Bent Skeg Alpha I

[egldvrbags]

1995 Alpha I.

Should I be worried about the bent skeg in the photos? No visible cracks or pieces broken off.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bent Skeg Alpha I

No picture, but if it doesn't effect how it handles, leave it alone.

 

[egldvrbags]

Re: Bent Skeg Alpha I

No picture, but if it doesn't effect how it handles, leave it alone.

Thanks Don,

That's what I was thinking as well. I can see breaking the thing off trying to bend it back. I don't have a clue how long it's even been bent. I probably wouldn't have noticed it if I wasn't replacing my prop.


Here're the photos. Just figured out they didn't attached because the file size was too large.

Dave

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Bent Skeg Alpha I

I'd leave it alone unless it affects steering or something.....
You just might snap it off if you try to bend it.....​

 

[wallydc2]

Re: Bent Skeg Alpha I

I had the same problem, and it did affect my steering. Even after adjusting the trim tab as far as it would go my boat still wanted to go were it wanted to. I have an alpha 1 3.0 mercruiser, after doing some research I decided to give skeg pro a shot. I'll tell it is one of the best investments I have made through listening to these guys on this forum. If you decide to go that route what you need to do is get a large set of channel locks and GENTLY bend your skeg back into place just enough for the skeg pro to fit. Once it's on, it is very simple to install, all you need is a drill and the ability to follow simple instructions. I read tons of info before I made the decision to go with it and I have not regreted it. It has improved my steering dramatically.

 

[wallydc2]

Re: Bent Skeg Alpha I

I had the same problem, and it did affect my steering. Even after adjusting the trim tab as far as it would go my boat still wanted to go were it wanted to. I have an alpha 1 3.0 mercruiser, after doing some research I decided to give skeg pro a shot. I'll tell it is one of the best investments I have made through listening to these guys on this forum. If you decide to go that route what you need to do is get a large set of channel locks and GENTLY bend your skeg back into place just enough for the skeg pro to fit. Once it's on, it is very simple to install, all you need is a drill and the ability to follow simple instructions. I read tons of info before I made the decision to go with it and I have not regreted it. It has improved my steering dramatically.

Were I live in Springfield IL sometimes during late summer the lake level gets low, and my kids insist on going out because it's hot. I have hit things and that skeg pro has not moved or bent, It's made of stainless steel.

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: Bent Skeg Alpha I

If your as anal about your skeg as I am you can have it repaird cheep enough. It can be replaced if you snap it off completly....Dont ask me how I know......I learned about that 10 years ago lol.....can you say HEILIARC welding?

Your skeg isnt bent that much you may be able to carfully bend it back without busting it off. Id do it if it creates a stearing issue or you just cant stand seeing it bent like I would be.

 

[dcg9381]

Re: Bent Skeg Alpha I

I wouldn't try bending it.. Too $$ if you break it.
I would take it to a shop - I believe the right way to try to straighten it is a little heat and hitting it against a stop which compresses the metal.