Keel protectors?

[sheral]

Did a search and didn't find anything so wondering if anyone has used any of the polymer composite or kevlar keel protectors? Seems there are a few different types out there. As our beaches are very shallow here and it would me nice to gently 'keel into' the sand to load and unload at times, we are wondering if anyone has applied any of the keel protectors on their boats and what your experiences are with them.

Ones/ideas I see out there are:
KeelGuard;
KeelShield;
Hamby's beaching bumper;
and some people swear by spraying a strip of Line-X.

Thanks...

 

[NorthernFocus]

You might check over on the C-Brats site. A lot of those dory folks beach their boats... intentionally I mean 😀

 

[fran uteg]

Hi Sheral, I tried the Keelguard last year on my "21" and it didn't work out. The 3M adhesive backing worked well on the flat surface of the keel but the Keelguard material itself was too inflexible, even when heated, to make the sharp radius transition from the flat keel surface to the hull side. I tried trimming the guard to just the flat surface of the keel but that left the side edges unprotected and the whole six foot run eventually broke loose. I finally cleaned the whole bottom and put on several coats of Pettit copper anti-fouling. I thought of using a 1" X 6' piece of half round brass stock but was hesitant to drill the hull to mount it. Just my experience with hull protection ....... hope it helps with your decision 😉 ...... Fran

 

[RobMcClain]

This summer we had a keel guard installed on our C-Dory 23. We did this because we often boat in lakes with rocky shorelines and wanted the extra protection in the event we want to cautiously beach the boat. Because the bottom of the boat is painted, and was due to be repainted, we first had to take off all the paint in the location of the installation (i.e., only that small strip where the guard would be placed). This had to be done so the guard would adhere directly to the hull and not to the paint. This is critical because if it adheres to the paint then the guard will come off when any paint does - it will not be directly adhered to the hull and if the paint flakes the guard will loosen.

So far we are very happy with the install and the guard in general. So if your boat already has bottom paint just be sure to sand off the paint in that area before the guard is glued into place.

Rob

 

[sheral]

Thanks for the replies.

Here is what I have learned so far...

I called both KeelGuard and KeelShield. Both reps told me that the radius of the bow on Ranger Tugs is too sharp for their guards to fasten properly. I also asked about just doing the keel but they said that the guards must begin about 6"-9" above the water line.

I also called the factory for Line-X spray coatings and was told that although the spray on would likely work, they don't test it in a submerged water environment.

hmmmmm...

 

[sheral]

I have also talked with 'Hamby's Beaching Bumper' people. They also state that the curve at the bow/keel is too sharp to allow their product to fit properly.

They did however say that if there was enough demand that they would make a bumper to fit the Ranger Tug(s).

The search continues....