Keel guard pros and cons

[alphaman]

Im thinking about getting one installed on my boat. but it looks like they dont last long at all.
Ive seen some peeling off of other boats.
Whats the pros and cons for a keel guard.
sent from my Galaxy NOTE II

[Finfeatherfur]

The very first one I ever owned was incredible. Thing was a beast! Sold that boat and wanted another one on the new boat. Well, after 3 trips to the fiberglass shop getting it re-installed, I have none!

The ones sold at Academy are crap. The ones sold commercially are good, but they do not hold like the old ones for some reason. Save your money - small damage to the keel is not that expensive to repair, and major damage is covered by insurance. Just my 2 cents.

[sacalaitman]

I had one of the old ones and that thing was a beast. Now itd only half on cuz of a boat trailer mishap

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

[yigodiver]

I have always had one on every boat, go with Hamby's best money can buy, are a bit expensive.

I have hit many things, especially boat ramp when loading.

You won't be disappointed.

[Montauk17]

Originally Posted by yigodiver

I have always had one on every boat, go with Hamby's best money can buy, are a bit expensive.

I have hit many things, especially boat ramp when loading.

You won't be disappointed.

I second the hamby's....the other brands are no match. You have to let a dealer install them they won't sell over the counter. http://www.hambys.com/

[flounder_smacker]

id get a skeg guard before a keel guard. if you run up on a reef what are the chances that you will only impact the keel? you will hit more stuff with the motor than the boat. just my opinion.

[Montauk17]

Skeg guards will rip the whole skeg off...the holes you drill to install the guard will stress under impact and crack.

[flounder_smacker]

Originally Posted by Montauk17

Skeg guards will rip the whole skeg off...the holes you drill to install the guard will stress under impact and crack.

i always stuck them on with 5200. to me the stainless looks better than a skeg with all the paint scratched off. never heard of someone ripping the whole skeg off.

[Montauk17]

Originally Posted by flounder_smacker

i always stuck them on with 5200. to me the stainless looks better than a skeg with all the paint scratched off. never heard of someone ripping the whole skeg off.

It happens

[Dogface]

Originally Posted by Montauk17

It happens

It happens a lot! I have knocked off 5 or 6 in my young and dumb days.

[wishin i was fishin]

good info on the keel guards. like alphaman, i was getting ready to head to academy and get one. Yall saved me some $$$.

[BenFishing62]

I used a megaware keel guard from west marine on my last boat. This thing was invincible and fairly easy to install. I will put one on my next boat for sure.

[I make oil]

I am having a nick on my skeg fixed right now. $100.00. Thought of a skeg guard but its cheap enough to have them fixed.

[jchief]

I have one on my boat. First one started coming off, brought it back to Toledo Fiberglass. They replaced it and no problems since then.