1980 OMC 400 lower end

[Mr-Moe]

Having recently purchased well used StarCraft SS 18, on inspection of the out drive lower end.
I noticed a chunk of the skeg broken off. Size is about 2”x2” triangle piece off the tip.

Will this amount have any effect on handling off the unit?
Thanks
Moe

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard Moe. Yes, but I can't really tell you how much.

The skeg's primary jobs are to 1) act as a rudder on the outdrive and 2) guard the prop from hitting anything solid. That lead edge of the skeg being gone will affect how it works as a rudder, but perhaps not noticeably. I would recommend that you have it repaired by getting a shop to weld a new piece on. However, there are also covers and guards (look HERE) you can try if you prefer.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if it bothers you, have it welded up. between $50 and $80 and most places wont even need to have the drive off

if it doesnt bother you, go boating. there are bigger issues with that stringer than the skeg.

like the vertical drive shaft splines are most likely worn to the point where it will probably give out.

 

[Mr-Moe]

I’m not worried as long as it doesn’t affect operation of boat.
I’ll be stripping the upper and lower units down, and do a full inspection
before I do anything else to boat.