I lost my skeg, what to do.....

[krisnowicki]

I hit a submerged cinder block at about 4 mph at the ramp and lost my skeg. I was so mad, there was about 10 blocks I found under the water like some one just dumped a pallet in the water. A fisherman with a 100 johnson had hit it too..

Now that I vented, my prop and all is fine just no skeg so what should I use to replace it....

Boat ran great afterwards

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

That sucks. If you know somone who can do aluminum welding, they can weld a new section on and you can grind it the right way.

I got to see one done, and it looked horrible with the big gobs of weld, but with a grinder you could smooth it out and it would be fine. I think you use a mig welder set up properly for aluminum.

 

[Don S]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

Skeg guard would be one option, or do nothing, it will run fine without the skeg.
I am sure iboats sell them, but here is the oem site.

http://www.skeggard.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=4

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

I saw a plastic bolt on skeg that fits over whats left of yours..looked real easy to install, just cannot remember where I saw it, May have been in Bass Pro shop...maybe try google

 

[Expidia]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

I've had mine touched up twice for about $40 each time. It depends on how good the welder is. Each time he did it there were no seams or extra weld material. You really can't tell it was repaired. Since yours is just about the whole skeg it will probably run you about 70 bucks.

Tip: take a piece of cardboard and trace out the skeg of a similar outboard so he knows the correct shape to resurrect from the ghosts of skegs past

Remember that the skeg did it's job which was to protect the prop and lower unit. It gave it's life for you!

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

you should be able to buy a skeg to weld on.try this for 25.00

http://www.amazon.com/REPLACEMENT-SKEG-MERC-V-6-MCM/dp/B000H7DZPI

I think the one i saw the guy ran seperated halves and ran wter thru while welding.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

Although you can use the boat without it, do replace it.

 

[DJ]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

Al this advice-for free! Get the Skeg Guard here.

http://www.iboats.com/Skeggard-Repa...48422356--**********.290227388--view_id.39561

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

Any prop shop or boat repair location should be able to weld on a new skeg. If they are decent, you won't even be able to tell.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

Just get the skeg-guard here install it and be done. No worries of someone who isn't the best cooking all of the seals out of your LU or doing a sub par job. You can install yourself and won't have to take the boat anywhere and possibly have to leave it somewhere for a few days. I'm sure there are plenty of very qualified welders who could do it and do it right but there is always the one who can't but says he can..

 

[fat fanny]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

There is enough material there to add a piece to replace what was sacrificed to save your prop and lower end and it's far enough away from the hub if they tig it to not cause any heat damage to and seals and or bearings.

 

[scipper77]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

I have no skeg!! of course my boat is old and not worth going to great lengths to keep pristine.

You can run with no skeg but with that stainless prop the next cinder block you hit could bend the drive shaft. I'd STRONGLY recommend an aluminum prop untill you get the skeg repaired. If you hit something with an aluminum prop the prop should break before the lower unit. Not the case with a stainless prop. Or at least that is my understanding.

 

[mariah555]

Re: I lost my skeg, what to do.....

I need to tig mine up i've got a couple chunks missing in mine..good thing I have my own tig/stick welder in my garage

And yes a stainless prop will transfer way more load to the shaft if you hit something then an aluminum one. I never use a stainless prop, just for that reason...well and the fact that I fix my own props!