Keel Guard on an Express hull?

[Lowerider58]

I’ve got a 2025 Express H20Crappie boat. There’s times that it would be easier to beach my boat at some ramps I use on my home lake.

I’ve been wondering if they will stick good on a painted aluminum boat?

[Highcentered]

In my research this is the one you want. I've heard mixed reviews of whether or not a keel guard will stay stuck to the hull. PREP WORK IS EVERYTHING!!! My dealer told me to let him know if I find one that will stick and stay there so I let my keel get where it looks like I pulled it down the road without a trailer before finally deciding enough is enough. I put white on my black hull about a month ago so I can keep an eye on it easier and catch any peeling before it gets where I can't glue it back. No peeling yet so there's that...Also, make sure you go heavy on the silicone around the keep guard after install.
KeelShield Keel Guard | Bass Pro Shops

[JOEALLY]

I have been back and forth about adding one to my X21. I launch in a few places that I need to pull up on the ramp so it would be a great addition but I’ve heard about the concern over it sticking long term on the aluminum as well. My tournament partner had a keel guard comes off of his (fiberglass boat) and it did a number on his lower unit and prop. Even so, I will probably add one this year and hope for the best.

[javjoe]

When I asked my dealer about one when I bought my boat he mentioned having it spray lined.

I would rather do that if it was me!

[bassfreaks]

I’m having a Hamby’s keel guard installed on mine in a few weeks. Has anybody ever had one of these installed?

[Wags]

I had the Hamby’s Original on my Stroker and wanted the same for my X19 but Hamby’s said it would not work on a metal boat. With that said the Megware they have will work I was told.

[Kevin R.]

I have a keelshield on my '01. I had to sand the area down a little and use acetone to clean it well before installing it. Follow the instructions and it has held on good for years.

[Highcentered]

I will add that I check my Gator guard for separation every time my boat comes out of the water. I may lax up on that eventually but still don't fully trust it YET.

[Lowerider58]

I’m liking the idea of spraying the keel with bed liner material. It does concern me that a keel guard could come off and possibly damage the prop or lower unit.

I have a friend that is a retired auto body repairman that has done quite a few spray in bed liners in trucks.

I think Ill talk to him about it and I’m pretty sure he’ll do it when he’s down here visiting his dad.

[Highcentered]

I just wonder how bed liner would handle concrete ramps. That's why I decided to roll the dice with a Gator guard.

[wishiwasfishin2]

Had mine on since 2015. I always beach. Just wish I had installed a little further back, but has held up well to sand, rock and concrete.

[jetjoe99]

Megaware or Hambys?

[JOEALLY]

The sprayed liner idea has me thinking. My son and I sprayed the interior of a boat he had with raptor liner one time and it turned out great. I also know there are now roll on and spray can bedliner materials.

[Wags]

Interesting read about the bed liner.

https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=797786

[Fuzzy12]

I’ve had a Hambys for 2 years on my x21, no issues.

[wishiwasfishin2]

Megaware and put on myself.

[Hickory Legend]

Keelshield on my X19 since early 2000. Its no longer my boat but still on there!!!