www.iFourWinns.com

Does anyone know how much a keel guard diminishes the speed and handling performance of a runabout like the Horizon's. And do they work well and stay adhered as they advertise. Thanks for any help and opinions on these.

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Mike
Smithville, MO
08' Hayabusa, 2011 Subaru Outback, 03' Infiniti G-35 S.C.

I have had one on for only one weekend as I had it fitted from new but doesn't seem to affect performance at all. As for it coming unstuck I haven't had, or heard of this happening. They certainly save your boat when you run up on a beach which is a definite plus.
Ardy
South Oz
H180

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Mike,
I installed mine before my break in was done and didn't effect top end at all. As far as install quality.... I'm fairly happy with it, but may run a bead of silicone or something to take care of a few spots. Mine was the Keel guard brand purchased at Bass Pro for about $100.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

isnt the point of breakin no top end?


I wouldnt put one on a performance boat, but your fine on a run-about.

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I have one on my 225, and had one on my previous Sea Ray and my Sea Doo. If you install them properly, they do not affect performance one bit, they are out of the water completely when on plane. It is almost a perfect color match on the white of my 225, and I haven't had any issue with the adhesive coming loose.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I have one on my 220H that I installed myself. As far as slowing the boat and affecting the top end speed...that has been a non issue. Mine has been on for two years and has not come off, nor does it look like it is even close to failing. I check mine every time I pull the boat out of the water and it is still bonded tight.

Just remember, the key is proper prep work before install. If you cut corners during prep, or fail to follow the prep instructions...well you know, you'll wind up unhappy with the product. I decided to install the keel guard because we like to do summer boating in Eastern Washington...and there are great large bodies of water in Eastern WA that allow you beach your boat...which we like to do.

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2006, 220 Horizon
Kent, WA.
"Semper Fidelis"

I too have been considering a keel guard for the same reason law mentions.
BTW, law, where do you boat? I keep mine at Lake Chelan but plan to look at Roosevelt and Bank lake this year too.

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Optimus Prime
Now: 2007 Horizon 260, (2007/08 brochure boat)
Previous: 1995 Sea Ray Signature Select 220
Tow: '07 Avalanche LTZ
Seattle and Chelan, WA

Optimus...I received your message...and welcome aboard fellow Pacific Northwesterner! Congrats on your new 260 as well...she looks awesom and I'm sure you'll be very happy with it too!

I keep my boat trailered for the most part, but have recently started keeping my 220 at a small private moorage on Lk. Washington during boating season. Most of my boating is on Lk. WA, but my family and I try to trailer our boat as often as we can to Eastern WA during the summer to lakes like, Lk. Roosevelt (my favorite), Banks Lake and Lk. Entiat. Lk. Roosevelt is great for "beach boating" and boat camping if you like that sort of thing. I'm relatively new to boating, (total time behind wheel...4 years). Always wanted a boat, but waited too long to get one...and now that I've got one...I want a bigger boat!
Which brings me to my next point...beware, Cougarcruiser is a menace...(a great guy with a ton of knowledge, but a menace non the less) he'll do anything he can to convince you like lucifer himself to buy a bigger boat. He was once one of us, until he recently traded in his new 240-H for a gigantic 318-Vista aircraft carrier....now, he gets to look down at us in our little dingies from atop his lofty admirals bridge as he sips mint julips...(just kidding Coug!! I'm still working on my admiral to approve my request)

If you decide to try these lakes out, hit me up and I'll point out some great places for you to check out...with a boat like your new 260, you will have plenty of water to take her to, as I'm sure you know.

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2006, 220 Horizon
Kent, WA.
"Semper Fidelis"

During mytest drive I drove it like I stole it!





Mine runs about half the length of the hull.... I assure you it's wet even on plane.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

I feel much better hearing about products through first hand experience, rather than sales people and ads. That's why forums(the people) especially this one have my up-most respect.
Thanks for your help. I'll will be getting one before spring.

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Mike
Smithville, MO
08' Hayabusa, 2011 Subaru Outback, 03' Infiniti G-35 S.C.