Alpha 1 VS Stump

[T-O-Double-D]

I'm sure this needs no explanation, But I lowered my leg onto a stump and then engaged the drive.

Not only is the tip of the skeg broken off the whole thing is bent to the port side of the boat.

"Bring out another thousand"

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

Ooch!

I'd carefully bend the skeg back...and, maybe look into one of those skeg guards. Blackfin makes a nice one:

http://www.blackfinskeg.com/home/

As for the prop...not on my boat, even repaired! If you repair it, I would recommend that you carry it as a backup, only. I run stainless props here in the Gulf...couldn't afford replacing aluminum every third outing!

Ain't boating fun...?

 

[J JACKSON]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

when you straighten that skeg be careful i broke mine off when straightening it. i had to order a new one from iboats and weld it on. also you need to check the output shaft with a dial indicator to make sure its not bent.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

after ya get yer prop fixed and the likes, ya could try running it with the bent skeg. mine is bent too. not a lot. but is bent. no ill effects that i can tell. and since i read they break off easy while being straightened. i just left well enough alone...

 

[ne7800]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

mine is bent to and not affecting anything that i can tell

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

...also you need to check the output shaft with a dial indicator to make sure its not bent.

Absolutely check the propshaft!!!

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

You don't have to do nothing to the skeg leave it alone.

Propshaft is your main concern, and i'll bet nothings wrong with that also.

You can have that prop repaired, or bend it out yourself and use it as a spare.

Good luck.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

You don't have to do nothing to the skeg leave it alone.

Propshaft is your main concern, and i'll bet nothings wrong with that also.

You can have that prop repaired, or bend it out yourself and use it as a spare.

Good luck.

I agree. The main purpose of the skeg is to protect the prop from striking objects under water. Turn the prop by hand and see how much protection you lost or have left. Then make your decision. The skeg guard mentioned above works good and some even bolt on. If you have it welded. You may as well replace it. Heat is the enemy. The prop can be carefully straightened with a Lg pair of adjustable jaws and then run it. If you don't have any vibrations your good to go. Otherwise a prop repair shop can straighten it as good as new. Thats a lot cheaper than a new one but you should have a spare prop on board anyway so that's something to consider.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

Be very careful if you try to straighten the skeg. I tried to straighten the broken piece of mine (had 1/4" to 1/2" bend in it) and it was like straightening a piece of glass. Didn't work!!! Probably want to put some heat on it if you do try to straighten it.

Pics in this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=282896

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

Be very careful if you try to straighten the skeg. I tried to straighten the broken piece of mine (had 1/4" to 1/2" bend in it) and it was like straightening a piece of glass. Didn't work!!! Probably want to put some heat on it if you do try to straighten it.

Pics in this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=282896

Aluminum transfers heat REALLY fast. My opinion would be to leave it alone. Heating it up enough to be useful may damage the seals and bearings in the lower unit. Check the prop shaft and get a new prop.
They do make commercial stump grinders though.

 

[T-O-Double-D]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

They do make commercial stump grinders though.

I may have to try one of those.

I'm gonna send this prop in to get reworked.
I think i'll take some of your sugestions and try the boat (next spring) and see if the bent skeg makes a difference, But alas I'm thinking it needs replaceing too cuz it's not only bent but curved to the port side.
So I'm thinking it'll have a constant pull.
The piece thats missing is minor, And the skeg will still protect the prop but I like things to be as they should so I think I'm sending the lower leg in for some loving.


Thanks for the responces, Todd.

 

[T-O-Double-D]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

Be very careful if you try to straighten the skeg. I tried to straighten the broken piece of mine (had 1/4" to 1/2" bend in it) and it was like straightening a piece of glass. Didn't work!!! Probably want to put some heat on it if you do try to straighten it.

Pics in this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=282896

I just looked at your thread and WOW you can make me a new skeg please.

Good job.

I can't weld (at all) so I think i'll just pull it and send it to the pro's

,Todd.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

The STUMP always wins!!!

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

Warning if you heat it with the seals in it you will melt them.

Learned it the hard way.

All i can say, is what i already said leave it alone.

45 auto boy could i use you today, found out my 1976 70 hp Evinrude has a small crack on the aluminum block.

I am heartbroken. No words can describe how i feel.

33 years.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

so, any runout on the propshaft?

coulda been worse. ya coulda had a ss prop that was much less forgiving than the aluminum one ya got. ya got any pics of the bend and the curve on the skeg. hard to tell how bad it's curved and bent from the pics. mine is mildly bent to port with a 1'' chunk missing up high on the back side of the skeg. guess it was backing strike in my case. i didn't do it... still think ya should run it and see if there's any consequence from the damage...

snazzy new animated avatar ca..

nice job on yers 45auto

 

[T-O-Double-D]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

There definately is no runout in the propshaft, No play in any direction.

I just went and took a pic of the skeg lying under the boat looking aft along the skeg. (in the dark)
I hope this is the angle you were looking for.

 

[T-O-Double-D]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

I've found someone willing to try welding A new skeg on.
Other than stripping the lower leg right empty of seals and such is there anything else we should know about welding this metal?

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

I've found someone willing to try welding A new skeg on.

that don't sound to inspiring... i think ya should find someone that knows they can weld on cast aluminum.....

my skeg don't look much different than yours. ya may have a little more bend than me, but the curve is simialer... i'd look for the proper welder over the winter, but wait till spring to do any repairs. after ya see how it works as is...

 

[cbavier]

Re: Alpha 1 VS Stump

that don't sound to inspiring... i think ya should find someone that knows they can weld on cast aluminum.....

my skeg don't look much different than yours. ya may have a little more bend than me, but the curve is simialer... i'd look for the proper welder over the winter, but wait till spring to do any repairs. after ya see how it works as is...

I think your too worried about the skeg. The skeg only houses the works and protects the prop. No worse than the skeg is bent/ broken. It will not effect the steering. Just have the prop repaired and run it. A bent prop will cause vibration and effect performance so that must be repaired. Having someone weld the skeg that doesn't know what they are doing is only going to cause you more problems and cost you a bunch more money.