Fin on lower unit broke off

[DirkAubram]

A friend helped bring the boat back to my house and backed the outboard motor into a tree. The fin on the bottom of the lower unit hit the tree and it broke off. Is there a way to weld it back on or does it even have to be on? <br />Thanks for any help<br />Dirk

 

[miloman]

Re: Fin on lower unit broke off

absoutly the fin is very important one of the best and quickest fixes is to buy maliable epoxy putty mold it to the shape as best as possible let it dry turn hard about 30 minutes sand it to shape and paint it the color of your motor if done right you wont be able to dicernt the diference

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Fin on lower unit broke off

If we're talking about the vertical fin, at the very bottom of the motor, in front of the prop, it's what we call 'skeg'<br /><br />Do a search on this site - hits 344 posts!

 

[pbailey]

Re: Fin on lower unit broke off

When I was down at the local shop buying parts the other day they were welding the skeg back onto a motor that was in the shop.<br /><br />I think this would be the way to go. As epoxy may be to soft and leave it prone to break again.<br /><br />pbailey

 

[JB]

Re: Fin on lower unit broke off

SkegGard is a good alternative.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Fin on lower unit broke off

The skegs's main function is protecting the prop.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[DirkAubram]

Re: Fin on lower unit broke off

Thanks, I think I will try to find a shop that can weld it back on, if that does not work I 'll try the Skeggard. I went to there website but my motor is not referenced.

 

[wikelam]

Re: Fin on lower unit broke off

the welding solution should work, if you can find one(welder)that is good enough to weld aluminum. this stuff can be tricky. have been welding for about 16 years, i have done this before. if you have the part that broke off and it is not too small then should have no problem.<br /><br />things to watch out for. excessive welding on the lower unit transfers heat to the seals inside the unit. this could lead to failure. not a good thing. have done this on motor on boat at a dock before but break was very low on the skeg. when break is near round part of unit, i prefer to empty out unit.<br /><br />Also let the welder do all the prep work, do not clean with a stadard wire brush. the welder will have to use a stainless wire brush to get a good clean weld.<br /><br />but yes the skeg is important. it could have been the prop and shaft that broke if not for the skeg. Good Luck