FYI: Keelguard Install

[Madcityami]

Keelguard guidance says 8ft guard for 21-22ft boats. I called them to see if any harm buying a longer one and they said a 9ft guard would be fine. I started the install and 9ft only takes you back this far (sorry, pics aren’t great):

as you can see from the first picture, I discovered some prior owner damage I really wanted to cover up, so I decided to take a bath on the 9ft (already notched the anchor drain) and order the 12ft. It took it out to here:

Regarding the anchor drain, mine is right at the water line and install guide says to take the guard 6inches above the water line. The group consensus in other threads was to cut the guard for the drain...which I did confirm with the Keelguard folks as well.


Someone else on the forum had the install method where they ran a string down the center and marked masking lines on either side. I did a variation of that method as I found it hard to center/hold/trace the guard by myself. I ran the string down the middle, but precut some construction paper and taped them to the bottom as guides.

 

[jetboater4life]

From my experience and having a keelshield for about 8 years on my boat. You really don't need to go above the anchor locker drain hole since that is normally out of the water and when you beach that location is certainly low enough to protect the hull.

 

[Yamahaul]

thanks, waiting on no rain to install mine. 8 foot on 19'. now i think i shoulda gone bigger. wonder why they said 7' was long enough for 19'
So should i go where they recommend at 6" above water line? or right at water line?

 

[jetboater4life]

I guess I would follow their recommendation. Having mine come right up to the drain hole has not been a problem.