I used it to cover the existing keel rash. It's pretty much required if you have a fiber glass hull and land on beaches fairly often. Also a must if you use the concrete ramp at Cattle Point in Oak Bay as it has no dock. When I installed mine, I placed the leading edge just below the water line when stationary. This was quite a bit lower than they recommend, but I didn't see the point in placing it as high as the bow eye. had it on for a couple of years now and it was totally worth it!