New member with a question (re Keelguard)

[KE5QAW]

I would like to introduce myself to this site with all of its very informative members. My name is Jim Minton (Jiminton). I just recently purchased a Macgregor 26X, 1998 model. It is slipped in Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, about 3 miles from my home here in Mt. Ida, Arkansas.

In 1990 (about) I owmed a Mac 26S, which I took to Florida when my work caused a move. After having it for about a year on the St. Johns river, I traded in the Mac for Pearson 30 because I was living aboard much of the time. I sold it 15 years ago when I moved back to my home here in Arkansas. Being without a sailboat for many years now, I am very happy to rejoin the ranks of Mac Sailors.

'Nuff about that, now for the question...Has anyone any experience with a Keelguard on their boat ??

Any info regarding change in sailing performance or other considerations would be appreciated.

I have lurked about this site for several years and really appreciate the wealth of knowledge about these boats available here. Thanks to all.

( This is my first post, so please disregard any oh-oh's in this post )

Thanx,
ke5qaw

[NiceAft]

ke5qaw,

Welcome

I don't have any experience with a keel guard, but I wanted to welcome you out of the closet.

Do you intend to do much beaching of the boat

Ray

[KE5QAW]

thanks for the reply, Ray.
I will probably back in to near the shore, and anchor out far enough to avoid "beaching" the boat. However, if it is necessary to beach head in and contact the shore, it is mostly rocky around Lake Ouachita.

There is some previous damage to gel coat on the bow from previous beaching. It is only thru the gel, and Im considering a Keel Guard in lieu of repairing gel coat. ( no fg fiber showing anywhere ).

Or maybe just epoxy painting it...

Jim

[kmclemore]

There have been several previous discussions on this exact product. Have a look using the Search function on "Keelguard".

[Tahoe Jack]

Welcome to the site. FYI, you will find our archive of modifications (mods) quite extensive. Couple years ago I posted a mod re keel protection. http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=686
Stuff still secure and doing a good job. Tahoe Jack

[March]

The keelguard will protect the keel all right, but beaching a Mac on a rocky shore is not a good idea, keelguard or not. The underbelly of the boat is wide and sensitive. A pebble imbedded in the mud will scratch it easily, let alone a rocky bottom. On the bright side of things, you can patch the scratches easily with MarineTex.

[beene]

Welcome aboard

I love to beach my Mac, but don't do it anymore.

As others have found, a nice sandy bottom hides rocks beneath.

When I was painting my bottom last year, I noticed several gouges that I will have to fix when I have time.

Too bad, as I really liked beaching.



G

[Highlander]

Yeh beene
Thats what ya get for being a beach bum !

J

[Love MACs]

The Dealer I bought my boat from sold Keel Guard. I thought I wanted it but he actually talked me out of buying it. He said beaching at idle speed and on a deep breath of sand will cause no harm, baring of course hidden solid objects buried there in. He said to never attempt a beaching on shale or any type of gravel, no matter how small (even if I had the keel guard). We have mostly gravel beaches here and the sand beaches are not only few and far between but are merely covering gravel below them. Now if I lived in Florida or somewhere there were large ocean beaches I think I my opt for the Keel Guard.

The Dealer went on to say that he mostly sells Keel Guard to power boaters who like to run fast and sometimes too shallow.


Allan

[ROAD Soldier]

I bought my used and it had a keel guard on it and I see no difference when sailing or motoring along side other s that dont have it. I will say I know have a slight chunk taken out of it that I am glad it was there because if it wasn't that would have been a chunk out of the fiberglass. I live on the Chesapeake Bay and have beached it in sand, oyster shell shores, and mud along with a rock or two looking for bait fish for fishing and I am very pleased with the keel guard.

[KE5QAW]

Many thanks to all for your replies. If you are launching singlehanded, it its common practise here to float the boat then beach it alongside the ramp while you move the tow vehicle and trailer from the ramp.

( the ramps here do not have docks or piers alongside and the joining "beach" is invariably gravel or rocky )

Road Soldier seemed to answer my question regarding performance .

Thanks again to all !!

JM

[Matt19020]

I think it is a great idea but I have to say it was a real pain in the A@$ to install. I installed on my first boat and could not get it to adapt very well to the curvature of the hull.
The straight run was OK but trying to bend it was impossible without buckleing! And YES I followed instuctions....