Why Lund Puts a Keel Guard on Every Fiberglass Fishing Boat

Given Lund Boats reputation for rugged durability and meticulous craftsmanship, it should come as no surprise a keel guard is standard on every fiberglass fishing boat. Here’s a look at why keel guards are an important addition to Lund’s Pro-V GL and Tyee GL boats and the benefits of bolstering a fiberglass keel’s ruggedness with one of these protective strips.

A keel guard protects your boat

Perry Good, a Lund Boat pro and professional fishing guide, explains a keel guard is a piece of rubber made of urethane with an adhesive on the back that is applied to the keel of your boat. The keel being the hull’s center point, which runs from the front to the back. “The purpose of the keel guard is to protect your [fiberglass] boat from damage [caused] by submerged objects, such as logs, debris, even rocks,” Good said.

A keel guard prevents costly repairs

Lund’s fiberglass hulls have a pronounced, full-length keel, which cuts through the water and, combined with other features such as reverse chines, helps a boat maintain a precise track for superior control and performance. But, in being the hull’s center point and leading the charge, so to speak, the keel’s position can make it vulnerable to damage should it contact a hazard. With a keel guard applied to the hull, Lund fiberglass boat owners have an extra layer of protection from scratches and abrasions, which helps prevent costly repairs and maintain the boat’s value.

A keel guard lets you fish shallow water confidently

The Pro-V GL and Tyee GL are exceptional boats for big-water trolling as well as for a variety of other angling scenarios, including fishing shallow water. In a Lund fiberglass boat, anglers can creep confidently through skinny-water habitat for bass, walleye, pike, crappie, and more, knowing the keel is protected should it happen to graze a sunken log or other object.

A keel guard lets you beach your boat for shore lunches and more

“If you have a keel guard on a fiberglass boat, it allows you — if you want — to pull the boat up on shore without damaging the hull. It’s important to have a keel guard if you plan to do any shore lunches,” Good said.

In addition to the quintessential northern angling experience of cooking up a feast of freshly caught fish on shore, a keel guard also provides protection should you need to gingerly beach your boat at a dock-less ramp in order to park or retrieve the tow vehicle when fishing solo. Likewise, sliding a fiberglass boat onto a sand or gravel beach to enjoy a swim with friends and family is a cakewalk when your rig has a keel guard.

Outfitting every fiberglass boat with a protective keel guard is testament to Lund Boats’ commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and building highly functional, rugged fishing boats. What’s more, fiberglass boat owners get peace of mind from knowing a skilled Lund technician installed the keel guard and, as such, can expect the product to provide reliable, long-term protection and help prevent costly repairs.