DIY Boat Project: How To Install A Keel Guard (Its Easy, No More Excuses)

[@dant8213]

I dont even have a boat anymore but still watched and learned something from THE MAN! Your the best Matt, thanks for everything you share with us

[@caseyriggs2633]

Matt, I just bought my first bass skeeter it sat in a garage for 14 years it’s 1986 175 merc. Trolling motor needs some tlc and there’s some seal coat cracking on the top portion of the boat but not bad. I took it out last Sunday and it was awesome! Since I was a Junior in high school I always owned a tri hull boat, the skeeter is a whole new ball of wax! I came across your channel this last February and you’ve been nothing but inspiring!! Thank you!! 😎🎣

[@willcountiss7307]

This man deserves a Nobel Prize for finding a legitimate use for a white crayon.

[@cadencarpenter72]

😂

[@StrungOutOutdoors]

🤪

[@SirShoddrick]

Marines usually eat them for dessert...

[@Themuskychannel]

I personally think they taste the best

[@davidfrank2824]

I love watching someone who is a professional to do something and make it look easy. I did start to laugh when you talked about the weather. Like you I know not to try doing that in cold temperatures. Whenever I have done it I'd lay it out on the deck and let the sun beat down on it as I get the bottom prepared. I really love your tip on using painters tape to hold it in place. That's the kind of stuff that a DIY person wouldn't think of. You have to figure most DIY are only going to do this two or three times in their life. Let's face it most people when they buy a new boat these days they have this installed before leaving the dealership. I'd like how you touched on where to start. If I remember the last one I did it said 3 in from the D ring. Here in Maryland we really have a lot of different water that we are in. There's so many rivers and streams that run off the Chesapeake that in one day you could possibly beach on sand then on clay and on the rare occasion mud. For whatever reason the mud one is less frequently found or whatever reason. Most of the time whenever I need to beach it's on the sand. I rarely enjoyed your video I look forward to watching more. thanks for sharing your professional knowledge.

[@rodneygreen9968]

It a Safe Investment for your boat. Also is the Sides & Corners. Many Years Ago, I saw the Keel Guards for Aluminum Boats. It would definitely help to protect them. Thanks Again Matt for the DIY Project Video.

[@anothersomebody8195]

Were the aluminum ones formed for the tighter angles?

[@rambo8550]

I gotta thank you guys for something: My whole fishing career, I've never had the confidence to throw a big swimbait. You guys preach it so hard in your videos, so I figured I gotta give it a try. I bought a savage gear 3D bluegill in the big size, and went to a VERY pressured urban spot. I caught over 20 bass between 1-4lbs until I got broken off by a tank. I have so much more confidence in big swimbaits now!

[@jimhalleran6239]

Matt I’m new to bass boat ownership. I had planned on installing a keel guard so THANK YOU!!! Please hurry with that Marine Tex video. Please, please, please!!! I have quite a few repairs to make. You guys are the very best.

[@stevepreston2870]

I have an 87 Champion and I am always looking for DIY’s to upgrade and restore it. Keep them coming!! A live well restoration would be awesome lol 😉

[@riverking4u]

Just spent $4,000 having my 2000 Carrera re-glassed, great timing. I beach it all the time on the river. Thank you.

[@kedman1217]

Great video Matt. What about replacing trailer bunks and best carpet to use.

[@mikegardiner3934]

Matt, awesome instructional video. I have not had to replace one yet, but I feel confident after watching you. That center sticky piece is a lifesaver for making sure it’s on there straight. God bless!

[@jackmonkey4859]

Thanks for adding the tip about where to start the guard. I wasn't able to find any information on that but your reason is sound. As usual, you guys rock!

[@luisrosario6730]

I'm a new angler and I sub to a lot of youtubers but u guys are far and above all others the best

[@maxescamilla4597]

About to put one on my boat so perfect timing! Will be watching for the marinetex repair video, thanks!

[@MegawareKeelGuardInc]

What a great video! Thanks so much for sharing your KeelGuard install Matt! We recommend applying your keel protector at least 6 inches above the resting water line. This information is printed in the application instructions.

[@roderickdarjean7168]

Thanks for discussing the starting point specifically the distance from the D-Ring

[@warrenharrison7596]

Great timing with this video. We just started replacing our keel shield. Hard part is getting the old adhesive off.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

use a heat gun! generally it's the best way to get any tough adhesives off

[@anothersomebody8195]

@@Jon-nz3dm gasoline gas help on the cheap side of solvents

[@WilliamsonProductio1]

I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to the east coast on the tidal rivers but would love to see a true tidal river video you guys explain everything so well and I’ve yet to find a actual informative video on tidal river that’s effected by the moon not a dam

[@bradleykerswill7706]

Love these DIY videos. More would be awesome as you guys come across stuff. I’m about to install a keel guard for the first time and this was helpful. Thank you!

[@lunchbreaklunkers1423]

Great info, once I upgrade to a bigger boat definitely going to add one of these!

[@johnkoons7163]

Great product, everyone that hasn't done this should, good job Tim, thanks for that. Who could be negative about this? I guess they didn't like the shirt you were wearing. Thanks Again!

[@xxcaseyxxc]

You're a mind reader lol. Just added this to my cart on tackle warehouse yesterday. Thank you so much! 😎

[@shanebrewster2384]

Thanks for the video! I am in the process of installing a keel guard and the weather is not warm up here in AK. Daytime highs are around 50.. hopefully I don’t have to fight this thing or have a compromised seal. Have a better one!

[@craigmartin7179]

Love the DIY knowledge. I've been asking for this in previous videos and glad you have time to film some during your down time. I'd love to see preventative maintenance on reels if you get time. Such as oiling etc. Stay healthy.

[@joshandhuntersadventures5046]

These are worth the money great advice here enjoy all the videos you guys put out.

[@cg8325]

I know this video is almost two years old, but great stuff. I'm interested in the Ranger I see peeking through though lol.

[@barndog7082]

My boat has a deep V hull and a roller trailer that contacts the V. hull. Can you tell me if the trailer might damage the keel guard?

[@tlalexander3]

please make a marine tex video soon. I bought a skeeter that had some bad places on the bottom and one of the places was leaking. I took it to a fiberglass shop and they fixed all the deep stuff, but I found one spot yesterday that is a little into the gel coat and about 10 inches long that I probably need to fix. At least you can't see the fiberglass like the other areas though

[@trizma3162]

Dude, you need to invest in being a legit teacher. your knowledge is amazing.

[@MiloCrackerHead]

Is that not what he is doing with the KZbin channel? Pretty legit teacher

[@MrTaylorfenoglio]

Lol what? He is literally a teacher to millions and you don't think he is a legit teacher be it's youtube? 😄

[@mackjenkins7721]

That was an awesome video man. I enjoyed that. I just found your Channel. I like the work you did. Keep up the good work.

[@brandonsmith606]

Thank you for the great content. I've been looking at these, I would for you to talk briefly about your thoughts on the trolling motor prop nut

[@heythere_kayla]

I wonder if it’d work for a kayak too. I noticed the bottom of mine is getting scuffed up from loading and unloading it / having to bank it on boat launches but didn’t know there were options like this. I’ll definitely look into. Thanks 😁

[@jonathandavis35]

Kayla LaFleur, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. The majority of kayaks are made out of a high density polyethylene, which is a low surface energy plastic. In other words, we do not recommend applying a KeelGuard on this type of material because it may lose the permanent bond over time. If your kayak is made out of something other than polyethylene or polypropylene, you should be fine. The 3M pressure sensitive adhesive is extremely strong and durable, but we want you to feel confident and happy with your purchase. Thanks

[@6855mike]

GOOD JOB!! Very helpful. Thanks!

[@urlastcrap1917]

Sup Matt and Tim awesome Tuesday Video

[@jimquantic]

One thing I have not seen yet, how do you determine the SIZE of the keelguard strip? they come in many different lengths, the longer the strip the higher the price. 6-8 inches above the water line--but how far back? I'm thinking until the hull underside turns flat?

[@zoomzoomgt]

Matty. Can you do a video on transon and a trolling motor. Whats the differences and benefits. Since bow mount cost an arm and a leg compared to a trolling motor. Thanks

[@jasonriede6056]

Have a couple questions you can pull your boat onto the ramp and lock your talons in place on the concrete ramp or do they need soft bottom have you ever launch your boat and use your spot lock to hold your boat while you park do you think a 18ft boat with a 200 on it needs a dual axle trailer 🤔

[@peternolan5632]

Boat keel never seen it until now see it fall ... VERY GOOD ...

[@BertThePilot]

@tacticalbassin have you ever seen a keel degraded and weathered in the center? No damage to the actual hull? Perhaps improper placement...anyways, any tips for removing a previous keel? And then obviously applying a new one?

[@seedsoutdoors3721]

I'm turning a lund 16ft into a river boat with a jet pump swap. I'm wondering if I put 3 keel sheilds on, one on the keel and 1 on either side if it it would reduce performance? It's for added protection if I hit a boulder out in the river.

[@liamfinney1439]

Nice video! Is the keel guard itself paintable? My whole hull is sanded down and I'm about to do some light repairs to the keel and am thinking of slapping one of these guards on before restoring the paint job. Thanks!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Do you have to prep the surface on aluminum as well?

[@jonathandavis35]

Josh and the Jambo, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. Prep the surface on the aluminum the same way you would if your hull was fiberglass.

[@nawinchester]

Is this a fiberglass hull only product or does it work on aluminum Hull boats ? I have a high end deep v aluminum that I've wanted to protect but have heard keel guards don't work on aluminum hulls.

[@jonathandavis35]

Nick Winchester, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. An aluminum boat would definitely benefit from the KeelGuard. The adhesive does not have any issues adhering to the aluminum. However, if your boat has any complex welds or rivets, it's not recommended to apply over them because it wouldn't achieve a full surface bond. Depending on the manufacturer/model of boat, some have welds that do not pose issues. We installed one on an aluminum Ranger RT198P because the welds were not very raised and there have not been any issues with the guard sticking. Thanks

[@bleon2368]

I have a 20’ Triton TR20 and as you know the keel goes flat about 6’ back so not sure how well it is going to adhere from V-shape to flat. They are recommending a 7’ but I’m thinking 6’?? Thanks

[@stevenburns1592]

Hey fellas, Is Clearlake open or closed at this time? Trying to plan a trip up from Sacramento.

[@tlalexander3]

Also, do you have any tips about the surge brakes on that trailer? I see the tongue is all the way back like mine and the brakes on my EZ loader trailer do not work. I don't have any brake fluid in the reservoir, so I might have a leak somewhere. Everytime I take off from a stop the trailer jerks pretty hard on my truck since it is sliding.

[@cameronhershberger.]

I bad the same problem and just ended up welding it so I doesn't slide since I drive a tundra and don't really need brakes. Love not feeling the thump every time I speed up

[@seahawks75]

I was thinking about getting a Tracker grizzly is it hard to put a keel guard on one of those even though it's aluminum and would you recommend one

[@pablorener1633]

How you remove a torn keel Guard? If so is there an extra step(s) in cleaning the area before you put a new keel Guard?

[@xMetalMonkiix]

Awesome video as always! Question though- My boat sits on a roller in the front is there anything I can do like get rid of the roller or alternatives for a keel guard?

[@Eddieb707]

Think my aluminum boat would benefit from this guard?

[@anothersomebody8195]

I was told the keel guard's angle is too tight for the adhesive to hold. I'd also be interested if they make something for aluminum boats.

[@jonathandavis35]

Eddieb14 I work for Megaware KeelGuard. An aluminum boat would definitely benefit from the KeelGuard. The adhesive does not have any issues adhering to the aluminum. However, if your boat has any complex welds or rivets, it's not recommended to apply over them because it wouldn't achieve a full surface bond. Depending on the manufacturer/model of boat, some have welds that do not pose issues. We installed one on an aluminum Ranger RT198P because the welds were not very raised and there have not been any issues with the guard sticking. Thanks

[@pablorener1633]

Do you have a video on removing a torn Keel Guard?

[@gbnomore3918]

Of course 3 dorks have to give thumbs down because they would never want to get their hands dirty. They also have other guys, or maybe girlies, do their fishing for them. Nonetheless, awesome vide as always!

[@jasonriede6056]

Triton 18trx dual axle or z518 single axle trailer both have 200 I like both boats looking for some input trying to figure out what path to go down

[@SkyGuy32100]

Might be stupid question but can you put this on like a old 16 ft aluminum Lund boat ? Or this only for like the nice ass boats?

[@jonathandavis35]

RedManReed, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. An older aluminum boat would definitely benefit from the KeelGuard. The adhesive does not have any issues adhering to the aluminum. However, if your boat has any complex welds or rivets, it's not recommended to apply over them because it wouldn't achieve a full surface bond. Depending on the manufacturer/model of boat, some have welds that do not pose issues. We installed one on an aluminum Ranger RT198P because the welds were not very raised and there have not been any issues with the guard sticking. Thanks

[@chrismortenson9608]

Any chance they make these for Kayak’s? Thanks, Great Video.

[@jonathandavis35]

Chris Mortenson, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. The majority of kayaks are made out of a high density polyethylene, which is a low surface energy plastic. In other words, we do not recommend applying a KeelGuard on this type of material because it may lose the permanent bond over time. If your kayak is made out of something other than polyethylene or polypropylene, you should be fine. The 3M pressure sensitive adhesive is extremely strong and durable, but we want you to feel confident and happy with your purchase. Thanks

[@chrismortenson9608]

Jon Davis Thanks John, Is there a product that would work on a yak. We run in some rocky areas here in Nevada and beach them a bit. Just wondering man. Thanks again for your reply.

[@wjroutdoors4079]

do you need to sand if its a new boat

[@danieltaylor9236]

Use black caulking on frunt and back to give it better protection and seal

[@martinthefisherman]

Alright, first I need a boat!!

[@southerngurlfishing2561]

Just installed one on my boat Saturday

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

How long did it take to install the keel guard on this boat, start to finish? I'm guessing the hardest part (for this boat) was the sanding of the hull.

[@tacticalbassin]

Start to finish, including filming, was an hour and 5 minutes. It's really not hard to do.

[@nathanbutcher1864]

what about acetone? I feel like it would take more gunk and road tar off the bottom

[@mth2068]

Quick question, how long should you go with? I have 21 ft boat.

[@tacticalbassin]

Definitely the 8' 👍

[@Scorch2534]

Great instructions video, but to be honest, that hull damage was not bad at all. Even when there are chips and dings, most are just gel coat and not true structure damage.

[@fishncoach8699]

Blat just did a video on this as well. Cool product

[@Crawford515]

Get stuff Matt love the diy....vids

[@BorneoFishStation]

Same for aluminum boat?

[@TN_MuskyAddiction]

No...a lot of them have a ridge up the keel. If yours is a vee with no joint or ridge then yes its the same.

[@anothersomebody8195]

I was told the keel guard's angle is too tight for the adhesive to hold. I'd also be interested if they make something for aluminum boats.

[@jonathandavis35]

Otterlee Artward, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. An aluminum boat would definitely benefit from the KeelGuard. The adhesive does not have any issues adhering to the aluminum. However, if your boat has any complex welds or rivets, it's not recommended to apply over them because it wouldn't achieve a full surface bond. Depending on the manufacturer/model of boat, some have welds that do not pose issues. We installed one on an aluminum Ranger RT198P because the welds were not very raised and there have not been any issues with the guard sticking. Thanks

[@antoniocalo4213]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@dalelattanzio9800]

Ok, I’ve watched almost all of your videos but you need to help me with the nitty gritty. I’m relatively new at this but after a day of fishing my thumb is torn apart and bloody. Also I noticed that after you and Matt cast you pull your line out near your reel seemingly to tighten something. Why? So how do I protect my poor thumb. There has to be a way. Dale

[@jasond4245]

I guess I really haven't noticed them pull out line. That's just to pull out a little extra line to keep the bait from penduluming back towards the boat when it hits the water.

[@joshholt1513]

As jason said it puts slack in the line so the bait will fall vertically. Also it makes sure there are no loops on your spool from the cast.

[@jasperjones1153]

Should I put one on a aluminum boat

[@anothersomebody8195]

I was told the keel guard's angle is too tight for the adhesive to hold. I'd also be interested if they make something for aluminum boats.

[@jonathandavis35]

Jasper Jones, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. An aluminum boat would definitely benefit from the KeelGuard. The adhesive does not have any issues adhering to the aluminum. However, if your boat has any complex welds or rivets, it's not recommended to apply over them because it wouldn't achieve a full surface bond. Depending on the manufacturer/model of boat, some have welds that do not pose issues. We installed one on an aluminum Ranger RT198P because the welds were not very raised and there have not been any issues with the guard sticking. Thanks

[@bradley7135]

Do I need a keel guard for a aluminum boat

[@anothersomebody8195]

I was told the keel guard's angle is too tight for the adhesive to hold. I'd also be interested if they make something for aluminum boats.

[@jonathandavis35]

EZPZ fishing, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. An aluminum boat would definitely benefit from the KeelGuard. The adhesive does not have any issues adhering to the aluminum. However, if your boat has any complex welds or rivets, it's not recommended to apply over them because it wouldn't achieve a full surface bond. Depending on the manufacturer/model of boat, some have welds that do not pose issues. We installed one on an aluminum Ranger RT198P because the welds were not very raised and there have not been any issues with the guard sticking. Thanks

[@charlieboutin3341]

Thanks, great to know! I’ll research this. Do you know if it works on plastic? I have layers of duct tape on my kayak keel 😂 Have a great one Tactical folks! 🎣. Best wishes!

[@ismaelhuizar6963]

Hi Matt good morning I got a question jerk bait Jackall Rerange 130 That’s good for the strippers

[@kylelaporte9918]

How do you know how what size you need

[@jonathandavis35]

Kyle LaPorte, I work for Megaware KeelGuard. (5' for boats up to 16' long, 6' for boats up to 18' long, 7' for boats up to 20' long, 8' for boats up to 22' long, etc) It's better to go longer rather than shorter because it'll protect further down/back of the keel. As Matt mentioned, depending on how far you pull up on the bank, more of the bottom will sit on the protector vs your hull surface. We recommend installing the leading edge of the KeelGuard at least 6-8" above the waterline on your boat. Thanks

[@stevegerber835]

Awesome information. I think a creeper would help😂

[@cjfourty6]

Matt acting like we can just go and buy alcohol, bruh that shit is like unicorn blood these days lol

[@zoodidwa]

Funny...B-Lat just did this on his channel too.

[@joshholt1513]

I think you need some more boats in the driveway.

[@richardrivera5895]

respect

[@jasond4245]

Let's see a video on chine walking. Not sure if your champion does it but my triton likes to walk

[@gboat77]

Lots of videos showing the install but after taking my old keel guard off I know why there aren't any showing the removal LOL.

[@skeeterboy77]

about to do this to the new rig.. Crossing Fingers.. Lol

[@bryandedon7459]

Please sell me your boat. I'd love to find a champion for sell in great condition. Greatest boat ever

[@rafabonati7757]

“We need more wind chimes”! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_chime. Just messin!

[@johnhalchishick7094]

These things are pretty expensive for a rubber guard.

[@jakekeyes8638]

I could have done without the several minute intro. Put that stuff at the end next time.