Keelguard

Sonar · 02 February 2010, 19:22

Keelguard Self adhesive strip that protects the keel when beaching ect.

Has any body fitted this ?

was it worth the expense ?

Any alternatives to the above product.. in the U.K.

Downhilldai · 02 February 2010, 19:30

Yes, I fitted one to my current RIB. Easy job and gives a bit of protection if you beach the boat or leave it dry out on a mooring from time to time. Bit expensive though.

Razorbill RIBs · 02 February 2010, 22:03

Fitted one a few months back....packaging says something along the lines of 'not suitable for trailers /where weight sits on a central roller' IIRC.

Mine does sit with some weight on a central roller (and is on and off trailer LOTS...hence need for protection) and i'm pleased to say is holding up fine!

Fitted mine at a friends bodyshop (car type, not fair trade soap)....really good prep and plenty of heat (both on strip before fitting and with a heat gun when fitting was a BIG help.

DHD is right, bloody expensive, but i got mine from a chandlers in Boston MA for around £70 (21ft boat)....MUCH cheaper than in UK (and cheap by US standards too). Might be worth looking at the states anyway?

One of the best additions i've made

Downhilldai · 02 February 2010, 23:07

Yep, mine came from the US too.

I bought enough to run from the bow eye right to the planing pad, rather than just a piece for the bow section, as recommended in the sales blurb. This gives protection to the entire keel, should the boat dry out, rather than just the bow section which touches the bottom when nudging into a steeply sloping beach.

Hightower · 02 February 2010, 23:49

Just wondering if a long narrow strip of thin gauge stainless 316 would do the job of protecting the keel? I'm not sure what thickness you'd need to be able to easily bend it around the radius that most RIB keels seem to have, but perhaps someone's tried it.

Would be a much cheaper alternitive.

willk · 03 February 2010, 15:03

I've seen it done - I thought it was a bit poxy looking - the ends didn't look neat and there was a gappy bit here and there as the radius changed. Might just have been the fitter but I think the material just didn't have the flex.

Leapy · 03 February 2010, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

I thought it was a bit poxy looking

See one in stainless too...it was a lot poxy. Looked like it had been made by a farrier

Sonar · 03 February 2010, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leapy

See one in stainless too...it was a lot poxy. Looked like it had been made by a farrier

That's why I won't use a stainless steel one.
Bending and fixing it into what ?

I think the rubber is better but as I have mentioned before there must be other suppliers with a similar item ...

Razorbill RIBs · 03 February 2010, 16:10

"I think the rubber is better but as I have mentioned before there must be other suppliers with a similar item ... [/QUOTE]"

When I looked there was a similar product called Keel Shield IIRC.....here you go http://keelshield.com/

My recolection was that they were both much of a muchness. The Keel Guard type seemed the more popular and seems to do what it says on the tin...the adhesion is very impressive....very happy with it.

On that basis, i'd be trying to find the cheapest deal I could in the US....I doubt you'll find a significantly cheaper product elsewhere (but happy to be proved wrong).

Andy B · 03 February 2010, 17:39

got them on my 15' dory (yah i know sorry)
and i find that they are a godsend when launching/recovering on my own.
i can just lift and pull the bow up on the slip while im sorting the trailer out without trashing the hull

Sonar · 03 February 2010, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy B

got them on my 15' dory (yah i know sorry)
and i find that they are a godsend when launching/recovering on my own.
i can just lift and pull the bow up on the slip while im sorting the trailer out without trashing the hull

Well many thanks to all the forum members for there answers .
I will be doing the keel now. Well as soon as I can.

Seems its a great idea and practical to do Shame it cost's so much.

Jizm · 03 February 2010, 20:43

I expect technix could supply something similar, not worth a try?

http://www.technix-rubber.com/

JSP · 05 February 2010, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leapy

See one in stainless too...it was a lot poxy. Looked like it had been made by a farrier

Thanks

Leapy · 05 February 2010, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Thanks

No that's not it, there's no nails

Downhilldai · 05 February 2010, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leapy

No that's not it, there's no nails

How closely have you looked?

Nick Hearne · 05 February 2010, 15:51

Fitted it to my Viper a few years back, to give it protection & to hide all the nicks taken out by my not so careful diving mates!!

Fitted something like 12' went on a treat very easy (as long as the ambient temperature is high or it will not bend!)
My boat did have a roller so that it rested on the K Guard which did make a slight indentation in to it but coursed no problem!
Bought mine direct from Keel Guard in USA (but that was when the pound was worth something!) worked out much cheaper

JSP · 05 February 2010, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leapy

No that's not it, there's no nails

What do you thinks holding the tubes on?