MEGAWARE KEELGUARD FAQ

Can I install a KeelGuard on a kayak or canoe?

Most kayaks and canoes are made from low-surface energy plastics such as Polypropylene and Polyethylene. The 3M adhesive doesn’t bond to this type of material making the KeelGuard incompatible with kayaks and canoes.

Can I install a KeelGuard on a Jet Ski, Ski-Doo, Wave Runner, or other personal watercraft (PWC)?

The modern hull designs on PWCs have a lot of contouring, strakes, and chines making it difficult for the KeelGuard to conform to and attain a watertight seal. In addition, the leading edge of KeelGuard must be installed 4-6 inches above the resting water line, which you can’t do on a PWC.

Can I install a KeelGuard on a Catamaran?

Most Catamarans have a very sharp keel with a steep 90° upturn; the KeelGuard is not compatible with this type of design. Please call the manufacturer directly if you have questions about your Catamaran.

Can I install a KeelGuard on an aluminum boat?

The KeelGuard can be installed on some aluminum boats. If your boat has a raised or reinforced center keel, it cannot be raised higher than 1/4 inch. The center keel cannot have any reinforced welding around the edge, rivets, or sharp angles. If you have compatibility questions, please contact the manufacturer directly.

Not compatible with: Lund, Alumacraft, Smoker Craft, Crestliner, or Tracker

Can I install the KeelGuard on a pontoon boat?

We have a product called the Pontoon Guard that protects the sides of the tubes when tying to docks or boats. The KeelGuard cannot be installed on the bottom of the pontoon tubes.

Can I apply the KeelGuard over strakes or chines?

Yes, you can apply it over slightly raised strakes or chines. After you have completed the installation, apply an adhesive sealant such as 3M 5200 to these raised areas to seal off any small gaps where water could potentially get under the adhesive.

Can I apply the KeelGuard over a vinyl wrap?

The KeelGuard must be installed on the actual surface of the boat. We do not recommend installing the KeelGuard over a vinyl wrap because it will pull the wrap off the boat.

Can I apply the Megaware KeelGuard over boat bottom paint or anti-fouling paint?

Anti-fouling or boat bottom paint must be removed prior to installing the KeelGuard. If you install the KeelGuard over paint it will eventually pull the paint off the boat and the KeelGuard will fall off. You can apply boat bottom or anti-fouling paint OVER the KeelGuard once you have installed it to the actual surface of the boat.

Why do I have to install the KeelGuard 4-6 inches ABOVE the resting water line if I'm only using it for beaching?

When you bring your boat up to plane the water pressure against the leading edge of the KeelGuard will peel it off the hull. Applying it 4-6 inches above the resting water line prevents this from happening.

Can I install a KeelGuard below the water line?

We do not recommend installing the KeelGuard below the water line. When you bring your boat up to plane, water is pushing against the leading edge of the KeelGuard and will peel it off the boat.

Can I install a KeelGuard if my boat sits on trailer rollers?

The KeelGuard cannot touch, sit on, or rest against anything such as bunks, rollers, v-blocks, or bow stops while sitting on the trailer. These "pressure points" destroy the 3M adhesive and the KeelGuard will fail. Please check your boat trailer for compatibility.

What if my boat sits on a floating dock?

The KeelGuard cannot touch, sit on, or rest against anything. This will destroy the 3M adhesive and the KeelGuard will fail. Also, the rear of the KeelGuard could snag on the dock when launching and tear.

Can I install a KeelGuard shorter than the recommended length? Or cut it shorter?

The KeelGuard is designed to extend beyond the lowest poi t of the boat to prevent snagging and tearing when beaching or loading your boat. You can always go longer than the recommended length, but not shorter.

Will the KeelGuard create drag and reduce the speed of my boat?

The Megaware KeelGuard is designed for the marine environment. The KeelGuard’s patented drag reduction design will not slow a boat or diminish its performance.

Is it possible to remove the Megaware KeelGuard?

Yes, in the unlikely event you need to remove a Megaware KeelGuard, it can be done. The foam core of the 3M adhesive is designed to split in the middle if the KeelGuard is pulled free from the hull. Some of the adhesive will remain on the KeelGuard and some on the boat. The remaining adhesive can be removed from the boat with a decal/pinstripe removal disk or plastic/nylon putty knife.

The keel of my boat has damage, can I install a KeelGuard over the damaged area?

It is important to have a good solid surface before you begin the installation process. The adhesive bond is only as good as the surface to which it is applied to. Severe damage to your boat's keel, repairs that have not been done professionally, or any paint or gel coat that is not properly bonded to the boat's original surface can cause the KeelGuard to fail. We recommend repairing damaged areas prior to installing a KeelGuard.

Can I install the KeelGuard on a hot or cold day?

3M recommends the adhesive should NOT be applied when the temperature of the boat hull is below 65°F or above 100°F. The adhesive will not adhere to the hull surface outside of this temperature range. If possible, bring your boat into a warm/cool shop/garage and give the hull sufficient time to come to the acceptable temperature (65-100°). It is also important that the KeelGuard and the boat hull are at the same temperature during the application process. You can achieve this by placing the KeelGuard in the same area as the boat while it comes to temp. If you have application questions, please call the manufacturer directly.