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Anyone know if there is a real diference between KeelGuard and KeelShield? I'm thinking about installing one of these hull prtoctors on my Stratos and would happily save myself $30 or so by going with the KeelShield if no performance difference.

Thanks

I had the same ? about a yr ago and just finally went with Keelshield, can't remember why though. I do have a followup questions to yours. Mine is still in the package in my garage, so, I was wondering if the adhesive has any kind of limited shelf life? I really need to get it on soon! I hope someone can give you some advice, EATSLEEPFISH.
Thanks!

I put the best on my TR-20 - an original Hamby's Protector Beaching Bumper. They aren't cheap and you can't install it yourself, but a Hamby's will still be doing it's job long after your Keel Guard or KeelShield has come off or worn out. I launch alone almost 100% of the time. I hook a 25' rope on the bow eye and loop the other end over the winch stand. Back in and float the boat off, pull forward and drag the boat up onto the ramp a bit, back up a little & unhook, then park the truck. It's been on for a year and shows zero signs of wear. I had one on my BassCat for 3 years and it was bearly scuffed when I sold that boat. Give Roger Satterfield a call at 1-800-742-2813 if you have any questions.



Oh, and guess who sells and installs them in SC -- Martin's Marine.

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Jim Johns - ReelDoc

jim@heartlandtackleservice.com

Martin's Marine does not install the Hamby's anymore. When Michael's father Robert ran the service shop he installed them. They are very difficult to install and everything depends on the weather...they have to be put on at the right temp.

We do install the keel guards and have had no problems with them!

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Stacie Martin

I would put the Keelshield on there. I have several friends that are on their Pro Staff here in S.C. If you have any questions at all, I can put you in contact with them.....

Honestly the keel sheild and the keel guard are pretty much the same thing.

Both will do the job.

Mike

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One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.....

Here is my .02, New Boat from the plant, Hamby's. Fiberglass needs to be ground off the boat and it uses epoxy to adhere to the hull must be installed by a dealer or ordered/installed from the plant. Most new boats offer this as an option. After market installation, Hambys lite, Keelshield (thicker and more adhesive strips than Keelguard), Keelguard. It is better to have any of the above then none at all. All ob the above do require prep work on the hull and Stacie is right they are temperature sensitive at install time must be 70* or above. Which ever one you choose read the directions, take a break, re-read the directions, take a break and re-re-read the directions . Once you start to apply it you better be on the mark because it is on and you can't slide it around and it is a 2 man job. One can do it but it is a pain, I've done 4 Keelshields and it takes about 2-2 1/2 hours to do.
Hardcore them Prostaffers wouldn't happen to be from Charleston/Monks Corner would they !

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I'm not fluent in Idiot could you please speak slowly?

Not sure which I bought but I know it wasn't Hamby's because I didn't have the choice at the time. I installed it w/ my son's help after properly marking the area with a pencil and prepping the area ( per instructions 3m Scotchbrite pad, acetone? some type of cleaner ). you need 4 hands to hold it when you start.
So far after 2 yrs it still works/ looks great.
Any one of the 3 would be a great investment to any boat.
I would have to believe the 1 still in the garage for a yr would still be good, otherwise they would have an expiration date on them.

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Dave
(Michigander at heart! Go Red Wings!)

Thanks for the replies. Based on what I’ve heard so far, I’m leaning toward the KeelShield and after looking at their installation instructions on the web, it'll be a few months before I can install (70+ degrees is indeed required), so there’s plenty of time for more comments.

Speaking of temperature, the temp outside just hit 72 degrees and the rain has yet to show up. Naturally, I'm stuck….I mean happy to be here at work all weekend…I trust there’s some lunkers coming out of the water today!