Hamby's, Tech 5, KeelGuard, Keel Shield...?

[Rob LaMoy]

Ok, what REALLY is the difference. Is Hamby's THAT much better? I know it has to be installed by an autorized dealer and I believe it's around $500? I talked to my tech and he says the biggest issue is getting them on right and keeping them there until they hold. I was going to order a Keel Guard from BPS and think that I am a relatively intelligent adult that is capable of mounting this thing myself. Shut up Mac and Mini! LOL So those of you who have them, am I right on the price and does anyone have the Keel Guard or Keel Shield. How is it holding up. How hard was it to install?

 

[Bill Hamilton]

 

[Bill Hamilton]

Rob,



I have Keel Guard on both my Nitro 896 and my 24 foot pleasure boat. I had them both installed by the dealer. The Keel Guard on the Nitro was $300 and is well worth it. It was close to $600 on the big boat. While the advertising states that it is easy to do, I was told that special tools are used to ensure that it adheres to the fiberglass. Can't provide any feedback on the self-install. I am happy with the dealer install and have had NO issues with the adhesion. Definitely protects and worth the investment on a boat that costs so much! Let us know which way you go and your experience.



Bill

 

[Bryan McDonough]

Hamby's sells a light duty, thinner than the heavy duty, keel guard that is sold as a self install. Cheaper. ~$185

 

[Jim B]

Rob, i had a tech 5 oon my last boat it worked very well. one thing i really liked about it is its longer then the others so it protects further down the boat.

 

[TrepMan]

Just read a great article in Trailer Boats magazine (July 2003 issue page 72 - 74) titled "Point of Contact" They bought and installed a MegaWare KeelGuard on thier '77 17-ft project boat. Thier comment on Time and Expenses "Installing the 6-foot by 5-inch KeelGuard took us less than on hour." Do-it-yourself kit is $139.95.



Me i'll keep Tin and not need it!!! LOL



If I had a nice Glass boat I would definetly get what is rated that the best and have a professional install it. A $100 difference for example self vs. pro install, to me is worth it!! what's a few hundred $$'s on a 10-40k bass boat!

 

[Gerald Goff]

I have installed a couple KeelGuards without issue on two different bass boats. Both have been on for over a year. The ones that I have seen put on by the dealer would realy upset me if it where on my boat. They scratch up way too much surface area outside the guard. Here are my tips.



1) Get a friend to help, the extra hands are nice.

2) Hold the guard in place and trace the outline with a water based marker.

3) Scotchbright the surface inside the outline.

4) Clean the scratched surface with acetone or fingernail remover.

5) Let dry.

6) Apply the small tube of surface prep that comes with the guard.

7) Let dry.

8) Peel tape and apply guard.

9) Roll with a vinyle tile roller or press really, really hard with that little blue thing that comes with the guard.



Good Luck!

 

[Greg Duggan]

i also have a keel gaurd. i had installed when i purchased the boat.$300.00 it was installed by the owner of keel gaurd. he lives in Wells ME.

 

[David Jordan]

Waht diffrence does it make? It's going on a Ranger

 

[Dewey Leggett]

I have a Hamby's on my 896 and I'm spending the extra $$ on my next one, cause not one has ever failed (including mine). I love being able to sit it on the ramp while trailering by myself and not have to worry about it. The cheaper one might be as good, but I'm not going to take a chance.