Chipped outdrive fin

[jajones2051]

Ok....excuse my ingorance in terminology, but this weekend as I was pulling into the boat ramp, i heard the horrible sound of my outdrive backing into a hidden piece of concrete near the ramp. After finally getting off and taking the boat out of the water, I noticed that my prop was fine, but the "fin" on the shaft of the outdrive was chipped (about a 1" piece.) Not a big chunk, but I'm wondering if this will affect the performance of the boat?? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[jajones2051]

Re: Chipped outdrive fin

Ok....better terminology now...it's a chip on the tip of the lower drive assembly

 

[GregCC167Concept]

Re: Chipped outdrive fin

That fin as you call it is the skeg. I had a similar chip taken out of mine. You should fix it because, at best, if you hit anything else it will get worse. Now for the easy part. Look for a product called "Skeggard" as in Skeg Guard. It's a stainless steel fitting made to go over the skeg to protect it. But it also does a great job of repairing a skeg by basically covering it up. It's easy to install and has a nice clean look, especially if you have a ss prop. They make different models to fit different makes so find the right one. You basically mark and drill 2 holes and it goes on with two locking screws and it comes with everything you need including lok-tight. I don't know what the price is now but I paid 100 bucks and had it installed in 15 minutes. I got it at Overtons (they have a website) but I have seen it in other catalogs and stores as well. You can probably get yours rebuilt but it's bound to cost at least that. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Chipped outdrive fin

I wouldn't worry about a 1" chip unless you just don't like the way it looks. I won't hurt the performance of the boat. I would take a file and smooth out the edges of the chip and spray some black outdrive paint on it, it most probably won't be the last time it gets a nick in it.

 

[Paul_Aris]

Re: Chipped outdrive fin

You can have it repaired. My mechanice welds a new piece of aluminum on and grinds it back flush. Looks brand new.