Keel protector

[Brinkley]

I just purchased a Tracker Heritage 40th anniversary edition aluminum boat. I would like to install a keel protector. Anyone have any info on doing this with the Heritage boat. It has an extruded keel. Was told by local installer for Hamby products they would not go on and seal probably. Also, recess for trolling motor pedal.

Thanks

[slonezp]

It can be done. Are you going to be beaching on cement ramps? 

[Brinkley]

Probably not intentionally but wanted to protect aluminum keel just in case.

[slonezp]

You can use a Hambys or Keel Shield. Keel Shield lists aluminum boats on their website, Hamby's does not. If your not beaching on cement ramps, it's overkill for an aluminum boat. I beach my Lund on mud, sand and gravel without issue. 

[hooah212002]

11 hours ago, slonezp said:

You can use a Hambys or Keel Shield. Keel Shield lists aluminum boats on their website, Hamby's does not. If your not beaching on cement ramps, it's overkill for an aluminum boat. I beach my Lund on mud, sand and gravel without issue. 

What about rock?

[NickBarrFishing]

@Brinkley Congrats on the new Tracker purchase! 

 

A Gator Guards KeelShield will work great on your Tracker, it's more than pliable enough to go around the center keel beam and will provide protection against concrete ramps and harsh rocky shorelines. I have one installed on my 03 Tracker ProV 18 and ended up writing an entire tips blog about installing one on a tin hull. Laying in the sun to warm and soften it up, and using marine sealant around the edges, especially the front and rear - will ensure a solid seal. 

 

You can check out that tips blog here: https://www.gator-guards.com/tips-install-keelshield-aluminum-boats/

 

Do let me know if you have any questions - always here to help! 

 

 

[Brinkley]

Thank you for the info. I will look into the keel shield. Local dealer/installer for Hamby stared “ it won’t seal properly on the extruded keel on that Heritage boat and may not stay on because water would get behind it.”

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, @Brinkley!

 

Looks like you've got your answer.

[tander]

Good info, always hear that you couldn't put a keel protector on aluminum.

[NickBarrFishing]

@Brinkley Thank you for taking a look. I updated the link in the post that will take you directly to the aluminum KeelShield blog - the first link didn't work. 

 

In regards to your dealers comments - that's why the use of marine sealant is very important. As you can see in my photo I have a bead of 3M 4200 sealant covering up the small gaps you are going to experience going over the extruded keel. As long as the front and rear leading edges are sealed well and make sure the Shield starts 6-9" above the waterline, you are good to go. The key is to get the edges sealed so no water cannot works its way in

 

Heating up the KeelShield in the sun or using a hairdryer will make it a bit softer so you can really contour to those bends and end up with the most minimal gap possible. 

 

Always feel free to reach out if you have any questions!