Do I need to replace the skeg?

[kungpaoshizi]

Hi all, new here, just got my first boat over the weekend. 1986 Venture Bass Boat with a 76 Mercury 1150.
The guy has taken pretty decent care of the boat from what I can tell...
In researching more of what I might upgrade or need to cleanup/replace, I noticed the skeg is partially broken, it's probably still 80% there(?) but I'm wondering what my options are or where to get the part?

I've seen some say weld it, others say it'll blow off quick... I mean, we didn't have any issues with the 'test drive' but I'm wanting to keep it in tip top shape.

Should I maybe get a new one and just wait til I break this one? lol I've never had a boat, let alone been in a powerful one, so I want to be sure I'm comfortable with it before I spend a few hundred on something I might break anyways...

Thanks very much! Cheers!

 

[wired247]

Re: Do I need to replace the skeg?

Dont worry about it. 80% there is more than most have.

 

[JB]

Re: Do I need to replace the skeg?

As long as it is lower than the prop blades (which it is intended to protect) you are okay.

If it exposes prop blades to damage put a SkeGGard on it. They are stainless steel and will do a much better job than alloy.

 

[kungpaoshizi]

Re: Do I need to replace the skeg?

Excellent, thanks very much for the advice!