Inside Edge

Installing A KeelGuard

As fishermen we need to go where the fish are. This means maneuvering our boats through stumps, rocks, and logs. Over time this will damage the keel of your boat resulting in expensive repairs. Whether you own a fiberglass or aluminum boat, installing a KeelGuard will prevent this damage from occurring.

You might ask yourself what is a KeelGuard? KeelGuard is a composite comprised of a blend of polymers and urethanes with special plasticizers and UV inhibitors to provide the very best blending of abrasion resistance and bonding qualities. Bonding is achieved with an advanced 3M pressure sensitive adhesive tape already bonded to the KeelGuard. What does all that jargon mean? Simply, that Keelguard has hired the best boat designers and engineers from 3M to design and build a product that will stand up to just about anything. So much so, that they offer a full replacement lifetime warranty on the product. And it’s pretty darn easy to install too! By simply preparing the keel with the provided tools and primer, the KeelGuard adheres to the keel creating a permanent bond, giving years of protection and performance.

Selecting the correct KeelGuard for your boat is a breeze. Determine the length of your boat and refer to the chart on our website or on the KeelGuard package.

The great thing about a KeelGuard is you can install it yourself in less than an hour. Installation consists of four basic steps: 1) Etching 2) Cleaning 3) Priming and 4) Applying or Burnishing. (Remember to always wear gloves and safety glasses during the installation process.)

1. Etching: The etching process is simply scuffing the installation area on the boat’s keel. Each KeelGuard kit contains a 3M Scotchbrite pad designed for scuffing the designated area. This step is extremely important and must be done thoroughly to insure the full bonding qualities of the 3M adhesive.
2. Cleaning: After the etching process, follow-up by thoroughly cleaning the area with alcohol, acetone, toluene, or zylene. The keel should be wiped clean with rags or paper towels, and then re-wiped with another clean rag using one of the above solvents. Do not use paint thinner or other petroleum based cleaners as they will leave a film and compromise the bond to the adhesive.
3. Priming: Now it is time to apply the primer furnished in your KeelGuard kit. Make certain the entire area where the KeelGuard will be applied is primed, especially the edges. The primer interacts with the adhesive to create a bond that will become stronger over time. Be sure to follow the instructions attached to the applicator.
4. Applying: Before applying your KeelGuard it is best to unroll it and set it in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the KeelGuard to become softer and makes it much easier to work with. If you are going to install your KeelGuard in cooler weather you might want to take it indoors until it lays flat and becomes softer. You should not apply your KeelGuard when the temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The adhesive has a red plastic liner that has been scored approximately 1 inch wide down the center. Carefully pull the center liner back about 2 feet. This will help in centering the KeelGuard on the keel. Be sure not to touch the adhesive to the keel until you are ready to apply. Once the adhesive touches the primed surface it becomes permanent and can not be removed without tearing the adhesive tape. Touching the adhesive with your finger is also not recommended, as this could contaminate the adhesive. Now it’s time to pull back the side strips one side at a time exposing 2 feet of adhesive and begin pressing on with the burnishing tool that is supplied in your kit. Work from the center out to ensure no air is trapped between the hull and the tape. Do one side up to about 2 feet and then the other. After the KeelGuard is attached, go over it again with the burnishing tool, applying strong force and pressure making certain that all edges are pressed down firmly.

Wow! You’re done. Believe me, these things are not only used by a ton of bass fisherman, but by the Coast Guard and even watercraft stunt shows, and will save the front of your boat from costly damage! Now, it’s finally time to go to the lake and fish those backwaters with no worry of damaging the keel of your boat.