Crack in Skeg

[Gerhard Peters]

I notice that while working on installing my Alpha 1 Gen 2 sterndrive that the skeg has a crack. What is the best way to fix this? I have a welder and can weld aluminum. I used to work as a welder (20 years ago) and I have never before welded aluminum so I would have to practice. My welding experience is meg and stick.

Or is buying a skep shield and install that just as good? https://www.amazon.ca/SkegShield-SS0.../dp/B001F0NWAY

 

[Bondo]

and I have never before welded aluminum so I would have to practice.

Ayuh,...... Aluminum welds Nothin' like weldin' steel,....... so don't practice on the case,.....

Where the crack is, will determine the steps needed to weld it, though it Can be welded 'bout anywhere on the case,.....

It's done everyday at most prop shops,.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

while it is possible to MIG weld aluminum, you would want to TIG it.

Welding aluminum is nothing like welding steel or stainless

take the project to a marina or prop shop or radiator shop as they weld aluminum every day. its a $30 to $50 event and those that do skeg repair will also have the right color paint handy

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

A local boat shop uses the skeg gaurds as they are quick to install and I have used them with very good success in the past.

Welding is cleaner fix in most peoples opinion but a more complex repair.

A proper skeg can protect your propeller // A prop that's lower than its skeg is at more risk in the shallows.

 

[Gerhard Peters]

A local boat shop uses the skeg gaurds as they are quick to install and I have used them with very good success in the past.

Welding is cleaner fix in most peoples opinion but a more complex repair.

A proper skeg can protect your propeller // A prop that's lower than its skeg is at more risk in the shallows.

When using a skeg guard do you cut the current skeg partially or just slide the guard over regardless of where the crack is?

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Slides over -- Drill 2 through holes -- Material needs to be in tact in drilled area of through holes.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Have it welded. Easy peasy and look work like new.

 

[Scott Danforth]

here is the problem if you boat in salt water with a skeg guard

your skeg is aluminum, the skeg guard is stainless. you are now sitting in an electrolyte (salt water). it wont take long for the skeg guard to cause enough corrosion to the drive to require a new one.

have it welded.

 

[jakwi]

here is the problem if you boat in salt water with a skeg guard

your skeg is aluminum, the skeg guard is stainless. you are now sitting in an electrolyte (salt water). it wont take long for the skeg guard to cause enough corrosion to the drive to require a new one.

have it welded.

This is something that should have been obvious, but for what ever reason it never occurred to me, although in my case I store on the trailer, so at most it's in salt water for a few hours, followed by a fresh water rinse. Thanks for posting this Scott, it's definitely made me reconsider my skeg guard.

As an aside I would like to mention that the panther skeg guard didn't simply slide over the Alpha 1 gen 2 remnants of my skeg. I had to grind maybe 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch off the front or rear,I don't remember which, to get it to slide all the way up. Other than that though it seems to work fine.