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Instructions for Installing the Boater Sports Keel Protector

These instructions are for installing the Boater Sports Keel Protector

BEFORE GETTING STARTED REMEMBER:

1. Installation of your Keel Protector will be much easier if you have another person helping.
2. The 3M adhesive on the back of your Boatersports Keel Protector is designed to adhere to BARE fiberglass and aluminum hulls. Do not attempt to install the protector on a painted surface. Remove all paint before installation.
3. DO NOT attempt installation if the surface temperature of the hull is less the 70 degree Fahrenheit.
4. NEVER use acetone for cleaning the surface of the hull. Acetone leaves an oily residue that the 3M adhesive on your Keel protector WILL NOT adhere to. ONLY use isopropyl alcohol for clean-up.
5. NEVER touch the tape or the cleaned surface with your bare hand. This will also leave an oily residue that could keep the tape from adhering properly.

DETERMINING PROPER PLACEMENT OF THE KEEL PROTECTOR

1. Determine where the waterline is on the hull of the boat while the boat is at rest. (There will usually be tell-tale signs or stains of this waterline.)
2. Measure approximately 9" above the waterline on the front of the boat and mark with a wax pen or pencil. This is where the front (bull-nosed end) of the keel protector will be placed.
3. Now hold the keel protector in place on the bottom of the boat and trace an outline.

SURFACE PREPARATION

1. If you plan to install your keel protector on a surface that is currently painted, ALL paint must be removed from the area. Use fine grit sand paper to remove all remnants of the paint. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface thoroughly.
2. If the surface in not painted, use isopropyl alcohol and clean rags to clean the installation area.
   
   When you are sure the area is clean of any wax build up, dirt or any other foreign materials, use the enclosed scuff pad to scuff the surface. This will help to remove more foreign substances from the surface as well as give the 3M tape a better surface to adhere to.
   
   Now, repeat cleaning the surface thoroughly with alcohol and clean rags. The cleaner the surface, the less chance there is of the keel protector not bonding properly.
   
   Remember, NEVER USE ACETONE or PAINT THINNER for cleaning.

APPLYING PRIMER

Your Boater Sports Keel Protector is supplied with a pair of gloves and four applicators of 3M #94 Primer. Please use the gloves to protect your skin from possible irritation from the primer. Apply a thin coat of the primer to theentire area where the keel protector is to be installed. Allow 5 minutes to dry.

APPLYING KEEL PROTECTOR

1. Peel back 1 to 2 feet of the protective film from the center section of the tape on the bull-nosed end of the keel protector. DO NOT TOUCH the exposed tape with your bare hand. Skin is naturally oily and will leave a residue on the tape that could interfere with the bonding process.
2. Starting at your mark 9" above the waterline on the bow of the boat, align the center of the keel protector with the center of keel and gently press in place. Make sure the keel protector is perfectly aligned….once applied, it cannot be moved. Work your way down the keel until the first foot or so is attached. Continue down the keel, pulling off a foot of protective film at a time and pressing into place for the length of the keel protector.
3. With the middle section attached, go back to the front of the keel protector and remove a foot of protective film from one side of the keel protector. Starting at the center of the keel, using the palm, roll the side of the keel protector up onto the hull. Continue one foot at a time for the length of the keel protector. Always be conscience of working air bubbles out from under the keel protector. Repeat on the other side.
4. Now use the felt edge of the squeegee provided in your installation kit to apply pressure over the entire keel protector. Work the squeegee between all of the grooves and apply as much pressure as possible, ensuring a good bond.
5. Last, run a small bead of high quality sealant along each side of the keel protector.
6. Allow to cure for 24 hours before use.