Keel guard reduce resale value?

[Justbix1]

All right guys wanted to have a quick discussion so the past two outings on my boat I’ve enjoyed beaching the boat in the Chesapeake Bay soft sand, which has led to some small scuffs in the black bottom of my AR 250. So I ordered 10 feet of keel guard and I was going to install it at the office today. I was having a discussion and some of the older coworkers were saying if they were in the market for a boat and they saw a keell guard installed, that would immediately be turned away from the boat because that would indicate that the boat has been beached and abused. I had discussions with a few other people, and they agreed that the keel guard would decrease the resale value of my boat what’s everybody’s opinion on this is the added protection for beaching make up for any reduced resale value.

 

[Neutron]

All right guys wanted to have a quick discussion so the past two outings on my boat I’ve enjoyed beaching the boat in the Chesapeake Bay soft sand, which has led to some small scuffs in the black bottom of my AR 250. So I ordered 10 feet of keel guard and I was going to install it at the office today. I was having a discussion and some of the older coworkers were saying if they were in the market for a boat and they saw a keell guard installed, that would immediately be turned away from the boat because that would indicate that the boat has been beached and abused. I had discussions with a few other people, and they agreed that the keel guard would decrease the resale value of my boat what’s everybody’s opinion on this is the added protection for beaching make up for any reduced resale value.View attachment 235291

I cant see why it would. I have them on all my watercraft. There can be a lot of floating debris and it helps reduce damage from minor impacts. I do on occasion beach it. If anything it adds value to me.
A sanded off keel would decrease the value. Dont listen to the naysayers

 

[Bottom Bracket]

Properly installed, adds value.

 

[drewkaree]

Seems like the people who wouldn't consider a boat with a keel guard either don't own a boat, or haven't ever priced out just how expensive fiberglass repairs can cost. IMO, those wouldn't be the type of buyer I'd want to entertain in the first place, as they've likely got some other ideas that may not jive with the actual experience of boat ownership, and would want a deal for something that's actually a benefit, and useful for mitigating possible major damage for pennies on the dollar.

To give you my actual experience, as well as my father-in-law's - I WISH I had a keel guard before I came across a submerged rock pile - thankfully it was at about 5mph, or it could have been a lot worse. If I had a keel guard, I would have likely had to replace it, but with no damage to the boat itself. I also do not beach my boat, so your naysayers are wrong in their assumptions in my case. My father-in-law NEVER beached his boat. He added a keel guard because he would fish as soon as there was open water, often running into debris at the beginning of the season. Again, terribly presumptive that a keel guard means beaching it, or abusing the boat.

If the assumption that "abuse" is running the boat in water that has debris in it, then the boat would never be taken on the water, as there's ALWAYS something in the water, it's just a matter of whether it's near you, or even visible. If all a person does is take their boat to the sandbar, and back to the launch, I guess that could color a person's view like that, but again, I'd be happy to avoid dealing with such assumptions.

Did you buy the boat to actually use it, or is it gonna be a trailer queen? It sounds like you're planning to use and enjoy your boat. I'd suggest you call up a fiberglass place and ask them how much it'd cost to fix a 6" gash on the keel that's only damaged the gel coat, with no fiberglass showing. I suspect your next move after hearing that price estimate will be to install that keel guard you bought, ASAP, and thank your lucky stars that you'll be able to have a little more peace of mind while you enjoy your boat, without worrying about the resale value that'd cause you to second-guess how you want to use your boat, and possibly lessen the enjoyment of ownership.

 

[Justbix1]

Thanks for the responses , I will be installing today! My boat is most definitely not a trailer queen. It just turned one years old and has 96 hours on her.

Thanks again!

 

[lazergeek]

On the flip side of everyone elses opinion. I dont hasve a keel guard, I dont want one or need one. If I was looking at a boat for sale with a keel guard I would question what kind of damage they are trying to hide under it or what bad decisions they made to warrant needing one.

 

[Justbix1]

On the flip side of everyone elses opinion. I dont hasve a keel guard, I dont want one or need one. If I was looking at a boat for sale with a keel guard I would question what kind of damage they are trying to hide under it or what bad decisions they made to warrant needing one.

This is exactly the sentiment of the people I was talking too! Made me second guess installing

 

[anmut]

All right guys wanted to have a quick discussion so the past two outings on my boat I’ve enjoyed beaching the boat in the Chesapeake Bay soft sand, which has led to some small scuffs in the black bottom of my AR 250. So I ordered 10 feet of keel guard and I was going to install it at the office today. I was having a discussion and some of the older coworkers were saying if they were in the market for a boat and they saw a keell guard installed, that would immediately be turned away from the boat because that would indicate that the boat has been beached and abused. I had discussions with a few other people, and they agreed that the keel guard would decrease the resale value of my boat what’s everybody’s opinion on this is the added protection for beaching make up for any reduced resale value.View attachment 235291

Two schools of thought:
If the boat is in overall nice condition, and there's a keel guard, I would think that the owner took pride in keeping the boat in as best condition as possible.
If the boat is trashed and there's a keel guard, I might agree with your coworkers and think the seller is trying to hide something.

I will say, with Yamaha boats and their super thin fiberglass, NOT having keel guard is just asking for trouble.

 

[anmut]

Seems like the people who wouldn't consider a boat with a keel guard either don't own a boat, or haven't ever priced out just how expensive fiberglass repairs can cost. IMO, those wouldn't be the type of buyer I'd want to entertain in the first place, as they've likely got some other ideas that may not jive with the actual experience of boat ownership, and would want a deal for something that's actually a benefit, and useful for mitigating possible major damage for pennies on the dollar.

To give you my actual experience, as well as my father-in-law's - I WISH I had a keel guard before I came across a submerged rock pile - thankfully it was at about 5mph, or it could have been a lot worse. If I had a keel guard, I would have likely had to replace it, but with no damage to the boat itself. I also do not beach my boat, so your naysayers are wrong in their assumptions in my case. My father-in-law NEVER beached his boat. He added a keel guard because he would fish as soon as there was open water, often running into debris at the beginning of the season. Again, terribly presumptive that a keel guard means beaching it, or abusing the boat.

If the assumption that "abuse" is running the boat in water that has debris in it, then the boat would never be taken on the water, as there's ALWAYS something in the water, it's just a matter of whether it's near you, or even visible. If all a person does is take their boat to the sandbar, and back to the launch, I guess that could color a person's view like that, but again, I'd be happy to avoid dealing with such assumptions.

Did you buy the boat to actually use it, or is it gonna be a trailer queen? It sounds like you're planning to use and enjoy your boat. I'd suggest you call up a fiberglass place and ask them how much it'd cost to fix a 6" gash on the keel that's only damaged the gel coat, with no fiberglass showing. I suspect your next move after hearing that price estimate will be to install that keel guard you bought, ASAP, and thank your lucky stars that you'll be able to have a little more peace of mind while you enjoy your boat, without worrying about the resale value that'd cause you to second-guess how you want to use your boat, and possibly lessen the enjoyment of ownership.

Yeah, and when you call, ask them how much a gallon of gelcoat costs too... speaking from experience here.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I have not wanted a keel guard 98% of the time, however this year with my closest lakes’ water level being low by apparent mismanagement by the federal bureau of reclamation, so low that the launching dock has not been put in the water, I’ve have to beach my boat several times to launch and retrieve my boat and the keel guard would be an advantage to have.

My opinion is that if beaching your boat is part of how you are going to use your boat on a regular basis then it’s best to have one. I also don’t look at my boat in terms of resale, I use it and care for it as if I’m going to always have it, gel coat can be repaired by just about anyone so nicks and scratches don’t bother me, and nicks scratches and dings are a part of use.

Go forth and burneth the fuel in great quantities and be festive.

 

[Neutron]

If i were to sell my waverunners or my boat, not one person would think the keel guards would lessen their value. Any potential buyers will see the condition and meticulous care i have put into them and wont question something that is "hidden "
If your boat is not cared for properly and it shows, that will lessen the value

 

[biffdotorg]

So I ordered 10 feet of keel guard and I was going to install it at the office today.

Like the others have said, we have had them on both of our jetboats and even taken advantage of the warranty twice. The warranty will replace the keel guard/keelshield if it gets damaged (and saved your hull). They love hearing how their product has saved our bacon.

The reason I kept your quote above, are you sure a 10ft is the recommended length for a 25' boat? I have never installed one that short. It will be better than nothing for sure, and save you for beaching.

Good luck!

 

[kgower]

I don't understand why it is ever necessary to beach a fiberglass boat with the exception of an emergency. To be fair we did beach our jet ski a handful of times, but I think the first time wasn't until we had ad it for 15 seasons. We bought it in 03 and sold it in 21, It basically looked brand new.

 

[anmut]

I don't understand why it is ever necessary to beach a fiberglass boat with the exception of an emergency. To be fair we did beach our jet ski a handful of times, but I think the first time wasn't until we had ad it for 15 seasons. We bought it in 03 and sold it in 21, It basically looked brand new.

Agree with this, we back in and keep enough water between the transom and the bottom to allow for waves. Having a nice step in and a view of the sandbar is one of the main selling points of these boats.

That said, the first year I owned my boat the boat beached itself. Big storm whipped in overnight while I was tied up to an AirBNB dock. Dock ripped away and, in the morning, I found my boat beached on a rocky shoreline 50 yards away. Suffered some decent gelcoat damage. Had I already of had the keel guard installed, I would've still taken damage, but not as much.

That said, keel guard is a great "in case sh*t happens" insurance policy.

 

[drewkaree]

I don't understand why it is ever necessary to beach a fiberglass boat with the exception of an emergency. To be fair we did beach our jet ski a handful of times, but I think the first time wasn't until we had ad it for 15 seasons. We bought it in 03 and sold it in 21, It basically looked brand new.

Could be just as simple as they want the swim deck facing away from shore for whatever reason. Necessary often has nothing in common with wants, and I often find myself having to say, to myself, just because I think someone is wrong, doesn't mean they care, and in the end, they're gonna do what they're gonna do. Sometimes, it even turns out I'M the wrong one.

The phrase that pays is "looks good from my house"

 

[Jim_in_Delaware]

For anyone with a keel guard, any issues with the guards with frequent trailering and keel rollers?

 

[Bubba7827]

Every time I sell or buy a boat, there is an ask price, an offer made, and if there is not too much of a gap, usually a negotiation. The deal normally comes down to whether the two parties want to make it work and not if there is a keel guard.