BarraMan's Mangusta 21 barraboat in Townsville, AUS

[Fuzz]

So educate me some, what was wrong with the keel guard?

[BarraMan]

Just wondering, could you just use a shorter keelguard to protect the bow in front of the roller ?

That's what I have done - cut it just ahead of the grey V in the pic above and removed all behind the cut.

[BarraMan]

So educate me some, what was wrong with the keel guard?

Got squashed and distorted where it sat on the grey V in the pic above!

[OneWayTraffic]

I looked into keelguards; they all imply that any concentrated pressure will mess with the pressure adhesive. You could try this product, I've heard good things about it, and it can be replaced as needed without a full remove. Probably a heatgun is the only way to remove it anyway, sanding would be impossible. I rejected it in favor of that Aluminium strip.
https://www.norski.co.nz/collections/ep ... 3178787933

Some NZ jetboaters use it apparently for when they can't or don't want to simply fasten 10mm UHMWPE plastic to the whole bottom.

[BarraMan]

I looked into keelguards; they all imply that any concentrated pressure will mess with the pressure adhesive. You could try this product, I've heard good things about it, and it can be replaced as needed without a full remove. Probably a heatgun is the only way to remove it anyway, sanding would be impossible. I rejected it in favor of that Aluminium strip.
https://www.norski.co.nz/collections/ep ... 3178787933

Some NZ jetboaters use it apparently for when they can't or don't want to simply fasten 10mm UHMWPE plastic to the whole bottom.

Thanks for that - looks interesting! Unfortunately not available in Australia!

[OneWayTraffic]

Carborundum is available commercially most places. You could try making some but it would probably be rougher than a glued strip. Or these guys will ship it to you. It’s a local company. Not the cheapest but all good stuff.

https://www.boat.net.nz/policies/shipping-policy


UHMWPE absolutely must be flame treated before you glue. And gflex is a must if using epoxy. Aluminium is a lot easier to manage but thinner, so you’re still going to get scratches on a beach. I did mine upside down so screwed it in till the glue set off. But with the thinner strip I used on the dinghy it held just by friction on the glue. No tape or screws.

[BarraMan]

I think I will just put myfaith in the 14 layers of external glass cloth that now cover the keel !

[OneWayTraffic]

Then just paint it with some if resistant epoxy filled with silica and pigment. Will be easier to touch up as you need it I guess?

[BarraMan]

Why are you needing to pick the motor off?

Good question!

Under the rear casting deck I have:
Three batteries (Start and 2 x house)
Three pumps (for the 2 livewells plus 1x aerator
Three chargers (AC mains to 12v DC, 12v DC to 12v DC, 12v DC to 32v DC)
Four master switched
Two sea cocks
Its a bit crowded in there!
I can get at most of it from the front but its a bit of a hassle. I can't get at the two livewell pumps from there.
Fortunately I have a panel at the rear that I can access from the motor-well and remove.
I have an engine crane and a motor lift ring, so remove 4 x bolts and pull the motor out of the way without disconnecting anything is the easiest way to go.

I'll take some pics!

The 'power station under the rear casting deck of my boat is a busy place!



........and tidy electrical work is NOT my strong suit!

I can access most of it from the front but I also have a hatch at the back if needed!



Its a long way down to the bottom of the bilge and the only way to access it without risking having to call the fire brigade for a rescue is to pull the motor aside!