Bent Skeg

[Ken Barber]

I blew it last weekend and hit some mud with the skeg of my 140 evinrude.
Not going fast, probably 8-10 knots, but shuddered the whole boat as I dragged just two or three inches of skeg through the mud of the Merrimac River.

Now, the skeg is bent about 1/2 inch out of true. My question is how does one get this repaired? I recognize that the entire lower unit is one piece of aluminum. Do I have to replace it?

It seemed to handle OK afterwards, but I was on my way in and have not done anything over 10 with the skeg like this yet. What do you think I am in for?

Thanks

Ken

 

[JB]

Re: Bent Skeg

Probably not a big problem, Ken. If it doesn't affect the handling you can probably leave it alone.

Some can be straightened with a body dolly and a mallet, some will break if you try it. If it breaks you can get it welded back for a bit over $100, or you can put a SkegGard on it for about the same.

I recommend the SkegGard. I have used several and bounced them off rocks while on plane with no damage.

 

[Robert16star]

Re: Bent Skeg

H & H Propeller in Salem, Ma will make it look like new. Give them a call for pricing.


800-325-0117
http://www.hhprop.com/

 

[kynolan2183]

Re: Bent Skeg

A bent Skeg is no big deal.
Don't try and set it true this is the wrong time of the year.
If you break it then you are looking at 3 to 4 week repair time at most shops now.

The skeg is there to protect the prop. Check if you have problem by slowly brining the boat on plain.

Kyle

 

[Ken Barber]

Re: Bent Skeg

Thanks for the info on my bent skeg problem.

Kynolan - what am I looking for when I bring it on to plane, vibration? pulling to one side?

I will be out again on Thursday, so it will get the test. Hopefully, it lasts the season and I can address it in the fall. My luck, if I try to stratighten it myself, I would crack it off for sure.

Thanks

Ken

 

[red boat]

Re: Bent Skeg

Must have been some awfully stout mud to bend the skeg!! ;<)

 

[kynolan2183]

Re: Bent Skeg

I don't think that you will see anything at all but.....

If your boat is a very deep v it might list a very little on going on to plane at most.

Water is very dense at speed and there should be no problem when on plane.

You also might have to adjust your tab under the anti-ventlation plate.

Just enjoy your summer not a big deal. I don't think that i have had a motor in a few year where the skeg wasn't bent or that I didn't bent it.

If it breaks though you are up a creek with more than mud in it. And out a 100 bucks for the bolt on skeg.


Kyle

 

[joebankz]

Re: Bent Skeg

I recommend the skeg-protector - I think they are building them better and they try to color match your motor. Best solution I've found.