Bent skeg on outboard

[zippy83]

Hi all,

I was drifting down the wind and hit a log with my outboard. Even though it was trimmed up it was hard to see and the result ended up being a bent skeg. Is there a way it can be bent back?

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Doesn’t look that bad. A Bit of heat from a propane torch should make it easy to straighten out. Go slow and easy

 

[flashback]

Leave it be.

 

[zippy83]

Doesn’t look that bad. A Bit of heat from a propane torch should make it easy to straighten out. Go slow and easy

Can I use one of those disposable homeowners torch yellow bottle? If so, how long should I heat the skeg from each side before attempting to straighten.

 

[flashback]

Don't mess with it, there are seals in there that don't like excessive heat

 

[airshot]

To far to fast and it will crack and leak, not worth the gamble !

 

[jimmbo]

A Block on one Side and a Hammer on the Other Side, and it can be straightened with some Care. That is a Minor Bend/Twist

 

[Scott Danforth]

I wouldnt worry about it. Not worth trying to straighten

 

[cyclops222]

Know when NOT to do a risky repair. It is not going to reduce the performance.

 

[dwco5051]

Like the others said, leave it be. Any attempt to straighten it is a percentage game. No matter how careful or experienced you are it is only one light tap from being a very expensive job.

 

[crazy charlie]

As the Beatles said.....Let it be. Charlie

 

[jimmbo]

The Skeg has a Twist, as well as a Bend to it, and that could create some Cavitation at higher Speeds, on the low Pressure Side of the Twist

 

[froggy1150]

Cut it off and attach a skeg repair kit?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Cutting it off is extreme. Like amputation of a foot because you stubbed your toe

@zippy83 , if it bothers you that much. Take it to a marina that does skeg repairs.

Here is what they will do.
Pull the prop, pull the gear oil vent, leave the oil in the gear case for cooling

Rapidly heat the skeg with a rosebud, use a brass hammer, a large fork (or a 14" adjustable wrench)and a block of oak and quickly pound it straight.

Then cool the lower unit, replace the oil vent screw, repaint the skeg with a rattle can.

And charge you shop rate.

However with that little bit of a bend, I wouldn't do anything

 

[bigblocksarefun]

Let it ride until you manage to take a large chunk out of it. If you feel like it's affecting steering significantly you can try adjusting the trim tab to compensate. I just had mine repaired (local prop shop here does them for a good price) but half of it was gone and had bent a blade, so I took them both to get fixed up.

 

[zippy83]

Thanks everyone. I was able to use the hammer and a block on the opposite side and carefully bring it back to as close to normal as possible.