Broken fin off of outboard ?

[sjcslk]

I saw a boat for sale for a decent price, but in the description it said one of the fins was broken off the outboard. The seller said he was told that this was an easy fix. Is it and how would it be done? Would it hold up and what would the price be to fix it? thanks,

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I think you are talking about a broken skeg. It isn't a huge deal to replace one depending how high the break is. There are many ways to repair it and stay repaired. From aluminum welding a section on to sistering a section on and using JB Weld to secure it permanently. Post a few more times and then post a photo. A picture is worth many a word.

 

[82rude]

Cost me 40 bucks last time it happened to me but that was many years ago and you couldn't tell it was ever broken.Id imagine it would be around a c note now?

 

[NYBo]

One of the fins? That calls for a further explanation, preferably via pictures.

 

[82rude]

One of the fins? That calls for a further explanation, preferably via pictures.

True,one of the fins could also mean the cav plate .

 

[Chris1956]

Price the replacement skeg (f that is what the issue is), and figure on $100 for welding. You will want to use a welder who is experienced in welding aluminum castings, and will do it without disassembly.;

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Yes he did say "fins", thus I suggested a few pics. A welder would rather have the bottom end removed so he/she can work at a bench instead of a small stool I would think. That will cost another 100 if the OP can't remove and reinstall himself.

 

[82rude]

Throwing me off was one of the fins not fin.

 

[Scott Danforth]

going to need a pic.

skeg repairs done at many marinas and prop shops. same with anti-cav plates.

 

[Sprig]

As others have said a pic would be helpful. You need to clarify if it is a skeg/fin or the cavation plate. Both are likely repairable depending on where the break is. He must have hit something pretty hard to break those and probably broke or bent his prop. I assume he replaced or repaired the prop. You need to make sure that there are no cracks in the lower unit. Also make sure the lower unit oil is not milky indicating water intrusion. The gears in the lower unit could have been damaged also. You’ll want to check that too.
Finally if it’s such an easy fix ask why he hasn’t fixed it? Since he hasn’t had it repaired and is selling it I’d be a little leary of the boat.

 

[QBhoy]

If it’s a skeg broken...as mentioned, get someone experienced to do it. Not just your local metal worker.
I just helped my friend do his on his alpha one.
Best to take the bottom end off. Leave the drive oil in there for cooling and go easy. Sensitive bearings in there and cast needs an experienced touch.

 

[jkust]

A broken skeg isn't a huge deal depending on how much is left of the original to weld onto. One of my neighbors had his done which was about half missing on a Bravo Drive and was fifty bucks and looked like new. The paint however came off quickly.

 

[Sprig]

The op said “one of the fins” on the outboard is broken. This makes no sense, we do not know exactly what is broken and the op hasn’t been back here to clarify. Without a clarification and a pic we don’t know what is going on here.