behind the prop help

[saront]

hope this the right area but their is a fin that cuts the water behind the prop and the very bottom tip has broken off at least 3 inches wide and 3 inches down is their a way of attaching a new tip the previous owner must have dropped it or dragged it ..it is a 1967 50 hp merc. 2 stroke..and is their a name for this area.....i have heard of cavitation and it seems like i am oversteering alot is this because of the tip being broke off...thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: behind the prop help

If the fin is truly behind the prop and attached above at the antivent(cavitation) plate.
It is the anode which helps reduce corrosion on the rest of the motor it also serves as a trim fin to help control torque pull in the steering.If broken its affect will be reduced.Replacement anodes are available.
If it's the fin below the gear case in front of the prop it is the skeg and while it does protect the prop a little it has little other affect as long as what remains is not bent too severely.