jon boat keel protection

[Basher 55]

I just purchased a used C-sprite 18 foot Jon boat. I'm concerned about the keel as I fish a river with just a ramp (no docks) so beaching it all the time will scrape the keel. This boat has some wear on the keel already. There is no pronounced keel like on a semi V, but rather four keels. Other than purchasing expensive keel protectors, is there any other way to protect not only the keel as well as the bottom. I've read about using garden hose? If so what type of adhesive would be used to attached it. Also is there any benefit to painting the bottom with a rhino lining for added protection. Thanks, Basher 55

 

[SC's Forever!]

Re: jon boat keel protection

Basher...I've never heard of using garden hose as keel protector....I higly doubt they would stay attached by any method.......As far as Rhino Lining.....on the outside of the hull????? DEFINITELY NOT..unless you will be satisfied with your hull going 6 to 8 MPH!!!! You want the hull exterior to be as SMOOTH as possible.....ANY roughness will cause a decrease in driven speed......
I Suggest you get an old piece of thick carpet to lay on the beach/ramp to protect your hull...
IF you want to use the Rhino Lining(or similar) apply it to just the 4 keels for about a foot or foot and a half where they would contact the ramp...but by NO MEANS apply it to the entire bottom!!!!! Jim

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: jon boat keel protection

Drift boat user's and a few people that frequent river's with rocky bottoms have been using gluvit as a bottom coating on the exterior of the hull.

Read this article http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/gluvit.htm and it will probably be the most effective.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: jon boat keel protection

You can try Steelflex they put it on airboat hulls. Some duck boats have Ice Runners which are pieces of aluminum angle welded to the small keels. There great for running your boat up onto the ice and breaking through to get to your blind.

 

[Basher 55]

Re: jon boat keel protection

Thanks Guys,for the advice, I guide on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River in Northeast Pa. Most ramps are in poor condition. Beaching cannot be avoided. I thought there might be an alternative to keel guards since they are expensive. But it looks like it will be money well spent. Again thanks for the advice. Basher55