Protect Your Boat With Keelguard and Dock Fenders
The interior of your boat usually just suffers from being wet which is easy to fix, but the exterior of your boat can suffer from damages that can lead to other problems if not taken care of or prevented. There are several products available that will help you protect your boat and keep it looking nice while avoiding unnecessary repairs.
Many of the products designed to protect your boat are for use when docking. Even the most experienced driver occasionally runs into a shoreline or a dock faster than intended which can cause damage to the outside protective coating of the bow or hull as well as the fiberglass underneath.
One of the boat products that will help avoid this damage is a dock fender. Dock fenders are inflatable devices that are attached to hooks on your boat with nylon rope. When getting ready to dock your boat the fenders are thrown over the side to create a buffer between the dock and the edge of the boat. Most fenders are constructed of vinyl and will resist mildew and deterioration caused by oil, saltwater, and UV light.
A product similar to the dock fender is the Hull Hugr. Unlike a dock fender the Hull Hugr is flat and does not roll around as you approach the dock. It is easy to take with you as it folds up and is low-profile when not in use. It also protects the entire hull of the boat instead of just a small section. The Hull Hugr is extremely flexible so it will contour to the side of your boat during docking. Its UV and puncture resistant vinyl structure makes it durable as well.
Dock edging is a protective material that not only eliminates scratches and damage to the side of your boat but makes your dock look well finished too. The occasional bump into the dock can be less harmful when it is covered with this flexible PVC resin edging. Dock edging is designed to stand up to weather and deterioration caused by the sun or fungicidal growth.
One of the parts of a boat that probably gets a lot of damage is the keel. Unlike the previous products, keelguard is actually attached to the keel of you boat to protect it from corrosion, scratches, and abrasions caused by rocks or sandy shorelines. If your day of boating consists of docking on a sandy beach or occasionally tying up near a rocky shoreline you will want to protect the keel. Keelguard helps protect the outside finish of the boat. If the gel-coat finish on the exterior becomes scratched or gouged it can lead to moisture reaching the fiberglass laminate causing further damage. This protective covering is easy to install and simply adheres to the keel with a strong adhesive by 3M.
Save your money on repairs to your prized boat or personal water craft by protecting it from unnecessary damage caused by docking or scratches caused by rocks and shorelines.
