Marine accessory that protects boat keels from abrasive sand, sharp rocks and concrete ramps. Owners who beach, trailer or fish in shallow waters gain reassurance from secure adhesion and a durable, flexible strip. Is the Betollo Keel Guard the right solution for keels on small to medium fibreglass and aluminium boats?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Protection Performance: Shields keel from abrasive sand, sharp rocks, concrete ramps and oyster beds
- • Best for: Owners of fibreglass boats up to 18ft, and many small aluminium and recreational watercraft
- • Not ideal for: Boats requiring a shorter guard, or vessels longer than 18ft without extension
Made from HDPE and fiberglass-reinforced plastic for impact absorption and abrasion resistance. Strong self-adhesive 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 ensures a secure, waterproof bond after correct surface preparation.
Abrasion and impact protection – Thanks to HDPE and FRP construction
High-density polyethylene and fiberglass-reinforced plastic form a hard, shock-absorbing layer that resists cuts and scrapes. The materials balance rigidity and flexibility so the strip absorbs knocks without cracking.
Keeps keels free from scrapes when beaching or running over rocky shallows. Reduces long-term wear that leads to costly repairs.
Secure attachment and seal – With 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
Marine-grade 3M 5200 creates a strong, waterproof bond to fibreglass and aluminium once the hull is scribed, etched, cleaned and primed where needed. Adhesion relies on correct surface preparation rather than mechanical fasteners.
A reliable bond prevents peeling during launches and recoveries, lowering the chance of water ingress behind the strip. Fewer reattachments mean less downtime and maintenance.
Fits common hull shapes – With a rugged, flexible low-profile design
Flexible profile conforms to slightly raised strakes and chines while maintaining hardness to absorb impacts. The strip is supplied at six foot length, which can be extended but not shortened, so planning is required for shorter runs.
Suitable for many small craft where added drag must be minimal, and the low profile reduces snagging. Place beyond the hull's lowest point to avoid tearing when beaching.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Betollo Keel Guard
- Durable HDPE and FRP – Absorbs impacts and resists abrasion for extended use
- 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 – Creates a secure, watertight bond that lasts through seasons
- Six-foot length – Covers keels on boats up to 18ft, reducing snagging
- Flexible, low-profile shape – Conforms to chines and strakes with minimal drag penalty
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Keel guard / marine protection
- Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP)
- Width: 6 inch
- Length: 6 foot
- Compatibility: Fibreglass boats (bass, ranger, ski, wake, runabouts), some aluminium boats, skiffs, dinghies, most jet boats
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which types of boats is the keel guard compatible with?
A: Compatibility includes fibreglass boats such as bass and ski boats, many runabouts, and some aluminium craft like fishing and jon boats, plus skiffs, dinghies and most jet boats.
Q: Is keel primer or sealant included with the guard?
A: 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 is included for attachment and gap sealing; keel primer is not included and must be sourced separately.
Q: Can the guard length be shortened to fit smaller keels?
A: Length can be extended but not shortened, so the supplied six-foot strip should be planned for as-is or joined to extend length.
🏆 Our Verdict
Ideal for owners of small to medium fibreglass and many aluminium recreational boats who beach, trailer or operate in shallow, rocky waters. Robust HDPE and FRP construction combined with marine-grade 3M adhesive delivers practical protection against rocks, ramps and abrasive surfaces. Although upfront cost varies, durable materials and secure adhesion make for sensible long-term value.
