keel guard vs keel shield

[popscox]

I am getting ready to install a keel guard on my 19' center console bay boat and am undecided which one to buy. I was wandering which one is the easiest to install. I am 62 yrs. old and not quite as nimble any more and from every thing i've seen and read they appear to pretty simple.

 

[Philster]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

Keel Shield is supposed to be less prone to cracking (it's more flexible than Keel Guard which uses PVC).

Both are similar in performance. The former goes on with a little roller they give you; the latter goes on with a plastic spatula they give you.

Some people swear by one; some people swear by the other.

Here's how you install Keel Shield :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q42qqfafjpk

Here's how to install Keel Guard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giUZl_6-SFs

Maybe ya can pay some kid five bucks to get under there to clean 'er up!

 

[popscox]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

I am getting ready to install a keel guard on my 19' center console bay boat and am undecided which one to buy. I was wandering which one is the easiest to install. I am 62 yrs. old and not quite as nimble any more and from every thing i've seen and read they appear to pretty simple.

Thanks for your response. I viewed the youtube videos and they look like they are installed the same way.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

I have installed Keel Guard, about three years ago. So far, so good.

Caution: You need some serious arm strength to install either. My experience was the little plastic "roller" they send you is junk. Thankfully, I had another from a previous home job. Buy a steel one.

Install either on the hottest day you have. I set mine, out in the driveway, in the sun, for a couple hours before I installed it. It could be done in the winter but everything has to be WARM!

Overall, I am very satisfied with mine. No adhesion issues and it allows me to "beach" on some pretty tough shores.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

there is a MUCH better way than the roller or spatula thingy.. Get yourself a small dead blow hammer and go to town! (with light blows though, don't go overboard!) The impact sets the adhesive better than a little roller or spatula ever would, and it isn't nearly as tiring beating on something with a hammer. (did mine like that 3 years ago, not a hint of coming loose. I'm pretty sure I'd have chunks of gel coat if I tried to remove it.)

 

[dave11]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

Another thing you might think about is running the guard/shield all the way up to the gunnel. I have seen that done, and it makes for a cleaner look.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

I installed an 8' keel guard on my 19' searay. I used the florida sun to warm the keel guard to make installation a breeze. I loved it when pulling onto sand beaches along the ICW.

 

[NorthportTroller]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

I bought and correctly installed the Keel Guard product and I am disgusted to see this happening a year later. Any recommendations on how to fix this or keep it from getting worse? It started coming off the adhesive about 2 weeks ago. It also wore through on the bottom from beaching on small gravel. I feel this product was a waste of money for what it says it is supposed to do.

 

[doyall]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

One of the methods to making either product stay on better is to run a bead of 3M 5200 marine adhesive around the perimeter of the shield. The Keel Guard people provided me this info regarding reattaching product that has come loose:

"ADHESIVES

WEST SYSTEM SIX10 – MARINE STORES

PLEXUS MA 300 (ITW)- NORTH AMERICAN COMPOSITES

DEVCON 14300 (ITW) – HOME DEPOT/LOWES

ANCHOR TITE – HOME DEPOT/LOWES

PERMA POXY – PEP BOYS

FLEX SET (ITW) – BOATER’S WORLD/MARINE STORES

The above list is just a few names of products that will re-adhere the KeelGuard. There are many others on the market. These are all basically the same product, but marketed under different names. You want to look for a 2-part epoxy/adhesive that sets in about 15 minutes and is hardened in about 3-4 hours. The application should specify vinyl, urethane, etc., and for marine use."

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

No experience with the Keelshield, but I did install a Keelgaurd successfully. Key for me was taking my time.

First, I measured and marked the center line, (My boat has a rather round keel) then marked the outer edges plus about 3/32" (Because that's as close to perfect as I know I can place the gaurd. Then I lined theseouter edges with masking tape. I used a vibratory sander to scuff the surface, then wiped down twice with acetone. This prep process took me about 2 hours.

Then I took lunch, because I was hungry, and to force myself to slow down, and review the entire prosess. The application took about 30 minutes. I used the spatula thingy provided, the followed up with a heavy rubber mallet.

Really not a big deal, if I can do it, I'm sure you can too.

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

Our local Line-X dealer is now spraying these on with GREAT results. Might be worth checking with your local shop.

 

[gxl185]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

I bought and correctly installed the Keel Guard product and I am disgusted to see this happening a year later. Any recommendations on how to fix this or keep it from getting worse? It started coming off the adhesive about 2 weeks ago. It also wore through on the bottom from beaching on small gravel. I feel this product was a waste of money for what it says it is supposed to do.

Try contacting them with your pictures and I bet they will send you a new one. KeelGuard is supposed to have a lifetime warranty. I have had them on my last 2 boats and loved them.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: keel guard vs keel shield

Gentlemen you are hashing out a thread from LAST YEAR. These older threads are being resurrected by our new people.