How bad is it to run without a skeg?

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voodoo

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 23, 2004
Messages
258
Earlier today my pristine 89 65 Johnson became not so pristine.<br />With the aid of 30 knots and a rock,I tore a big hunk off of the skeg, more like there is very little skeg left.<br />I consider myself lucky not to have trashed the lower unit.<br />Should I cut the skeg off flat, grind it down smooth as is, or be looking for a used unit?<br /> Skeg
 
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ob

Admiral
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
6,992
Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

You could dress off what's left and use but beware that next bottom contact will be nearer the critical parts of the lower unit.You could also dress off straight,bevel,and refit a piece of aluminum and refurbish it by having the new piece welded on both sides.
 
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wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

The only reason the skeg is there is to protect the prop. Find a good heliarc welder ... shouldn't cost a lot to have a new piece of aluminum welded on.
 
V

voodoo

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 23, 2004
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258
Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

Thanks. I will grind it smooth and have a plate welded on.<br />Should I worry about the seals as it is welded, or will the gear oil keep the temp down if the weld is done quickly?<br />I am more po'd at myself.<br />I went too far around the safe channel, because there were two boats with fisherman in the centre of the "lane".<br />I should have swamped them.<br />Inconsiderate boobs.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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51,019
Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

there are replacement skeps that can be welded on. check ebay under skeg
 
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wallbanger2

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2003
Messages
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Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

Dont grind it flat.... don't grind it at all. The replacement skeg should be welded on in a sharks tooth pattern (or sideways conitous Z). This is for strength. The welder will do the grinding that is nessesary to match the 2 together for the strongest joint.
 
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voodoo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2004
Messages
258
Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

Thanks, guys (and gals).<br />I'll leave it as is until winter and be very careful.<br />Then I'll have an experienced marine welder do all the work.<br />At least I know my pop off valve is functional.
 
V

voodoo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2004
Messages
258
Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

Originally posted by ob:<br /> You could dress off what's left and use but beware that next bottom contact will be nearer the critical parts of the lower unit.You could also dress off straight,bevel,and refit a piece of aluminum and refurbish it by having the new piece welded on both sides.
Click to expand...
LOL. Bottom contact.<br />P.C. for being a dumb a$$.
 
K

KYHunter2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
512
Re: How bad is it to run without a skeg?

I am an x-ray and ultrasound certified welder. <br /> <br /> I just thought I'd tell you . <br /><br /> I wouldn't seek out a marine welder . As any good heliarc welder, can do the repair.<br /><br /> At least around here, when you ask for a specialist, you pay for it too.<br /><br /> Everyone is right , don't do anything . As far as prep goes . <br /><br /> The guy repairing it will know how to grind , for the best penetration and structural integrity.<br /><br /> In your case, it should be a full pen weld anyway.<br /><br /> Good - Luck,<br /> KYHunter
 
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