88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

rubennh

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 1, 2010
Messages
31
Hi guys,

I have some damage on my skeg, I would like to make something to cover the remaining portion of it.
Does anybody know the exact length of the original skeg for a 88 125hp Force?

Thanks!
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

I lost mine last season and didn't bother to replace it. It's too bothersome to find a welder to do such a minor job and asking for $100. Anyways, the minimum length should be the same bottom point or maybe 1/2' over of the prop lowest point. That's the main function of the skeg in the first place to protect the prop from grounding and hitting object when moving forward. Iboat actually have the replacement skeg available in different sizes.
 

maxum84

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Joined
Aug 5, 2011
Messages
9
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

You can buy replacement skegs on the net and find somebody to weld it on but they need to know what they are doing because the bearing housing can warp. I just had the local marina send mine out to be fixed cost me $150 for skeg and welding labor. If you are somewhat handy and can take the lower unit off yourself and just take the lower unit to for them to ship out it's not to bad. if there's anything left to yours you can also buy a bolt on skeg.
 

rubennh

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Joined
Apr 1, 2010
Messages
31
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

I think I'm going to bolt on one of these skeg guards custom made from a local metal shop.
Stainless is the way to go right?

Thanks for your responses.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

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Here's one that I am in process of repairing. The weld was failing so before it broke completely I decided to "sandwich" it between two pieces of hard aluminum. The aluminum is about .080 thick and you can see it was salvaged off a really beat up road sign salvaged from a junk yard.

I first shaped it then bent the top to the contour of the gearcase. Then I epoxied it to the existing skeg and gearcase. Last, I drilled and tapped for some 10-24 pan head screws.

No need to spend lots of money on those fancy-schmancy skeg guards.
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
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3,909
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

Nice job Frank. Unfortunately, in my case I only got half an inch left and my only recourse is to have a new one welded. But I just don't see spending more than $100 for a 9" weld.
 

rubennh

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 1, 2010
Messages
31
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

That's creativity right there! Would you recommend stainless steel instead of aluminium in case I can't find a road sign like you did?
What size should be holes for the screws, 1/4"?
I can not see myself paying $100+ for one of those guards.

Thank you sir!
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

I used 10-24 pan head screws 1/4 inch long (Because I had them handy) but you can use 8-32, 10-32, or 12-24. Whatever you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot. The screws serve to reinforce the epoxy and don't carry much load. The holes are drilled about 1/8 inch (for 10-24) then tapped so there is no need for nuts. A 10-24 tap will only cost about 3-4 bucks at Sears.

Unless you want to beat on it forever and ruin a couple of drill bits, use aluminum. Stainless is a witch to work with. Aluminum can be found at your local welding supply or fabricators. A piece sized to give you two sides of the skeg should cost around 10 bucks.
 

rubennh

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Apr 1, 2010
Messages
31
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

Thank you, very helpful info.
 

mbruce333

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Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
15
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

I recently bought a 79 85hp with a busted skeg, not much left to work with but I found a welder who had experience with working on lower units. got a replacement skeg on ebay for 18.00, another 80.00 for the weld and I'm in buisness! The weld would have been a little cheaper but the replacement skeg is quite a bit thicker than the replacement, so there was quite a bit of shaping to do to get it look right. I fit the seam for the replacement skeg, but left the shaping to the welding guy.

The replacement is one of thses:

http://www.iboats.com/Replacement-Skeg-Merc-V6-Stern-Drives-T-H-Marine-Supply/dm/view_id.168940

Here's my before and after shots:

IMAG0114-1.jpg1979 Chrysler 85-3.jpg1979 Chrysler 85-2.jpg

Mike Bruce
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

Nice work Bruce. Where did you get that cone nut? I wonder if there's one that goes for an 88-125 Force?
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

102_6371.jpg100_6143.jpg102_0193.jpg103_6259.jpg100_5944.jpg

The cone runs about 30 dollars and the flare washer is probably the same. Your engine MUST have the extended prop shaft to use them. They are obsolete but occasionally one comes up on ebay. They were meant to be used with the old Chrysler and Force solid hubbed props. However: As you can see the flare washer will fit inside some open hub props but not others.

The white prop shows the original design with a plain spacer behind the cone. They also had extended hub props that only needed the tailcone.

Interestingly enough when Chrysler first came out with the one piece lower unit, people were complaining like mad. It seems that the midleg was one inch shorter than the old style and engines were ventilating way too easily. So, Chrysler hurried into design the flare washer also called an anti-cavitation washer.
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

Nice! Unfortunately I don't have that extended shaft as you mentioned. Maybe I should think of something to install a cone nut without the extended shaft. I do have that flare washer as shown in your 2nd photo with the red cone nut.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

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Well, we have hijacked this thread nicely but the skeg issue was resolved, so: I have sometimes thought about drilling and tapping the end of the shorter propshafts so I could insert a 1/2 inch stub shaft to accept the tailcone. That, however is a LOT of fuss and bother. To do it correctly the propshaft should be removed and chucked in a lathe. That way the drilled hole is concentric with the shaft. AND, tapping stainless is no fun at all. Of course, a good welder could weld on a stub and chase the threads back to normal. But, that would be costly.

You could also experiment with making your own tailcone with an extended "plug" to fit inside the flare washer. Then drill the perimeter of the washer for about three screws to hold the cone. Brutal but it may work.

BTW: Here is the extended hub Chrysler prop I wrote about in the above post. It is a 13 X 17. Maybe someday just for sh*** and giggles I will get it repaired.

And by the way: Just to get back to skegs, this skeg is 1/4 inch thick hard aluminum cut and welded onto the case for 100 bucks. But it was worth it!

You must admit: With the tailcone this lower unit has a very elegant streamlined look. Much better than those ugly black Mer**** engines!

You know: I do believe that if Chrysler was still manufacturing outboards, they would have some world class engines in both styling and performance. I know that I would certainly spring to buy a new one.
 

rubennh

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 1, 2010
Messages
31
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

Thank you JB.
I did order one.
 

rubennh

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 1, 2010
Messages
31
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

It should fit your 125. Mine looks great no issues so far.
 

theramman

Recruit
Joined
Jul 1, 2012
Messages
5
Re: 88-125hp skeg dimension or size? ideas on replacement?

Thanks, ordered and I'll give it a whirl....
 
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