Old Johnson skeg bent

[SeaHorse]

I am restoring an RD14 25hp Johnson, 1953. The skeg (fin at the bottom of the lower unit) is bent about a half inch to one side. Can I take a hammer and wail away at this until it's straight or might it snap off? I would use hardwood blocks, try to be careful, etc. but I'd rather leave it bent than snap it off.

 

[kenthrussell]

Re: Old Johnson skeg bent

hi you can try to straighten it and if it does break any prop shop will weld a new skeg on or reweld yours on....

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Old Johnson skeg bent

what I do is clamp the skeg between two 2x4 blocks in a vise. Then, instead of beating on it,I simply pull the gear box by hand. <br />

Happy boating!