Beat up skeg

[Mscanon99]

Hi all,

Quick question, how does a beat up skeg (or is it scag, not sure) affect the performance of a boat.

The skeg in this case is straight, however a few half dollar size chunks have been broken off from hitting some rocks in the river. it seams to be close to its original length, maybe an inch short.

The motor is a 1993 Evinrude 115 on a 17 foot bowrider. The motor has a hydafoil as the seller wanted to get up on plane quick for ski-ing.

What do you do to repair it if you wanted/had to?

Thanks.

MS

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Beat up skeg

If the skeg is not bend you can get a skeg guard and put over it. They work well and are easy to install. I don't know how well JB weld would fix the chips and hold. A propeller shop can fix it like new as well. I would get rid of the hydrofoil and get smart tabs. IMO

 

[5150abf]

Re: Beat up skeg

I have used JB weld on a skeg and it works fine until you hit something then it chips off, but you chip the JB not the lower which is good.

I have also welded my skeg, alot more permanent but don't know what they would charge or if they would need to strip it before welding, I took mine into the shop and did it myself and left the parts in it on the theory that the oil in the lower would dissipate the heat.
A note here, stay away from general weld shops as the lower is cast and kind of dificult to weld, stay with an actual prop shop and you will be fine.

The only real problem is that the jagged edges may cause cavitation as they disrupt the water before the prop and get bubbles in it.

If it runs okay you can leave it alone or the easiest and cost effective fix is the skeg guard( it is skeg btw)
Better yet to not hit rocks but I river fish too and know that isn't always possible.(on my 3rd lower unit)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Beat up skeg

suggest installing one of these and smart tabs, get rid of the foil.

http://www.iboats.com/Skegs_Accesso...e.match--**********.394057962--view_id.217150

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Beat up skeg

Referred to as a "skeg". If you do plan on straightening it, just take your time and do it in gradual increments with a C Clamp if anything. Slowly forming it is ideal,along with light taps form a small oz hammer, but MANY have broken theirs attempting this. Be aware that heating the skeg, also heats everything inside the lower unit including seals. Seals are rubber and will not like the heat. The skeg is also cast aluminum and "hammering" on it is not recommended. If you do some "on water" tests and things appear normal, leave it alone. The skeg is there primarily to kick up the motor should you strike something. If it were twisted, it could affect handling but a bend to one side or the other is not an issue. Skeg guards are a good idea as already stated.