Keel Guard

Most kayaks and canoes are made of low surface energy plastics like Polypropylene and Polyethylene. Because the 3M adhesive does not bond well to these materials, the KeelGuard is not compatible with kayaks or canoes.

Modern personal watercraft (PWC) hulls have complex designs with multiple contours, strakes, and chines. These features pose challenges when installing a KeelGuard. The KeelGuard needs a smooth surface to adhere properly and create a watertight seal. In addition, the KeelGuard must be installed 4-6 inches above the resting waterline. This can be problematic due to the rub rail on many PWCs. This rail interferes with the proper placement of the KeelGuard, making it difficult to achieve a successful bond.

The KeelGuard must to be installed 4-6 inches above the resting waterline. Most catamaran hulls have a very sharp keel and a steep 90° upturn at the bow, making the KeelGuard incompatible with this design.

If you’re looking to protect just the prow (the forward-most part of the bow that cuts through the water), call the Megaware office to place a custom length order. 

The KeelGuard can be installed on some aluminum boats that have a smooth hull surface without sharp angles or rivets and do not have a protruding center keel with reinforced welding. Call the Megaware office if you have compatibility questions about your aluminum boat. 

The KeelGuard is not compatible with Alumacraft, Alumaweld, Angler, Crestliner, Duckworth, Hewescraft, Lowe, Lund, Polarcraft, Smoker Craft, Tracker (Basstracker), and some Xpress boats. (Note: this is not a complete list)

Ranger RT198P

If your boat has a raised or reinforced center keel, it must not be raised more than 1/4 inch. The keel cannot have any reinforced welding around the edge that protrudes or has rivets. The KeelGuard adheres best to flat, smooth surfaces in order to maintain a watertight seal. Call the Megaware office if you have compatibility questions.  

The KeelGuard is not compatible with Alumacraft, Alumaweld, Angler, Crestliner, Duckworth, Hewescraft, Lowe, Lund, Polarcraft, Smoker Craft, Tracker (Basstracker), and some Xpress boats. (Note: this is not a complete list)

We offer a product called the Pontoon Guard, which protects the sides of the tubes when tying to docks or boats. However, the KeelGuard cannot be installed on the bottom of the pontoon tubes because the leading edge must be applied 4-6 inches above the resting water line.

Yes, you can also install one longer than recommended length for added hull protection. 

Note: Recommendations regarding boat trailer, lift, and floating dock compatibility, and installing above the resting water line also apply.  Call the Megaware office if you have questions.

For boats larger than 30 feet, the weight can be too much and might damage or tear the KeelGuard when beaching. If you have any questions, feel free to give the Megaware office a call.

The KeelGuard must not touch, sit on, rest against, or be compressed against the boat and any surface of a boat trailer, lift, or floating dock. This includes the trailer’s bunks, cross braces, rollers, v-blocks, or bow stops. These pressure points can damage the 3M adhesive and cause the KeelGuard to fail. Additionally, the KeelGuard can easily snag on these areas when loading or launching, tearing the 3M adhesive. If you have questions, please call the Megaware office.

Yes, you can apply it over slightly raised strakes or chines. After completing the installation, apply a marine-grade adhesive sealant to these raised areas between the hull and the KeelGuard to seal any small gaps where water could potentially get under the adhesive. 

The KeelGuard must be installed directly onto the boats surface. We do not recommend installing it over a wrap, as the weight of the KeelGuard could pull the wrap off the boat. 

Anti-fouling or boat bottom paint must be removed before installing the KeelGuard. However, you can apply boat bottom or anti-fouling paint over the KeelGuard once it is installed directly onto the boat’s surface. 

It’s important to have a solid surface before starting the installation process. The adhesive bond is only as good as the surface it is applied to. Damage to your boat’s keel, unprofessional repairs, or any paint or gelcoat not properly bonded to the boat’s original surface can cause the KeelGuard to fail. We recommend having any damaged areas repaired before installing the KeelGuard. 

To keep your fiberglass protected, we always suggest installing over gelcoat. This helps maintain its structural integrity. If it’s just a tiny area, you might be fine, but for the best results and to ensure it’s watertight, a gelcoat repair is recommended. 

Temperature and humidity can affect the adhesive bond and your KeelGuard installation. 3M recommends the ideal application temperature range, for both ambient and surface, is between 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C) and 25% to 75% relative humidity. 

If possible, bring your boat into a climate-controlled shop or garage and allow the surface of the hull to reach the acceptable temperature. It’s also important that the KeelGuard and the hull are at the same temperature during application. Simply place the KeelGuard in the same area as the boat while it reaches the correct temperature. 

The recommended length is the shortest KeelGuard you should install on your boat. The KeelGuard is designed to extend beyond the lowest point of the boat to prevent snagging and tearing when beaching, loading, or launching your boat.

Yes, when you bring your boat up to plane, the water pressure against the leading edge of the KeelGuard can tear the 3M adhesive foam core and peel the KeelGuard off the hull. To prevent this, start the KeelGuard application 4-6 inches above the resting water line. We do not recommend installing the KeelGuard below the water line. 

The resting waterline is the line where the hull of the boat meets the surface of the water when the boat is sitting still. To ensure accuracy, make sure your boat is properly loaded with passengers, fuel, and equipment.

Chad Morgenthaler showing where to begin installation on his phoenix boat

Yes, it’s crucial to prep the surface by etching the gelcoat with the provided Scotch-Brite pad. This step removes dirt, wax, and mold release agents, and it improves adhesion by increasing the contact area. If you’re using sandpaper, stick to 180 grit or finer. Many issues we see are from improper surface preparation. The 3M adhesive won’t stick properly to a surface that hasn’t been etched. 

Please call the Megaware office at (801) 334-5335 for assistance.  

The Megaware KeelGuard was designed specifically for the marine environment. Its patented design features hydrodynamic drag reduction channels. These angled grooves create air pockets, resulting in a slicker overall surface on the KeelGuard that won’t create drag and slow your boat down.

Yes, you can remove the KeelGuard. The foam core of the 3M adhesive is designed to split in the middle if the KeelGuard is pulled free from the hull. To remove the remaining adhesive from the hull, you can use a plastic or nylon putty knife or a rubber pinstripe/decal remover wheel and an electric drill. These wheels can be purchased at most automotive stores and online (make sure to purchase one with the drill adapter).

Any remaining surface residue can be removed with rubbing alcohol or acetone. Call the Megaware office if you have questions. 

Pinstripe remover wheel

The KeelGuard should be kept rolled up and in it’s original packaging. Store it indoors, our of direct sunlight, and in a controlled climate environment between 60° to 80°F and 40° to 70% relative humidity. 

To keep your KeelGuard looking new, wipe it down with a clean towel after pulling your boat out of the water. The KeelGuard can be washed with soap and water if needed. While wiping it down, inspect it to ensure there are no areas of concern. Any small gaps where water could get under the adhesive can be sealed with a marine-grade adhesive sealant. 

Every authentic Megaware KeelGuard comes with a Lifetime Warranty registration card. Registration can be completed online or by mailing us the completed card. To register online, you will need the Warranty Registration Code from the card and the Manufacturer Number that is engraved along the outer edge of the KeelGuard. A valid proof of purchase is also required for a warranty claim.

If you have questions, please call the Megaware office.