Bend back the skeg?

model14

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
118
The skeg on my Alpha 1 refurb is bent about 1/2" to the left, probably due to grounding on asphalt while towing. Can I bend it back or is it brittle and will crack?
Thanks,
Richard
 

limitout

Banned
Joined
Oct 1, 2013
Messages
543
Re: Bend back the skeg?

yes it is brittle and will crack if its not properly heated to soften it first.

I would suggest you consider letting a shop do it because its not the normal home repair type of job
 

tazrig

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 20, 2012
Messages
1,752
Re: Bend back the skeg?

Dito on the above my friend. I had the same thing happen on one of my alpha1 gen 2 drives. I had it looked at by several shops and they all said they would try if I wanted it done but no one would promise it wouldn't break so for 21 years I used it as was with no problem. It did pull a little to one side but you can correct for that by replacing the flat anode just above the prop with one with a fin and cocking the fin to the left or right a few clicks. This will counter the torque created by the bent skeg.
 

model14

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
118
Re: Bend back the skeg?

Thanks for the information. I will keep the bent skeg as is.
Richard
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
Re: Bend back the skeg?

I would leave it also. To do it right the bottom end would need to be dismantled to protect it and heat used. You are lucky you have a skeg left. My friend broke is off when his girlfriend didn't raise the drive when pulling the boat out. Or at least that was his story.
 

84EdH

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
575
Re: Bend back the skeg?

I had the same problem and was advised by Achris to use two rubber mallets to bring it back to straight. It worked fine for me.
 

Walt T

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
1,369
Re: Bend back the skeg?

If it breaks off, don't worry about it. You really can't tell the difference with it gone. They do make skeg replacement kits so you don't have to dismantle the drive. Some guys say a skeg is helpful at wakeless speeds in marinas. My solution is to avoid wakeless speeds.
 
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