Worn bottom

[triple m outfitters]

I'm a smallmouth fishing guide on the Susquehanna River in Pa. I have a 19 foot john with a jet. In the season I launch and recover in low water with no dock. I have keel guards for the bow, and they work excellent. I have keel guards that extend from the bow to less than mid-way. My concern is how to protect the keel near the stern. The keels near the stern are worn badly. Keel guard does not recommend installing the guard close to the stern. Is there any coating, paint, or any ideas to protect the keels close to the stern. Thanks for your help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

no reason you couldnt run a keel guard full length.

OZ jet boats usually have a skin of delrin or UHMW on the bottom of them to protect the aluminum hulls from rocks.

 

[triple m outfitters]

Thanks for your help. Keel Guard does not recommend running the guard the entire length on a john boat. It can effect the jet and getting on plane. I have five keels on the bottom that need protection. Has anybody run the guard the entire length? I tried to use rubberized (as seen on TV) product and it didn't last a day. I hear that air boats use a special paint that protects and seals. Has anyone used this with good results. As all you know any protection is expensive. Just trying to get it right the first time.

 

[Woodonglass]

If this is a Glass boat, I'd use 240z woven roving and epoxy and lay a couple of layers over the keel as a sacrificial "Keel Guard"

 

[BWR1953]

Yes, I've heard good things about the airboat bottom treatments around here. Don't know what's best but I'll check with my buddy who has lots of friends.

 

[triple m outfitters]

Thanks for all your responses. I neglected to say it's an aluminum john boat.

 

[Woodonglass]

Ok if it's aluminium I'd just rivet or weld a 3/8" sacrificial aluminium bar to the keel and call it good.