Bent prop and skeg

[lazersnake]

Hello All,

I trolled over a rock and look what happened. My 1982 Evinrude 70 HP went 29 years without tasting Canadian Shield. I know everyone asks for help in this type of situation and the response is sometimes, "it would help with a picture...", so tell me how much worry there is with this damage?

Is that enough of a hook on the skeg to get a shop to heat it up and straighten it out and is the the prop in need of the same attention?

Thx.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Bent prop and skeg

I've straightend worse skegs than that with a hammer. It is routinely done cold, there is no need to heat. You need to back up the opposite side of the skeg with a heavy dolly while hammering and work the metal. Google "hammer and dolly skeg" for more forum results of people explaining the technique more completely. As an auto body guy I have a certain amount of experience with this, but I know many would have good success with just a pair of 3 pound hammers used in the correct manner...it's not rocket science. But do NOT use a big vice or clamp or similar to bend it back all at once...strong chance it will crack, plus it wouldn't be perfectly straight when you're done. You need the vibrations and gradual straightening of multiple hammer hits in many loctions to "work" the metal back into shape to minimize the work hardening of the metal. Make that metal "sing"...

Even if it does crack, it can be replaced/repaired. Skegs are routinely repaired at professional shops the same as props are routinely rebuilt.

So if that makes you nervous to do it yourself yes, a good prop shop will be happy to rebuild the prop and repair the skeg for you, it won't cost all that much...they can certainly do it for you without disassembly of the motor. You didn't bend it that bad.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Bent prop and skeg

Get yourself a 2x4 place it on the oppsite side of the bend. Take the hammer and just tap her back into shape starting high on the skeg and work down. Not to agressive but firm on the hammer...take your time and you need could use a new prop...maybe a 100 or so

 

[lazersnake]

Re: Bent prop and skeg

Weel, today is the day. I've put the old original 1982 prop back on. I did notice something, the prop I took off and will get repaired is a 13 3\8 x 17 and the one I just put on is a 13 1\4 x 17. I didn't know anyone made a 13 3\8 x 17, odd size...

I also took your advice on how to straighten the skeg. I wouldn't call it straight now but straight-er.

I will post performance later today and maybe some nice pics of walleye!

Wish me luck

Lazersnake

 

[lazersnake]

Re: Bent prop and skeg

Well , she ran like a dream. No problems but also no fish.

Here's a picture of her in the water

 

[Triton II]

Re: Bent prop and skeg

Nice boat and glad to hear your repair worked out.

TII