This has probably been discussed before but I can't find it. I'm going to purchase a keel guard of somekind and wonder if it is a do it yourselfer or best to have a dealer do it? Whats the best one for the money and what kind of experiences (good or bad) have you had? Thanks in advance.

I've used Keelshield and have never had any problem with them. But instead of using the skuff pad that they supply with the kit, I use an air sander to prep the surface. I also use a heat gun to soften the shield or let it lay in the sun until it becomes soft. After it is applied I use a rubber hamer to increase the adhesion. I've never had one fail. The homeowner can install these without much trouble if you don't mind getting down on your back and a little dirty. The biggest problem that you will have is lifting the boat off the roller so that you can get to the hull. The Hamby's are a lot more difficult and best left up to the marina as you will need a strap kit to install it.

Thanks Mike, I've kind of heard of some peel back problems. I assume they were not properly preped before installation. Is it a glue mix or adhesive tape backing and if you didn't get it stuck the 1st time and you use it then peels, can it be re-attached? I wouldn't like it if I had to get another one because I screwed up, which more than likley will happen. This will make my mind up on doing it myself or paying to have it done.

1st step is to sand/scar the contact area.
2nd apply activator (looks like a shoe polish applicator)to the hull
3rd remove center strip from shield and position down keel. If you use very light pressure you can reposition.
4th apply heavy pressure to center section for permanent adheision
5th remove starboard or port strip from shield and lightly "tack" in place. Depending on the curve of the keel, I skip from 3-6in on the initional set-up before I apply perminate pressure.
6th Repeat on other side. Finish off with a good pounding of the rubber hammer.
The instructions that come with the shield are real informative and the most important thing is cleanlyness.

Thanks Mike for taking the time to explain.

IMHO, the Hamby's is the best -- by far.

My Triton Tr-20 came with a factory-installed Keel Shield. Less than 2 years later it was beginnning to loosen around the edges. I had Michael at North Texas Fiberglass remove the Keel Shield and put a Hamby's in its place.

The Hamby's, however,is definitely not a DYI project!

C.

Just put one on my boat- Just do as Mike laid out and it will go on fine--now as to how long it will stay, is the question- If money was not a issue, Hamby's is the way to go..

I have had a Keelsheild on my boat for 5 years no problems. Follow directions and take your time. I would wait untill it warms up to install.

Lake Fork Fiberglass will install a Hamby's for $350.

how do you remove a keel guard?....bet its a pain the arse

Hands down Hamby's is the best. I had north texas fiberglass put it on. I had a hole in the keel and not that I got that on there no problems and its real nice to use. Guaranteed for life!!

cman, guaranteed for WHO'S life?? Marbravo

Pretty sure the life of the boat. They said it should last forever and if it ever started peeling off to bring it in and they would fix it. The way those things are put on they will last forever. The only thing that wasn't covered I was told is when some people put the boat on the trailer and catch it and it comes off.

IF YOU NEED A KEEL GUARD....YOU NEED A HAMBY'S THE PRICE SOUNDS HIGH TILL YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR KEEL REPAIRED. UNLESS I AM MISTAKEN, I THINK A DEALER MUST INSTALL IT FOR IT TO BE GUARANTEED.

Hamby's definitely!! And if you are close to Denton, then Michael Bristow at North Texas Fiberglass is who you want to install it for you. Great guy, great job, and once it's on...no worries...at least concerning your keel...
You can then start focusing your worries and attention to that new set of scratches on the sides from fishing in the trees!!!!!