Anyone have thoughts on installing a Keelguard on your fiberglass boat? Experiences? I see the usefulness in protecting the boat, but are there any drawbacks of having one?

I am painting my fiberglass boat now but as soon as its done YES.

I dont know any drawbacks but when i go get it ill ask and shoot a pm if no one has answered since than.

Do ya think it would slow the boat down a bit (Obviously nothing visible) or may make it a little rougher than a smothe bottom?

Peeling off? I dont know but im gona try it i just hope its worth it .

Do you know a good place to get one?

BTech,

I don't know if it will affect performance, but its a good question.  I bought one last weekend at BPS ($152 for one to fit a 20ft boat).  I haven't put it on yet and I thought last minute to ask here on the forum.  Cold feet on my part perhaps, cause i get a little nervous when it comes to modifying my boat in any way.   ;D

I would like to know also as I have been thinking about putting one on my boat myself. As far as installation goes it seems plain and simple but has anyone come acrossed it peeling off?

I have a Hamby's keel protector. Performance I am not sure if it helps because I had it put on my boat before it saw water. What I can tell you is they are invaluable. I can literally pull up on a concrete ramp to let my partner off . It also protects when you beach you boat in general. Good investment!! By the way it is still as stuck on as tight as the day I bought it.

Would never order another boat without one! Last two had them. Not even in the water on plane so how could it affect performance ?

I have a Hamby's keel protector. Performance I am not sure if it helps because I had it put on my boat before it saw water. What I can tell you is they are invaluable. I can literally pull up on a concrete ramp to let my partner off . It also protects when you beach you boat in general. Good investment!! By the way it is still as stuck on as tight as the day I bought it.

Mine too.  We may own brothers.

Thanks for the advice folks.  I'll report back after I install it (Hopefully tomorrow if the temp is up enough here.)

Mines been on for 4 or 5 years now and its shows no signs of coming off. I know people who have had them on even longer. So I'd say the adhesive is pretty good.

As was pointed out, it shouldn't be in the water when you are running so there should be effect on performance.

The guard is designed to protect the boat. It has no value from a performance standpoint. Simply a design to protect. Heck it's not even in the water when you are up on the pad.

:)Ok guys, I put it on yesterday and it was an easy project.  All in all, it took about an hour.  It was pretty much a non-event.  Thanks for everyone's advice.  

Mine should be on my door step today I will install it this weekend. YEEEE HAW!