Anyone use Keel Gaurd or Keel Shield?

[bunker108]

I was wondering if anyone has used any of these products, or if they will even work with the shape of the keel on our aluminum boats?

We are taking a trip to the lake and I am planning on beaching my boat overnight on the sandy shore where we are camping. I want to protect the bottom of the boat but I am not sure these products will work. I also don't know if the cost is worth it. I might be better of just refinishing the keel if damage occurs.

Let me know if anyone has any experience with these products. Also let me know if there are any tricks to keeping my boat on the beach overnight.

Thanks!

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Anyone use Keel Gaurd or Keel Shield?

Not sure why you would want a keel gaurd on a aluminum boat. I'm assuming it is painted aluminum, if not don't wrry about it. I have never owned one though.

Beaching is fairly easy but there are precautions I take when beached over night. On the river here, I rarely even tie off the boat if I am just going to be close to the boat but if over nighting, I will wedge the anchor off the bow. Also run a line from the stern cleats on both sides of the boat to a tree or sand spikes so the wind, current or boat wakes boat don't pull the stern of the boat up or down river. I also keep the keys with me if leaving the boat to explore.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Anyone use Keel Gaurd or Keel Shield?

One of the reasons I like an aluminum hull is the ability to smack it off of stuff without care or worry

 

[dozerII]

Re: Anyone use Keel Gaurd or Keel Shield?

I was wondering if anyone has used any of these products, or if they will even work with the shape of the keel on our aluminum boats?

We are taking a trip to the lake and I am planning on beaching my boat overnight on the sandy shore where we are camping. I want to protect the bottom of the boat but I am not sure these products will work. I also don't know if the cost is worth it. I might be better of just refinishing the keel if damage occurs.

Let me know if anyone has any experience with these products. Also let me know if there are any tricks to keeping my boat on the beach overnight.


Thanks!

If you have keel rollers, they say the keel gaurd will not stay attached where it sits in the rollers. I too was worried about the finnish on the keel of my 16 SS when beached. The answer I found was a rubber wash bay mat sold at Costco or large harware chains. They are 3'X3' perforated rubber, you just throw it on the beach and pull the bow up onto it.
://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/chinaexact/product-detailIqHJwSmEsfpW/China-Wash-Bay-Mat.html
Glen