Is hamby still the way to go

Hey TFF'ers,

I've been some what out of the game for a while since having kids but they're older now and getting back to it. Updating my boat and need to get keel guard installed. 10 yrs ago, Hamby keel guards seem to be the way to go, is this still the best choice? I'm in Plano and looking for someone, preferably in the North Dallas area to buy and install. Any recommendations? Also, what do these approx. cost now with install?

Thanks for your info!!

I went with Line X on my last 2 boats and couldn't be happier. Absolutely bullet proof.


https://linex.com/blog/2016/01/20/boat-keels

I installed the keel shield on my boat 6 years ago. It was very easy to do and I think it was around 100 bucks. It has held up very well.

I had the Hamby installed 23 years ago and it is still running and gunning an protecting my boat, eve though it has run over a few rocks and trees, NOT too fast, but it has held up VERY WELL. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

I had Rockwall Marine install my Hamby years ago. Still going strong.

I had a Hamby put on my new boat last year. I consider it to be the way to go based on my previous experience with them throughout the years. You have to have it installed by a certified installer to get the lifetime warranty. I think it was around $300. Mine was installed in Gladewater so I can't help you there.

My Hamby's is still good. Been on since 2012. As long as you buy a quality keel guard and install it correctly brand probably won't matter.

Been there done that, LineX is the way to go

What are you guys paying for the lineX?

I believe 650ish for the Keel X and as stated it’s the only way to go. Get with Cliff at Texas Boat World and he can get you fixed up.

Thanks for all your replys.

I checked with Line X dealer near my house. He quoted me $599, so pretty much $650 after tax. Sounded like there is a lot of labor involved for them to install the line X but they look good. If I had a newer boat I would definitely go with the line X but since my boat is older and may upgrade it in future, probably go hamby this time around and save a little money.

Still need to find a certified installer to use in N. Dallas area.

Thanks!

$600 is nuts.

Honestly, on a scale of 1-10...ten being super difficult, it’s MAYBE a 3. If you know what a rag and a tape measure are, and how to use them, you can do it yourself. It takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. Hardest part is crawling under the boat.

Clean it good, use the scotch Brite pad, apply the primer “towelette”. Wait a few minutes and press the guard in place. The tape measure is to measure the waterline so you know where to start the top of guard.

Buy a guard at Academy for $129 and call it a done deal.

Heck for 600 that would be almost 2 truck beds lol.

Yup, easy to DIY

I had both Keel shield got at academy and I put it on very easy no problem. When bought new boat had dealer put hambys on also no problems. It is much better quality than keel shield

Which guard?, my second boat I did myself with a keel shield. It wasn't too bad installing, hardest part was getting it lined up straight down the keel, I still didnt get it perfect. It lasted several years and sold it with it on just not near as durable as the linex has been. The other two brands I know of are keel guard and hambys, hambys has to be professionally installed. On the DIY ones if you don't do it right it will fall off, seen many a boat with a guard peeling or hanging off.

My factory installed Hamby peeled off. It wasn’t covered in the lifetime warranty, since I’m the second owner.

Hambys is NOT better. It is the same, if anything. The Keel Sheild is somewhat softer rubber, but, IMO it sticks better.

I like the beach hamby .Tommy at Fishing store installed it year 2000. It’s still on.

The Hamby has been making me mad since 1988. The guy that invented it lived right down the road from me and got rich off of a 6' piece of rubber and some glue. I've been thinking that one simple idea is going to hit me like it did him and it still hasn't happened.

The Dealer installed Hamby sure looks a lot better and durable vs the Line X

I haven't seen the Line X in person to compare

I beach mine on some big rocks at Amistad and doesn’t even scuff it, and won’t peel off like the stick on brands. Having one put on my new Caymas today.

Wonder how many of these they do? that LineX by Texas boat world is the only one that does it I think, there were 3 boats ahead of mine to be done when they did mine

The Line X dealer here in Plano does them, too. At least they quoted it for me.