2012 H200 on the way!

Kvou812 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 27, 2012 9:59 am

There are a lot of times it comes in handy. You need the switch to raise the drive when you want to work on it. Its a lot easier to change props or just take it off for inspection if the drive is raised. On mine you have to remove the prop to get to the drain plug for the outdrive and its easier to break that plug loose while the drive is up then lower it to drain. The drive also has to be fully lowered when you check the trim fluid. My drive is always lowered unless its rolling down the road - less stress on the bellows.

rzypwd · **Joined:** Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:32 pm **Posts:** 10

Wow.. there are lots of add-ons to consider! Thanks all!

Have you guys tried this Kevlar Keelshield from bass pro? Wondering if this is a good alternative to the bow scuff plate. Lots of cool stuff I'm learning just on this forum alone.

http://www.basspro.com/Kevlar-KeelShield-Protector/product/12081005013649/

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Nov 27, 2012 9:57 pm

A keel guard like the one you linked to is different from a bow scuff plate. The keel guard protects the bottom vee portion of the boat and is highly recommended if you ever intend to beach your boat. A scuff plate only protects the area around the bow eye, where the bow roller is likely to hit it while loading on the trailer. I recommend the scuff plate no matter what, and the keel guard only if you plan to beach.

rzypwd · **Joined:** Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:32 pm **Posts:** 10

Thanks for the clarification Mike! Looks like I will get both !

Walt · **Posted:** Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:09 pm

Bow scuff plate- Necesity! My rollers are nearly shot after 5 yrs, but no scratches from them on the boat.

Keel Guard- I installed first season as I beach frequently. It has a huge gouge in it, but I am confident the glass underneath isn't damaged, so will replace when needed.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:37 pm

Walt - what keel guard do you have? The one above, one from Overton's or something different?

Thanks!

Erik

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

I have the double roller and they have flipped on me twice which caused the hook to get caught in between the roller and boat.....both times while launching in a really step deep water ramp. Scuff plat saved me both times. I never beach so no keel guard....we anchor out and wade in and out.

Walt · **Posted:** Thu Nov 29, 2012 6:41 pm

EvilZ wrote:

Walt - what keel guard do you have? The one above, one from Overton's or something different?

I bought mine in '08 at Bass Pro. Not sure the details, just that it is white, and a bit too long, as it's about 7 ft in length (though specified for 21' boat). No notable change in performance though.

waterboy · **Joined:** Sun Jan 15, 2012 5:59 pm **Posts:** 15

I bought my Keel Gard at Bass Pro last year and it came with a free bow scuff plate. I installed both because I beach the boat from time to time. I also have mounted a transom trim switch to enable raising and lowering the drive without completely uncovering and crawling into the boat. I always haul with the drive up and run the drive down when parked to preserve the bellows. I have LED docking lights which I ordered from Overton's which I will be installing this winter. If your boat is a bow rider, be careful about using anything but surface mounted lights - not much clearance between the hull and the bow seating area. A second battery is only necessary if you anchor and use battery power for lights and accessories. With that said you should invest in a battery maintainer (I use a C-TEC) connected to the battery all through the cold Canada winter months. This will extend battery life beyond six years.

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 281

+1 to remote trim switch... It costs hardly anything and takes maybe an hour or so to put in.... saves major time in convenience over and over again.... also helps encourage you to check your drive fluid every so often because it is now a much easier process...
And if you are on the trailer and don't want to trim your drive into the concrete, it is nice to be able to "see" when you are about to hit and stop immediately

Tanker Toad · **Joined:** Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:58 pm **Posts:** 71

Check this thread for the Trim Switch install. I DIY'd mine and love it every time I get the boat on the trailer or need to trim the lower unit down for maintenance.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=629

Flyindutchman · **Posted:** Sun Feb 03, 2013 11:44 am

Great choice (although I'm slightly biased)!

We do lots of back and forth travel on the same lake and end up in the dark often. I have the dock lights as well as lights on the tower we installed and no matter how 'useful' they may or may not be, I feel safer being lit up while under way at night.

I can definitely vouch for the convertible covers for travel during nastier weather and a bimini cover is a must IMO.

You are going to enjoy this summer!!!

www.iFourWinns.com

2012 H200 on the way!

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