Grinding down my Skeg ('87 70hp RUDE)

[mncafik]

Hey guys, thanks for all the advice... One more question.. I know the skeg is vital for stability, however, i am looking for a little less drag, and more rpm.... i am currently re gelcoating the bottom of my boat( before it was like 80 grit sand paper )(14.5ft marlin glasscraft runabout) and was thinking of taking a quarter of an inch of the bottom of my skeg for a little less drag... is that do able without sacrificing safety... currently, at my max speed of 48mph, 5300rpm, the boat handles great..... Waiting on your expert advice....

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Grinding down my Skeg ('87 70hp RUDE)

If you removed the whole skeg you wouldn't gain any noticable difference in speed, but it's there for a reason and I wouldn't waste my time wondering about it...It provides stability, and protection for the prop. A quarter inch wouldn't hurt, but you would gain zero.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Grinding down my Skeg ('87 70hp RUDE)

You'd do much better fairing the leading and trailing edges.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Grinding down my Skeg ('87 70hp RUDE)

Like Kenny said, there's nothing to be gained there.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Grinding down my Skeg ('87 70hp RUDE)

hello<br />yep ya might try to fair it but mostly I think a smooth bottom and proper mounting height is more critical. I have a lot of boats here that the skegs are missing and the run every week. most are in the 40MPH range.<br /> no stability problems nor speed gains. now when they hit bottom the prop takes the brunt of the smack<br /> dont sweat the skeg and keep up with the bottom.<br /> good luck and keep posting