Hit Bottom!!! Help with repairs!

[joncox]

I own a 1988 Bayliner with a 125 Force Motor.<br />I hit bottom of the lake which is rock. I damaged the prop and the bottom part of the motor, I call it the little rudder.<br /><br />Do I have to buy a whole new bottom unit or can I replace just the rudder?<br />Do I have to replace it or is it vital to the steering of the boat?<br />Also, my prop comes from a 125 Force, 1988 US Marine. The part number is A665265 or PS665. Do you know the Mercury equivalent for this prop?<br /><br />Thanks for any help or advice you can give.

 

[Down South]

Re: Hit Bottom!!! Help with repairs!

That's the skeg that you broke off. There ia an after market skeg you can buy that bolts on. I've seen lots of motors with broke skegs. Replacing it is up to you. It shouldn't really affect your steering unless part of it that's still on the motor is bent to one side. The skeg serves as protection for your prop. If it were me and I was around shallow water that had rocks in it I would buy a bolt on one. Props can be expensive to buy or repair. By the way your prop may be repairable.<br /><br />There is a link at the top of this page for props that will fit your motor.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Hit Bottom!!! Help with repairs!

Good advice from Down South. I would just add to check the prop shaft to make sure it isn't bent at all. If so,it will need to be replaced.Sometimes a good machine shop can straighten them,other times,they can't. But if it's bent, the lower unit will have to be torn down.

 

[JB]

Re: Hit Bottom!!! Help with repairs!

hi, Dawg.<br /><br />Good advice above.<br /><br />You should not leave the skeg broken. It is very important for protecting your prop from light hits.<br /><br />The bolt on is called SkegGard. It costs about $100 from Cabelas or other boat stores. A LOT cheaper than a new prop three or four times a year.<br /><br />BTW, please don't shout and beg in your post topic. There are plenty of other folks waiting patiently for a fair amount of attention. Thanks.<br /><br />Good luck.