Broke Lower Unit

[Steveth1]

I am brand new to boating and have screwed up my new boat all ready. The lower unit below the propeller is broke off. The motor and propeller seem to work fine but I am sure this needs repaired? Can this be repaired by welding a new keal on there or does the whole lower unit need to be replaced?

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

Hi Steve, <br />Welcome to IBoats!!!<br />What you broke is a lower unit's skeg. There are repair items sold around called "skeg repair kit"<br />Here is one on Ebay <br /><br />There is about 1 1/2" piece broken off from my skeg. I smoothed it out with a grinder and straighten it a little. It's an easy fix as long as the outdrive casing is not damaged and no oil is comming out. <br />Good luck.

 

[Steveth1]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

Thanks Lenny, is this skeg an easy thing to repair or do you recomend I have a shop do the repair?<br /><br />Steve

 

[bamadave]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

Welcome the the forum Steve. How much of the skeg is left? If there is more than an inch or two, it's a relatively easy fix with a skeg guard repair kit. Drill a couple of holes and mount it. If there is not that much metal left, it will need to be done by a reputable mechanic because the foot will have to be disassembled, heliarc welded and reassembled.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

Welcome the the forum Steve. How much of the skeg is left? If there is more than an inch or two, it's a relatively easy fix with a skeg guard repair kit. Drill a couple of holes and mount it. If there is not that much metal left, it will need to be done by a reputable mechanic because the foot will have to be disassembled, heliarc welded and reassembled.

 

[milkyway]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

I won't fix it YET if it does not affect the overall boat's performance. You are new boater, you said, so just keep on boating and gain more experience. If you fix it now, you might break it again later and then xra $$s again. Since you broke the skeg which is supposed to protect the propeller, the propeller's hub may have been damaged. Double check the hub.

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

The propeller is also unprotected, now. Bite the bullet and have it repaired, it's there for a reason ... much cheaper than a lower unit rebuild.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

If you are a new boater, I agree. Get it fixed. That skeg did its job and stopped you from hitting the prop on what ever broke the sheg and probably saved thousands in drive repair.

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

Steve, <br />Get a depth finder / fish finder - basic unit which will tell you depth of the water. Stay away from shallow areas. Get a chart of water you boat in. Blue areas on the nautical chart is low depth areas. Stay away from those spots. <br />As you operate your "joy toy", stay alert for objects on the water surface. If you go over a floating object it will hit your drive.<br /><br />Repair it yorself. This way you will learn things and safe money.

 

[paultek6]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

The skeg aids in steering the drive unit thru the water it can be welded by any reputable marina .They usually get their replacement skegs thru mercury.Double check your prop for damage and it wouldnt hurt to pull it off and check propshaft for straightness.<br /> paul

 

[Steveth1]

Re: Broke Lower Unit

Thanks for the info guys. I do have a few nicks in the propeller but they don't seem to serious. Would you recomend skeg guard or have a new piece welded?<br /><br />I do have a depth finder but I did not realize the water was so shallow until too late. I guess you just have to be real careful when your on a new lake.<br />Steve