DIY Boat Project: How To Install A Keel Guard (Its Easy, No More Excuses)

This boat got trashed! The previous owners didn't bother to install a keel guard and the gel coat damage is really severe. There are hundreds of nicks and gouges from the boat hitting logs and rocks. A few of the gouges were so bad Matt had to repair them before we could even do a keel guard install! But that's all behind us now, today we're installing a Keel Guard (the quick and easy way) so we never have to worry about damage to the keel again!

Its amazing how many anglers we know that aren't using a keel guard. They all know they should but they're unclear on how to do the install so they don't bother with it. Unfortunately some of those same friends have ended up with costly insurance claims after running aground, hitting logs, etc. Today I'm demonstrating the installation alone to show how easy it really is. This can be installed by one person in less than an hour.

Below you'll find links to both brands of Keel Guard that we've used over the years. We are not brand specific and to date, have yet to have an issue with either version. The length of Keel Guard is based on the length of your boat and the links below to Tackle Warehouse will include recommendations based on boat length.

-Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

-Gator Guards Keel Guard: https://bit.ly/2YsD8zc

If you missed our previous DIY install you can see it here...

DIY Boat Project: The First Upgrade I Make To Every Boat! - https://youtu.be/7MyIQp1EhQ8

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel...

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

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DIY Boat Project: The First Upgrade I Make To Every Boat!

Today we're doing a simple project that every fishing boat on the market should do. Boat Buckles are a retractable rod strap that hold your fishing rods in place when the boat is moving and conveniently store inside the gunwale when you stop. Most used boats have bungee straps or old velcro straps and are desperately in need of an upgrade. Watch step by step as Matt installs a set of Boat Buckle straps.

We just picked up CC's new boat, a used Champion 198. Any time you purchase used boats you know there will be some work involved. The Boat Buckles are just the beginning as we plan to upgrade the batteries, trolling motor, electronics, and wiring in the coming weeks. We do these first because its a mandatory upgrade on all our boats, its relatively inexpensive, and can be done very quickly with minimal tools.

A lot of anglers are afraid to work on their own boats. There is something taboo about pulling off a motor cowling and going to work. While some jobs really do need a boat mechanic, a job like this can be done quickly and easily at home. Below are links to the parts we used for this upgrade. Also linked if you're curious are the additional upgrades we'll be doing to the rest of the boat.

-Boat Buckle Rod Straps: https://bit.ly/3aC7bYf

**Be sure to add the concealment kit if you want your buckles mounted on the inside of the hull like we did on this boat**

Additional items we're upgrading on CC's boat...

-Ultrex 112 MEGA I-Pilot Link 52" Shaft Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

-Humminbird Helix 12 Chirp G3 Electronics: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

-Kong Wave Tamer Mount: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

-Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

-Boat Buckle Retractable Transom Straps: https://bit.ly/2QYpbEz

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel...

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

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Save $$$ By Making Your Own Feathered Trebles!

Feathered trebles are an awesome way to accent your favorite topwaters and jerkbaits but store bought options are very limited. Matt shows a fast and easy way to build your own feathered trebles on the water and the best part is you can do it with any hook you want!

This quick tip will save you so many headaches! You're no longer limited to 3 sizes and a few colors of feathered trebles. Any size, any color, and any model of hook is fair game as you quickly and easily accent your own trebles. All you need is a hook of your choice, some craft hair or feathers, a small piece of shrink tube, and a lighter.

Here are Matt's favorite hooks and components for making feathered trebles...