keel savers

[phillnjack]

are those plastic strips (keel savers keel protectors etc ) really any good or just an expensive gimmick. i like the idea but when i read that it only sticks on with double sided tape it got me wondering if its any good or not.<br />i have a 15 foot dell quay dory ( looks like a bostan whaler but better ) and we do beach our boat and i think that protecting the v hull is a very good idea. any help please

 

[PAkev]

Re: keel savers

Can't fairly comment on the two products which I believe you are referring to (keelshield and keelguard) but I purchased something similar from a marine dealer which is made from kevlar material and epoxied on the bow of my 16 footer. The process was kind of messy but it is nearly bullet proof and very durable. Problem is the bonding resin was only available in a drab grey color which didn't look good. I have beached many times without concern of damage after this application and am confident it has saved me some repairs.<br /><br />I am getting a new boat in the spring and will probably try one of the other two since they claim to have a lifetime warranty and are also available in several colors to match the hull.<br /><br />Kevin

 

[blifsey]

Re: keel savers

If you don't mind spending the money, a Hamby's Beaching Bumper is supposed to be the best. It has to be dealer installed. They also have a less expensive user installed version.

 

[MrBill]

Re: keel savers

I put keels guards on my Seadoo and boat this Spring. Used an 8 foot one on my 19 ft Bowrider and a 5 ft one on the Seado GTX. They went on easy and stayed on perfectly for the season. Both my craft remain in the water May through October, although the Seadoo is on a lift and not constantly in the water. Some keel guards are not intended for PWC use so get one for the appropriate application. Also, they probably won't go well over paint if it's flaking or peeling.<br /><br />Got mine on eBay for about $40 each. Now that I have them on my boats, I think they're worth the whole retail price of $100. Make sure you prep the hull according to instructions, and then some, to make sure the job is permanent. These are a must for a new boat if you routinely beach yuor boat as I do almost daily.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: keel savers

I put one on my bowrider and it has been just fine after two years. I'd say you would be safe with this product.. Just follow the instructions by the letter.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: keel savers

My Bro-in-law put them on his Crestliner 2 years ago and still going strong. He beaches alot, too!

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: keel savers

Looks like a Boston Whaler but better?? <br /><br />Sorry... Couldn't resist.

 

[phillnjack]

Re: keel savers

yep its better than a whaler. here in the uk we love em we also like the whalers but they dont like the rough weather as much as a dell quay dory. and yes they are unsinkable stable and finnished off nicely