Megaware KeelGuard Application Instructions

Thank you for purchasing your Megaware KeelGuard. You are now part of a family of thousands of boat
owners who have discovered the pleasure of worry-free boating. With proper installation, you too will enjoy
years of carefree boating. The KeelGuard is a very simple product to install; however, the following
instructions must be strictly followed. Any short cuts or missed steps will jeopardize and compromise the full
bonding capabilities of the 3M adhesive.

IMPORTANT!

If your trailer is designed with the boat resting on center rollers or a support beam along the keel, we do not
recommend installing a keel protector. If the rollers can be lowered or the side bunks raised to clear the roller,
the KeelGuard adhesive bond will not be compromised. The KeelGuard is not suitable for some aluminum
boats, pontoons, catamarans, personal watercraft, or boats with a non-standard V shaped keel. Please call for
suitability.
Remember, the bond is only as good as the surface to which it is applied. Severe damage to your boat's keel,
repairs that have not been done professionally, or any paint or gelcoat that may not have the proper bond to
the boat's original surface can cause separation of the KeelGuard, taking any loose or improperly prepared
paint or gelcoat with it. It is important to have a good solid surface before you
3M recommends the adhesive should not be applied when temperatures are below 65° F or above 100° F.
This specifically applies to the temperature of the boat hull, not necessarily the ambient air temperature. If the
boat is stored outside in cooler weather, we recommend bringing it into a warm shop or garage and leaving it
overnight, giving the boat sufficient time to rise to an acceptable temperature. It is important that the
KeelGuard and the boat hull are at the same temperature during the application process.
The KeelGuard should be mounted at least 4-6 inches above the waterline on the bow, ending at least 2-3
feet beyond the lowest point of the keel. If protection is required above the bow eye, a separate BowGuard is
available in 1-3 foot lengths. We also offer stainless steel BowGuards to protect against marring from the
trailer roller or V Brace.
Installation consists of four basic steps.
Average installation time is 60-90 minutes depending on the length of the KeelGuard. Each kit includes
everything needed for a professional installation except the cleaning agent, isopropyl alcohol, used in step 2.

STEP 1: ETCH

anything stronger than 180 grit sandpaper. If your boat has anti-fouling boat bottom paint applied, it must be
removed to expose the original gelcoat where the KeelGuard will be installed.
3974 Airport Road Ogden, Utah 84405 1.800.292.9835
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
1) ETCH 2) CLEAN 3) PRIME 4) APPLY
Etch the surface where the KeelGuard will be installed. Any fiberglass mold
release agents and wax must be removed. This step is extremely important
and must be done thoroughly so that the full bonding qualities of the 3M
adhesive can be realized. The removal of the release agent or any other
contamination is best accomplished by using the 3M Scotch-Brite pad provided
in each kit. For an even cleaner looking installation, you can mask the area
surrounding where the KeelGuard will be installed. Measure out a 5 inch wide
area or use the KeelGuard as a template. Center the guard and mark
approximately every 2 feet down each side with a pencil, using these marks to
align the masking tape. The tape can be left on during the cleaning and priming
steps, and will be useful in keeping the KeelGuard centered. The supplied pad
is a mild grit and will not damage the keel's gelcoat or paint. If you have access
to a DA sander, this can be used instead of the Scotch-Brite pad. Do not use
start.