excel

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**jigflinger** · 11-07-2017, 05:42 PM

I believe that one of our old members had Ice Runners put on his aluminum boat. These are formed aluminum pieces fitted over the keel and welded.

**outdoorsron** · 11-11-2017, 09:53 AM

Hello: My first new aluminum boat was in 1988. I've unloaded my boats same as you. Never had a problem and never noticed any damage. Good Luck . O - R

**Spaceman** · 11-18-2017, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by Red190

How about a strip of line-x type stuff. Not had any experience with it personally but could be an option.

That's an interesting idea! Linex could probably mask a strip, spray it, and be done in no time.

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