damaged lower unit questions

plazmore

Cadet
Joined
Jul 22, 2005
Messages
28
i went out without my depthfinder, and the lake level was dropped ten feet overnight...therefore, i went to a place i thought was safe, but found rocks right below the surface...saw them too late, and dinged my stainless prop, which i was able to clean up, but the "rudder" below the prop got some pretty good impact...A) what do you call this area?, and B) whats the best way to fix damage here? can i just grind it as smooth as possible and call it good?<br /><br />thanks for the input!
 

north40

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 13, 2004
Messages
331
Re: damaged lower unit questions

This area is called the Skeg. Nicks will not effect performance. If it is bent it can cause boat to pull to one side or other. There are stainless covers which go over skeg but have a tendancy to cause more damage on impact than not having one. Have seen engines with a couple of inches broken off still perform well.
 

plazmore

Cadet
Joined
Jul 22, 2005
Messages
28
Re: damaged lower unit questions

mine has lost a couple inches, and the edge isnt as smooth as i would like it, but i cant tell a difference from how it performed prior. so the skeg is there to protect the prop? or to act as a rudder?
 

Laddies

Banned
Joined
Sep 10, 2004
Messages
12,218
Re: damaged lower unit questions

It serves both purposes to some degree, with the cost of a skeggard (s/s cover) take to a welder and have it repaired properly, replacement skegs are available
 
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