Ranger hull repair

[BigTuna25]

I have a 198 that has some wear I on the bottom from beaching. How would this be repair along with what kind of cost?

[Rangerjeff]

Is that more than just paint?

[BigTuna25]

Ya there is a scratch or two that is deep but not piercing through the hull

[quikcarl61]

Mix up some Marine Tec for the deeper scratches, apply it like bondo or drywall compound, thin while sanding between coats, then paint over it.

[FloridaFlyer]

Fix it like said above and put a keel protector on it...before you do real damage.

[jtracc]

Try the jb weld marine putty it’s pretty good stuff as well and sands good.

[jtrac]

Hmmm. Didn't know a keel protector could be put on an aluminum. What brand?

[Rangerjeff]

Hmmm. Didn't know a keel protector could be put on an aluminum. What brand?

I have a keel shield by gator guard on my 188. Been on there a year and love it

[jtrac]

I have a keel shield by gator guard on my 188. Been on there a year and love it

What length?

[King_Fish]

What length?

I was advised against it on my 198...

[jtrac]

I was advised against it on my 198...

Come to think about it my salesman said that when I asked about one. Any idea why?

[Snakebait]

I also put a keel shield on my ‘17 198p. I installed it just over 2 years ago, and no issues at all. Most people advise against it because they don’t follow the prep/install instructions to a T. That’s when they have issues.

[FloridaFlyer]

I put a Keel Shield on another aluminum boat about 5 years ago and it has been fine. I have not put one on the RT because it does not see the same type of use --- but I would not be adverse to doing it. Just clean and prep it real good. On the other boat I put a small bead of heavy duty silicone glue all the way around the edge as a precaution but I am not sure it needed it....There was so much "advice" to not use one on aluminum that I went the extra step but never had a problem at all.

Another reason I have not put one on the RT is the heavy duty extruded aluminum all the way down the centerline. I think they have different widths...if they do and I had a RT, I would get a wide piece.

[King_Fish]

Come to think about it my salesman said that when I asked about one. Any idea why?

Can't get a good enough seal because of the extruded center line down the keel. That's what they advised and I listened to them... But then again, I rarely beach my boat, or have a need to.