Keel protectors/beaching bumpers?

[stickbait]

Has anyone out ther ever installed a keel protector? I was going to install one from bass pro for $160.00. The guy at the boat shop said it would last 1 yr. and that he would install one for me for $450.00 that would be permanent. Has anyone had any experience with these protectors? Thanks in advance.

[KyBass1]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jan-22-06 AT 11:00AM (EST)[/font][p]Stickbait: I had a Hamby`s beaching bumber on my previous boat for 8 years with no problems. It still looked good when I traded it in. They are expensive. They have a light duty model you can install yourself. My current boat had a keel guard on it when I got it. It doesnt look as good as the Hamby`s (just my opinion) but it`s doing fine so far. I`ve had it for a year.

If the one your dealer wants to install is a Hamby`s, and your planning on keeping your boat for several years, thats not a bad price IMO.

http://www.hambys.com/

http://www.keelguard.com/

[Chefdave]

I have a keelguard and boy is it nice, it's been on my boat for years and is still in great shape.

[bkehl]

2 years ago I purchased a KeelGuard from BassPro and installed it on my new Stratos 195ProXL, it was easy to put on and I have not had any problems, I had a Hanby put on my last boat at shop up here and it cost near $400.00, the KeelGuard is just as good in my opinion and saved me some money. Just follow the directions. I not trying to take any thing away from the place that told you it would not last. I fish every weekend and Tuesday nights up here, my boat is in the water a lot. and gets beached more than docked.
Good luck
Bkehl

[skee53]

I installed a Keelgard on my boat about 4 yrs. ago. While it was not a "snap," it can be done by most people, but you have to follow the directions to the tee, if you want it to last. I don't "drive" up on to concrete ramps or rocks but I have beached carefully on them several times, as I often fish alone, and there is not a dock near by. I have had no proplem with it, and only wish I had done it sooner, as I did do some minor damnage to my keel, before I put it on. Oh and that's another thing, don't install it over damage that is into the glass, a little scape is OK, but if you have penetrated the smooth coat be sure to repair that first. Remember, it doesn't have to be a pretty patch, your going to cover it up. But don't cover a raw spot, or your asking for trouble. Moisture will permeate the opening and cause rot. You can bet my next boat will get a Keegard, when I by it new. Good Fishing Mate.