Keel Protection for Aluminum Boat?

[Catawba_Mike]

Hey folks, I hope everyone is doing well, and catching some spawners.

I just purchased my first aluminum boat a couple of months ago, a Lund Pro V Bass. I was wondering if anyone on here has thoughts about whether keel protection is necessary on aluminum hulls, and if so, recommendations on how to best protect the keel. I want to be able to beach the boat, but I am super cautious and more than a little OCD about keeping my rig in good condition.

I have heard of guys spraying the keel with Bedliner (Linex) for protection, but thought I might get some good input and ideas here. Thanks in advance.

[Princeton_Man]

Hey Mike,

You can put a KeelShield on an aluminum boat. I would contact them before ordering though, just in case there are any specifics you should know ahead of time.

https://www.gator-guards.com/blogs/featured-blogs/tips-install-keelshield-aluminum-boats

[Catawba_Mike]

Thanks you for the reply. I just visited the KeelShield site, and they essentially have a picture of my keel on the front page as an example of the type of hull it won't fit. Oh well, I will look into the Linex option.

[Princeton_Man]

Thanks you for the reply. I just visited the KeelShield site, and they essentially have a picture of my keel on the front page as an example of the type of hull it won't fit. Oh well, I will look into the Linex option.

I had a Starcraft years ago with a keel like yours and used to beach it all the time. It actually wore a hole through the keel. It didn't really cause any harm since the hull is behind it and wasn't damaged. I just filled it with epoxy and sanded it smooth.

[Oldfart9999]

If it's a riveted hull you might have a problem but I can't think one with a welded hull, you might want to call the customer service and check with them.
Rodney

[Donald Garner]

Good luck getting what you want for your boat.  I've not seen any Aluminum Boats down my way with a Keel Shield.  What I have seen though is a few of them have that  Bedliner (Linex) on the hulls for protection. 

I'm sure if there was a good heavy coat applied it would work just as well.  At least it wouldn't be coming loose and peeling off the hull like a Keel Shield would.

Keep us updated on the out come.