Skeg repair

[RBunch]

I just hauled out my boat for the season...90HP 1984 Johnson OB.<br /><br />Upon inspection, I noticed a long crack in the skeg running horizonal to the waterline. The lower 3" or so of the skeg are only connected to the lower unit by 3/4" of solid material, then the crack runs out through the trailing edge.<br /><br />My questions...Can this be successfuly welded? What type of service provider should I look for (marina? weld shop? etc?)<br /><br />Thanks, in advance, for your help!<br /><br />Rick

 

[llfish]

Re: Skeg repair

A good welding shop should be able to help you out. A plus would be that they have worked on OB motors in the past.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[fishnfiend]

Re: Skeg repair

Yep, can be welded. The other option (as long as you have an inch or so of good metal below the prop shaft housing) is to install a Skeg guard which is a stainless steel skeg covering that attaches with two 1/4" screws. The Skegguard is about $100. The stainless steel is alot stronger than your skeg metal. (do a search on this forum and you'll get some opinions on "skeg protection."<br /><br />There is also a skeg protector called the River Runner that some use, but probably better for smaller motors. The Skeg guard should not affect your 90's performance at all if you go that route.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Skeg repair

Those stainless skeg covers work great. Also most good prop shops can replace the skeg for you but you have to just take the lower unit to them.