Installation

*Note: KeelShield will adhere to crafts made of Fiberglass, Urethane, Treated Wood and all Metals. The following instructions must be followed regardless of what the craft is made of.
** Items Needed for installation : Isopropyl alcohol, a roll of paper towels, your crafts Hull Temperature being at least 70 F. Not just 70 F air temperature outside, warmer the better.

Placement of your KeelShield

For all Boats: Method 1: Determine where your hull will first (or has) touched the beach or trailer. This is your first point of impact. The leading edge of your KeelShield needs to begin a minimum of 18-24" in front of this point. Method 2: If you know where your resting water line you can begin the leading edge of your KeelShield a minimum of 4-6" above the resting water line. The leading edge or the beginning of your KeelShield MUST be placed above your first point of impact or you will have adhesive failure.

For Personal Watercraft ( Jet Ski's etc...): Your KeelShield needs to begin 1/4" below your towing hook on the bow and run entire length of your hull, ending 1/4'' from your intake grate. If you have steps/ chines/ strakes that cross your hull horizontally, you can begin your KeelShield behind them but you still need to run it the entire length of your hull,ending 1/4" from your intake grate. If yo do not run it the length of the hull you will have adhesive problems. IF you are trying to install this on a Sea-Doo 4-Tec hull please call us first .1-888-594-5335

*** For all installations: The minimum hull & KeelShield temperature is 70 F or higher, NO EXCEPTIONS. Your KeelShield will NOT stick properly and you will have adhesion problems if you install it, when it is lower than 70 F. ***

Surface Preparation

Note: The following steps must be done with great care. If any step is left undone or done improperly, the adhesive will not bond and you will have failure. If the bottom of your craft is painted, it is crucial there is no peeling paint. If your boat has anti-fouling paint on the bottom you must remove it where the KeelShield will be installed,the adhesive will not stick to that paint.

1. Hold your KeelShield to your hull to determine where it will be placed. For ease of application on the following steps, it is suggested that you use a wax pen, pencil and trace or tape off the area where your Keelshield will be placed.
   
2. Using isopropyl alcohol and paper towels you need to thoroghly clean a small area.While this area is still wet, use a clean paper towel and wipe it off. Repeat this step until you have cleaned the entire area where the KeelShield will be installed. NOTE: For removing a heavy wax you can use a laquer thinner Before you begin step #2. Just be sure to do step #2 after using any other cleaning agents. Most all will leave a invisible film behind except isopropyl alcohol.
   
3. Using the 3M scotch brite pad provided, use a circular motion and scuff the area where your KeelShield is to be applied. Be sure to scuff the entire surface,this step removes the gloss and provides a proper bonding surface for the adhesive.
4. Repeat step #2 . This will remove all of the residue and ensures the surface will bond with the adhesive.

Adhesive Activator Instructions

Follow the instructions on the adhesive activator pouch. Be sure not to touch the primed surface,oils from your hands will contaminate it. If the activator goes past where the KeelShield will be installed that can be cleaned with the isopropyl alcohol after the installation.

Installation Instructions

Tip: The seventh rise of the KeelShield is the center; it may help to mark this rise with tape or a wax pen , crayon, giving you a guidline for installation.

1. Beginning at the bow or front of your craft, pull the middle section of the release liner off approximately 1-2 feet and line it up with the center of your keel. DO NOT touch the adhesive or the prepared surface with your hands, you will leave oils that will interfere with the adhesive. Position the center of the KeelShield with the center of the keel carefully before applying since when it touches it will make a permanent bond.Using your hand, press the center of the KeelShield to the center of the hull. Remove the remaining center liner and repeat this process for the rest of the center adhesive.
2. Pull the release liner off on one side approximately 1-2 feet. Using your hand, press and smooth the KeelShield to the hull starting at the center and work your to the outer edge. Remove the rest of the release liner on this side and repeat the process, pressing and smoothing the KeelShield with your hand. Again , be sure to start at the center and work your way to the outer edge to remove any air bubbles. If you have chines, steps,strakes or ridges that meet the center of your keel, the KeelShield will mold to them unless they are very sharp. You can use light heat such as a hair dryer to warm this area and use the handle of the roller provided to mold the KeelShield around the chines.
3. Repeat step # 2 for the other side.
   
   
   
   
4. Once the KeelShield is attached to your hull, use firm pressure and the roller provided smoothing and pressing your KeelShield to the hull. Do this several times, going over your Keelshield with firm pressure, paying specila attention to all outer edges. This step must be followed carefully, as pressure is one factor that makes it a permanent bond.
   

**Trailered Boats: Make sure your rollers move freely.**

If your trailer has weight bearing rollers that your KeelShield will rest on while it is in transit, you will need to lower them so that the KeelShield is not resting on them. The material KeelShield is made of and your rollers will not move freely but will grab. This causes a tremendous amount of friction that will end up delaminating and causing adhesive failure in this area of the KeelShield after a period of time.
Please call your local dealer or us directly at 888-594-5335 or email info@KeelShield.com if you have any questions regarding the installation of your KeelShield.