L/U horizontal fin bent

[spartanpele]

I have a question regarding the horizontal fin on the lower unit. What does that horizontal fin do and what kind of a problem will I have if mine is bent slightly down. <br /><br />I have a slight crack right along the crease of that horizontal fin (doesn't appear to allow any water into the L/U) and the prior person tried to patch it as is. I was planning on grinding down the crack a bit to get a good clean surface, then use some Permatex (the stuff that hardens like metal) over it. <br /><br />But what kind of a problem will I have if the fin is still bent? Should I attempt to bend it back? I'm worried that doing so will make the crack worse, plus I'm unsure how to bend it back. <br /><br />Any info would be helpful because right now I'm looking at simply patching the crack and leaving it as is.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: L/U horizontal fin bent

I believe you are describing the anti cavitation plate. It is to stop air bubbles from cavitating on the prop. With it bent it could cause you to loose top end speed and give you some problems with steering.

 

[spartanpele]

Re: L/U horizontal fin bent

Is it possible to bend that fin back? Can that kind of metal be simply bent back, or do I risk the whole side of the fin breaking off? I do have a stingray planing tail that can be bolted on to it. Think that would solve the issue?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: L/U horizontal fin bent

probably not without breaking it. It is aluminum. Keep an eye out on ebay for a used lower unit. Or have a machine shop look at it and see if they can do something with it. Take it on the lake first and beat the heck out of it. If you notice no problems dont worry about it. As long as it is not leaking and does not effect performance leave it as it is.

 

[spartanpele]

Re: L/U horizontal fin bent

Last night I ended up using some Permatex cold steel adhesive on the fin, then I attached a stingray stabilzing plane fin on the cavitation fin...shimming the two fins together in order to create a larger, evenly balanced fin. <br /><br />I'm planning on taking it out this weekend and we'll see how she handles. I think by bolting up the stabilizer it should help keep the crack from spreading as the pressure/tension is spread out amongst the whole fin vs just the one part.<br /><br />Thanks everyone!