ak47soulja22 Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 The boat I bought didn't come with a keel guard and I need (want) to get one. My question is, are all keel guards made equal? I plan on installing it myself and I see that there are at least 2 "main" brands. There is Keel Guard by Megaware and Keel Shield by GatorGuard. So, is there one better than the other? Im sure I will have more questions when my brain turns on a little more. Thanks for your help in advance. Quote
Super User South FLA Posted March 28, 2014 Super User Posted March 28, 2014 I think both are good, if installing yourself Hamby's also makes a self install keel guard. I have a Hamby's custom install on one boat and a Keel Shield self install on the other. When self installing make sure you prep surface as the directions say and after it dries run a bead of 3m 5200 around the entire edge http://www.hambys.com/light-duty.html Quote
Super User MarkH024 Posted March 28, 2014 Super User Posted March 28, 2014 I have a Keel Guard, and it doesn't get any easier to put it on than it was. Its been on my boat for 5 seasons with no sign of peeling or serious wear and that includes beaching my boat in sand occasionally. A monkey is capable of doing it so you should be just fine considering you're human. Quote
Traveler2586 Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 Beware of the length of a guard if you have a in-hull transducer in the rear of your boat. I had a Keel Guard by Megaware installed that was too long and it produced cavitation bubbles that interfered with my depth finder as I gained speed. I contacted the manufacture for help and they referred me to Hamby's because they do more bass boats; their both good friends and work together on many subjects. As it turned out I had to cut several feet off to correct the problem. I believe the guy that ordered and installed the Keel Guard ordered a guard intended for a pleasure boat, not a bass boat. If you look at the link South FLA provided above, a Beaching Bumper is out of the water when your on plane and therefore not a problem. Through many Forum discussions I found that most dealer installed guards on Rangers are Beaching Bumpers. Good luck on your guard.... Quote
ak47soulja22 Posted March 28, 2014 Author Posted March 28, 2014 I think both are good, if installing yourself Hamby's also makes a self install keel guard. I have a Hamby's custom install on one boat and a Keel Shield self install on the other. When self installing make sure you prep surface as the directions say and after it dries run a bead of 3m 5200 around the entire edge http://www.hambys.com/light-duty.html 1st thanks for the responses, SouthFLA I just visited their website and didn't find a price, do you remember what you paid? Em sure its priced different due to length but an idea would help. the boat is 20'9" Never mind I saw they run about 200. sorry I didn't dig deep enough the first time. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted March 28, 2014 Super User Posted March 28, 2014 I have a Keel Guard, and it doesn't get any easier to put it on than it was. Its been on my boat for 5 seasons with no sign of peeling or serious wear and that includes beaching my boat in sand occasionally. A monkey is capable of doing it so you should be just fine considering you're human. Wonder if Raider is looking to make some extra cash 1 Quote
scwildbill Posted March 31, 2014 Posted March 31, 2014 Minnow, Both are easy to install. Keelshield (from Gator-Guards.com) comes with a lifetime warranty. I've had one on my boat for the past 10 years with no problems and I beach mine on the ramp quite often. Check your PM.. Quote
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