Keel Guard Length Considerations?

[ZGhost]

Looking for advise on keel guard length for a 242X? Guessing I would start below the bow eyelet but not sure how long to go and whether it matters or not (protection vs performance?). what color do you recommend for the 2019 blue 242X? Is there a brand preference? Thx

hope this is not one of those controversial topics

 

[Neutron]

I got a close match to my hull with megaware keelguard. Went with a 9 footer started about 8 to 10 inches from bow eye. And this is an old picture, that bow roller is long gone

 

[biffdotorg]

Nothing controversial about it. Both are great products, and they have recommended lengths listed on their sites. In fact, they will also send out sample pieces for color matching if you request them.

Good luck!

 

[Shady28]

Went with a 12' Keel guard on a 242x starting about 12-18" under the bow eyelet (resting water level). The shop I worked with (certified Malibu & Cobalt repair) suggested this over their experience with mega given how pronounced the keel gets the farther back on the boat you go (I just amazon shipped it to the shop, so they had no skin in the game for brand). They said given the design and past experience, the Keelshield provides more flex to wrap around that keel.

Doubt you could go wrong with either one. Just sharing my experience.

Amazon.com : KeelShield KS-12BLK Keel Protector (12-Feet, Black) : Dock Guards : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : KeelShield KS-12BLK Keel Protector (12-Feet, Black) : Dock Guards : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[Neutron]

I was mistaken on my keelguard length. I just measured it. It is 12 foot as well

 

[Matt Phillips]

Both are great products and I've had them on both of my Yamaha's. Their websites make recommendations on length. On my 232, I ended up buying one that was 1-2 feet longer than recommended as it was considerably cheaper at the time. It didn't affect performance of the boat at all.

So my recommendation is look at what the manufacturers recommend for length, then shop based on price within that recommendation + 1-2 feet in length.

they do take a couple of hours to get on...and should be done when the hull is clean, dry and somewhat warm. Read the instructions as they have minimum recommended temps.

 

[ZGhost]

Thanks for all the replies. My previous 212SS boat came with one already installed by previous owner but I had no point of reference if it had any effect on performance like drag or splash, etc. So now with the new boat, trying to weigh in my options. I’m just struggling to justify scuffing the boat center rib to put this on in order to protect the area I just scuffed? Seems counterintuitive!
My previous boat still got gouged one time next to the keel at the bottom likely from a rock while beaching so not sure how effective this thin strip is going to be?

I thought I’d ask anyways since you guys are always full of interesting prospectives.