Keel protector

[Jr. Dunn]

Questions about keel protectors:

1)Are the keel protectors really a good deal or not?

2)How are they attached? ("glued" on?)

3)I assume they would increase resistance and slow you down?

4)I keep reading about Hamby brand and assume this is the best?



I assume this has been discussed before but any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

 

[James D.]

they are probably a good deal vs damage which could be caused. the do it yourself versions come with a super adhesive which sticks on to the boat keel. there is a lot of surface prep and it is a one shot process in which you get it right the first time or you get to buy another shield. 2 man project when applying. i've heard the professionally installed protectors stay adhered to the surface better. seek out as much advice as possible.



jd

 

[Bob G.]

Jr.,



Do a search on this site as this has been discussed a few times. Hamby's and Tech 5 are the two major dealer installed ones. Also, it shouldn't slow you down as you should be on the pad when on plane. My boat will run 58mph (GPS) with the Tech 5. It has always been on the boat, so I can't compare. I don't think it would go any faster without it!!



Bob G.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Jr, like Bob said, if installed correctly, they won't touch the water once on plane. They are worth every penny if you beach a lot. They also help resale.

 

[Robert Lariviere]

They don't effect your running speed. I had gotten my boat late in 01 and ran it with out one and had one put on last March and there was no difference. Both the Hamby's and Tech five are good. They have to be dealer installed. I'm my opinion I feel they are worth the money.



ROb L

 

[Mebassn]

Jr., I have a "Keel Guard". It's not hard to install at all, the prep time is 30 min and it was LOTS less than the other ones. This is the 3nd one i put on a boat and my 2nd for this one. They will last as long as you treat them right. The first one i had on this boat, i abused pretty bad and wanted to replace it since i damaged it pretty good when i hit the boat ramp a little faster than i wanted too.(wasnt paying attention)



Eric H.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Sorry guys, I just can't think of a reason to beach my boat..unless of course it was sinking. If put in a situation where I wanted to shut down without a dock, I will double anchor in open water (front and back). Running aground makes me shudder.



TOXIC

 

[Rob LaMoy]

OK Tox, it's early May, the water is about 45 degrees, you're about 20 miles from a launch or ramp and the client had too many hot wings last night. They gotta go NOW! Up on shore is a nice little wooded area but the bank is a pebble beach. You're going to anchor in deeper water and carry them ashore??? LOL

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

HAHAHAHA!!



No, I'm gonna hold his arms so he can hang his business over the port side (away from where I sit). OR....I have this wide mouthed bucket...not that I'm gonna touch it mind you....besides Rob beaching in pebble rock, or in your case larger, you are going to make contact with more than just the keel right? I saw some new products at the shows that just may be worth investing in. By the way, from what I hear, all bets are off with Kneeley on board...I'll hit the beach like James Bond to get him on shore if he has to go...



TOXIC

 

[Dan J.]

I've had a beaching bumper on the last three 9's I've had and will have it on every one in the future. I prefer the vacuum sealed type for durability and longevity. I've beached in numerous parts of the country for various reasons/tourneys without a single nick, scratch or gash in the glass. When my home lake was 22ft below full pool (putting the docks 50-100yds from the water), I was still launching and loading, picking up passengers on the concrete ramp, without a mark on the hull. It makes absolutely no impact on boat handling or top end. Beaching bumpers cost approx. $300-500 (depending on brand, etc.) It's very cheap insurance, especially if you plan on fishing anything larger than a pot tourney. A hundred or more bass boats anywhere usually means someone is beaching to get to the scales. If you choose to beach, you'll always remember to beach perpendicular to the shoreline ("T"-ing the bank with your boat), using the pointed, keel protected bow on the bank, allowing the wide stern to float the back end, never allowing side contact or roll. (Boating 101) It's a great investment and marketable enhancement on resale.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Along with Dan's "nose first" comment. Also remember that if possible, (due solely on bottom composition) to hold the boat that way, it's good to trim down until the skeg just barely enters the soft bottom. This will hold your boat straight from being turned sideways and putting the sides on the beach. If you're amongst 10 other boats, you won't need to. The other boats will hold it for you.

 

[Steven Atwell]

Worth every penny, even if done professionally.......................sa

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

I don't care what you guys say, I AIN'T BEACHING MY BOAT!!! Rick: Looks to me like you are gonna get wet no matter what you do if there is no dock. Sooooo, why not anchor her in a little deeper water and not beach. Are we talking convenience here?? I'm not saying that keel protectors aren't good investments but for me, I'll keep away from beeching protector or not. There are just too many bad things that can happen running your boat aground.



TOXIC

 

[TrepMan]

Tox - Just trade that poor 'glass boat in on a Tin boat and fogetaboutit!!!