Keel Guard ??????

TB Minnow · 30 November 2007, 21:01

I purchased my first RIB and did not even get a chance to put it in the water before winter set in. So I am already planning upgrades and have a question. What is everyones opinion on "Keel Guards"?http://www.boatersworld.com/product/366975365msk.htm I see several suppliers are marketing them for RIBS.

Are they worth it?

Jeff

jyasaki · 30 November 2007, 22:30

Well, I don't have one. Then again, I have an aluminum hull.

If you run in water where depth may be an issue, I'd say go for it. Likewise if you're going to be beaching your boat regularly.

If you routinely stay in reasonably deep water, and don't beach, I wouldn't bother.

This is just my opinion, though.

BTW, it's time to update your profile. The Achilles was your prior boat, I assume (they don't, as far as I know, have any RIB's.)

Good luck;

jky

memo · 01 December 2007, 06:38

I think there are some issues with Keel guards if the rolers of your trailer are putting direct preassure on it. It is written somewhere on their website i guess.

Nick Hearne · 01 December 2007, 14:04

Fitted it to my last boat as I did a lot of beaching & it worked a treat!
Roller on my trailer did make a small depression in it, but gave no problem, just pick a worm day as it is a pig to work with cold!

TB Minnow · 01 December 2007, 23:58

Achilles does make a RIB. I have the HB140.

I think I will put a guard on my boat for the same reasons Nick pointed out. I do plan on doing some beaching while exploring the islands in my area. I will be sure to watch the roller situation though.

Thanks all!!

Chris · 02 December 2007, 00:08

Ive got one and its mainly proved its worth when I have had a couple of dodgy trailer experiences whislt trying to get the boat on the trailer in a strong tide.

Good for peace of mind although a bit pricey for what it is.

shirehorse · 02 December 2007, 10:25

Does anyone have any pictures of one fitted and what do you attach it with?

GuyP · 02 December 2007, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by shirehorse

Does anyone have any pictures of one fitted and what do you attach it with?

Here's the marketing site, which has pics. It comes with a 3M adhesive backing:

http://www.keelguard.com/keelguard.html

I like the look of the SkegPro and Scuffbuster as well.

BBirnie · 02 December 2007, 14:40

Try doing a search on keelguard here on RIBnet.

shirehorse · 02 December 2007, 19:09

Do they effect handling or cause drag?

Nick Hearne · 03 December 2007, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by shirehorse

Do they effect handling or cause drag?

No to handling You may loose a knot or two!

shirehorse · 03 December 2007, 16:03

They sound like avery good idea to me just wondering why you see so few about or have i just not noticed.

CJL · 04 December 2007, 13:13

These are brilliant and I can't recommend them enough!

When I fitted mine there was no noticable drop in performance and the trailer does not damage the strip at all.

Mine ran down from the bow to halfway down the keel leaving the planning pad free.

Chris

Mike B · 07 December 2007, 19:24

I've had one on mine for the last 3 years and I think it has been beneficial as I occasionally beach.

Earlier this year it started to separate from the hull but only in a small area. A quick note to the UK distributor with a couple of photos and with no hassle they honored their lifetime guarantee and a new one arrived in the post.

I know really it shouldn't have started to come off - but service was fantastic.

Mike

Amber1 · 07 December 2007, 22:30

We have full keel shield on our boat. It's pretty tough. No visible distortion from rollers. It's very good for the odd beaching, particularly if the transom is touching the bottom, and the wave action could lift it if you're unlucky, causing the weight of the engine to damage the keel. As far as speed loss, couldn't comment....nothing to compare it with.