Welding on a new skeg

[GT1000000]

Looking to buy a motor to replace my Merc 115 ToP.
It is a Force 125.
It seems like a good buy, BUT it has no skeg.
Apparently, it broke off even with the bullet.
Nothing left to attach to.
Question is, "Can a new skeg be welded on without worrying about destroying the L/U seals?"
Any other concerns I am not aware of?
Thanks,
Gus

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

A new skeg can be welded on but the heat generated will damage the seals

 

[todd ashley peters]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

i may be ranked cadet on this forum, but i would likely rank in the top 5% of welders in the province. i have welded many props % skegs. some skegs right to the bullet and a couple breached the bullet. you will not likely do a reasonable job without taking lower unit apart. if someone does get it stuck on there it will be removed by the first thing it touches and maybe into the gear housing. strip the lower unit, clean very well, take it to a welding shop. the less they have to do the less it will cost you. recommend they use a heat sink paste inside the unit. this will prevent everything from over heating and prevent burnthrough into the gear housing. this will enable a good repair. good luck.

 

[Hydra-sport_Road-kill]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

You can get some really excellent and (OMG) free advice from the folks you come across here on iBoats. The previous post is evidence of this fact. My addition to this thread is to remind you (and others) that if you give us a picture or even several pictures to see what you're asking about, it will be a huge help. Otherwise it's like asking, "I have this thing that broke and I'm wondering if it can be fixed."

 

[duped]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

Honestly I could see it being cheaper and a lot less work to just buy a used lower unit for that motor.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

I welded a new skeg onto my lower unit....right where it met the bullet. After the first tack , I needed to reposition it... you would not believe how difficult it was to break off. I'll let you know if it ever snaps off....

 

[Sprky]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

We weld them all the time without dissassembly. Never had a problem. 6061-0 is what we cut it out of.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

I had one welded on for nothing. Friend said his pop taught welding. Well, you get what you pay for. It came back crooked on the bullet and tilted. There was almost no penetration.

I took it to a welder and for 100 bucks he put it back straight and filleted the welds. Best money I spent. The skeg was made from 1/4 inch hard aircraft aluminum. After grinding the front and back sharp, I decided to hit some rocks. It only put a dent less than 1/4 inch in it which I was able to re-grind out. The skeg will probably outlast the lower unit and engine.

BTW I see you also have a post over on the Chrysler Forum: Don't expect the same performance from the 125 as your 115 Merc. It isn't a dog, but it isn't a killer either and your Merc was under-rated. Starter motors are available new for the price quoted but sometines you can disassemble the old one and rebuild it. Sometimes all they need is the commutator cleaned and sometimes all they need is new brushes.

 

[oops!]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

i have heard of welders that will weld that with out taking the lower apart........there are tricks to it......i have heard that they actually weld it in a tub of water to keep the heat down????
however your average welder wont know of this or try it......

keep in mind.......for the 30 mins it takes to strip a lower apart.....(if you have the puller) i would just pull it apart. make sure the shims are in the right places.....and you should be fine.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

Thank you all for the sound advice.
I am going to look at the engine tomorrow, Sunday, Oct.2nd...
I will take pictures of it and post them.
I am also going to conduct a compression test and check the gear oil as well as the general condition of the engine.
IF, I decide to purchase it...I will let you all know, I will probably need some more assistance:redface:
Good Weather and Tight Lines,
Gus

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Welding on a new skeg

I had one welded on for nothing. Friend said his pop taught welding. Well, you get what you pay for. It came back crooked on the bullet and tilted. There was almost no penetration.

I took it to a welder and for 100 bucks he put it back straight and filleted the welds. Best money I spent. The skeg was made from 1/4 inch hard aircraft aluminum. After grinding the front and back sharp, I decided to hit some rocks. It only put a dent less than 1/4 inch in it which I was able to re-grind out. The skeg will probably outlast the lower unit and engine.

BTW I see you also have a post over on the Chrysler Forum: Don't expect the same performance from the 125 as your 115 Merc. It isn't a dog, but it isn't a killer either and your Merc was under-rated. Starter motors are available new for the price quoted but sometines you can disassemble the old one and rebuild it. Sometimes all they need is the commutator cleaned and sometimes all they need is new brushes.

Thank you for the heads up on the power expectations...

I truely fell in love with my tower of power in the short couple of months it lived with me...

That thing was awesome...great hole shot, planed in seconds, and hauled butts!

I am still taking it apart, but I believe it may be beyond both my experience and budget to have the powerhead rebuilt.

Once I get it apart, if it is repairable, I might look into it...

If, I could find another powerhead, either used, in good shape of course, or one that has been rebuilt, properly, I would be very tempted to rob a bank to get the money to buy it.

Unfortunately, work is slow and funds are also low, so, if I want to fish from my boat, I have to look for the least expensive way to get back on the water.

You see, I just bought the boat a couple of months back and have already sunk all my pennies into it to get to where it was mechanically and electrically sound.

This blown motor deal has me in a funk, both mentally and monetarily...

I am just now recovering emotionally, enough to start thinking about what the future holds in regards to this boat, and I am trying to do my "homework"

Thanks for your advice,
Gus