Keel guard recommendations

MississippiBoy · 05-19-10, 05:24 PM

So with the big new-to-me boat, I'll have to launch a little differently than I did with my little 14' boat. Some of the process will probably need to involve me beaching the boat, since a couple of ramps close to me either don't have a dock to tie up to, or if they do, you block all of one ramp when you tie off. So, I need a keelguard so I can beach it on the ramp or somewhere close while I go park the truck.
Who has a keelguard, what kind is it, and do you like it or not? How'd the installation go, etc...? Thanks.

Captmikestarrett · 05-19-10, 06:11 PM

I have always wanted one for my Mako..

I too am interested in the replys.

Capt Mike

bassboogieman · 05-19-10, 06:30 PM

In my opinion the original Hamby's DEALER INSTALLED is the best of the bunch. They are also the most expensive ($600 +) but it is the thickest, best protection you can put on a 'glass boat. Had one on my previous boat and if I was buying new I'd spend the money - you can run up on a concrete ramp or gravel bottoms to beach it with no worries. FOR MIKE: it's also helpful when navigating through all the springtime junk on the Potomac, was there a couple years ago and man that river moves a lot of crap (pun intended) down from DC during the spring rains. OK, that said, my 21' boat I purchased used - it has a Keel Shield on it, and it's 10 years old with no issues. Still tightly adhered to the hull and isn't dinged up that much. It's thinner, and I think a harder rubber (but that could be age) than the original Hambys and this one was installed by the dealer so it's a "pro" install. I have read that many have successfully done the self-install with the Keel Shield with little problem. Hamby's also sells a self-install keel protectior. I think either of those would be just fine. One thing about the Keel Shield - it comes in several colors. The original Hamby's I believe only comes in black. The self-install, I'm not certain if there are color options. But be sure a keel protector is a NECESSARY option on a 'glass boat. I have not heard very many "good" reviews from individuals that have use the Keel Guard, so I'd stick to either of the first two I mentioned.
Headed for the Potomac in the morning - I hear the frog bite is starting, wish me luck!

carolina-rig-01 · 05-20-10, 12:20 PM

I too would go with the Hamby's if at all possible, not that the other brands out there aren't good but Hamby's are the best. My Ranger I just traded off had one and so does the Triton I just got and I won't ever own a boat without one now.

No help here with install but I am sure you can find a lot of good stuff on the internet, probably even find some videos on youtube.

riverfisher · 05-20-10, 01:04 PM

I installed mine on my Triton by myself. I installed a Megaware Keel Guard about 3 years ago the thing is still stuck and working great. I wanna say with prep it might have taken an hour and a half from start to finish just follow directions step by step.

05-19-10, 05:24 PM	#1
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	Keel guard recommendations So with the big new-to-me boat, I'll have to launch a little differently than I did with my little 14' boat. Some of the process will probably need to involve me beaching the boat, since a couple of ramps close to me either don't have a dock to tie up to, or if they do, you block all of one ramp when you tie off. So, I need a keelguard so I can beach it on the ramp or somewhere close while I go park the truck. Who has a keelguard, what kind is it, and do you like it or not? How'd the installation go, etc...? Thanks. __________________ I smell smoke, and I hear sirens. Do you think that's a problem?

05-19-10, 06:11 PM	#2
Captmikestarrett BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accokeek MD Posts: 3,315	I have always wanted one for my Mako.. I too am interested in the replys. Capt Mike __________________ Capt Mike Starrett light tackle guide Potomac River http://www.indianheadcharters.com

05-20-10, 12:20 PM	#4
carolina-rig-01 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Webb City, MO Posts: 6,387	I too would go with the Hamby's if at all possible, not that the other brands out there aren't good but Hamby's are the best. My Ranger I just traded off had one and so does the Triton I just got and I won't ever own a boat without one now. No help here with install but I am sure you can find a lot of good stuff on the internet, probably even find some videos on youtube. __________________ You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough.

05-19-10, 06:30 PM	#3
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	In my opinion the original Hamby's DEALER INSTALLED is the best of the bunch. They are also the most expensive ($600 +) but it is the thickest, best protection you can put on a 'glass boat. Had one on my previous boat and if I was buying new I'd spend the money - you can run up on a concrete ramp or gravel bottoms to beach it with no worries. FOR MIKE: it's also helpful when navigating through all the springtime junk on the Potomac, was there a couple years ago and man that river moves a lot of crap (pun intended) down from DC during the spring rains. OK, that said, my 21' boat I purchased used - it has a Keel Shield on it, and it's 10 years old with no issues. Still tightly adhered to the hull and isn't dinged up that much. It's thinner, and I think a harder rubber (but that could be age) than the original Hambys and this one was installed by the dealer so it's a "pro" install. I have read that many have successfully done the self-install with the Keel Shield with little problem. Hamby's also sells a self-install keel protectior. I think either of those would be just fine. One thing about the Keel Shield - it comes in several colors. The original Hamby's I believe only comes in black. The self-install, I'm not certain if there are color options. But be sure a keel protector is a NECESSARY option on a 'glass boat. I have not heard very many "good" reviews from individuals that have use the Keel Guard, so I'd stick to either of the first two I mentioned. Headed for the Potomac in the morning - I hear the frog bite is starting, wish me luck!

05-20-10, 01:04 PM	#5
riverfisher BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Charlton, New York Posts: 92	I installed mine on my Triton by myself. I installed a Megaware Keel Guard about 3 years ago the thing is still stuck and working great. I wanna say with prep it might have taken an hour and a half from start to finish just follow directions step by step.

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