dumb thing I did?!!!

[cuzner]

While I was changing the prop on the boat I just bought I noticed the skeg had a slight bend in it.It wasn't off much and But I had a pipe wrench and some rags handy I thought I'd see if I could straighten it out a bit.I guess it worked because the 1 inch piece that was bent is no longer part of my sterndrive Its the very end of the aft part thats missing.Question is should just feel like an idiot for doing it,or should I take it in be repaired? <br /><br /> Jim

 

[JB]

Re: dumb thing I did?!!!

Get a SkeGGard.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: dumb thing I did?!!!

Grind it to shape it/clean it up a little bit, squirt it with a bit of spray paint, and run with it... <br /><br />Tell em' they made it that way just special for you...

 

[richg99]

Re: dumb thing I did?!!!

If the "accident" now leaves the prop edge unprotected, then I'd get it repaired. <br /><br />RichG

 

[cuzner]

Re: dumb thing I did?!!!

Think I'll snappers suggestion. I still have lots of skeg to protect the prop, and keep my eye open for a deal on a protector.Should have listened to my Dads advice " if it ain't broke don't f.... with it" thanks for your input guys.I now have a " race inspired skeg"<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: dumb thing I did?!!!

Hey Jim here's a little tip for slightly bent prop ears or skegs, get two 16oz ballpeen hammer's use one as a backer block, on one side and use the other to strike prop or skeg lightly, making sure that you have the other hammer directly behind where your hitting, but you must start at the furthest point from the bend and slowly move into the worst part,or towards the edge, while tapping away, until straight, don't try to straiting out bent parts with one pass,you may have to repeat process several times,the trick is straiten in small increments, but there is always a point of fatique and breakage could still occur.

 

[merc200]

Re: dumb thing I did?!!!

Jim-Just smooth the rough broken edges and run it. I bought an old 85 hp outboard that had the bottom 2 inches missing of the skeg and it ran straight as an arrow. I ran it for a long time until the powerhead went bad. Now worries.