I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

[bluemarshboater]

Hello, I'm a real idiot and forgot to raise my outdrive, backed up and snap.....

Questions about welding it.....

1.) Any reason to NOT do it while it's on the boat?

2.) Will the heat from welding it damage any bearings, seals, drive oil, etc..?

3.) Any other solutions to this, I'm sure, common issue?

4.) Can I use the boat without this on for a weekend? I heard it's really just there to protect the prop from debris in the water, etc.. true?

Any suggestions would be GREALY appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

 

[stonyloam]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

Hello, I'm a real idiot and forgot to raise my outdrive, backed up and snap.....

Questions about welding it.....

1.) Any reason to NOT do it while it's on the boat?

2.) Will the heat from welding it damage any bearings, seals, drive oil, etc..?

3.) Any other solutions to this, I'm sure, common issue?

4.) Can I use the boat without this on for a weekend? I heard it's really just there to protect the prop from debris in the water, etc.. true?

Any suggestions would be GREALY appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

1) Major PITA for the welder, take the lower off, lot easier to take the lower in than the whole boat.

2) No

3) Skeg protector, if you have enough left, but not perfect solution.

4) Yes, but just remember your prop is unprotected, may lose some low speed maneuverability.

Good luck!

 

[pleaseaddwater]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

i always hate to give advice in here cause in semi amateur...however i have ran w/o a skeg for a few weeks now and have no issues...i guess it had already been broke off and the last guy put on of those chrome ones on and it fell off...i really want to buy on of the aftermarket blackfins but its 90$....im sure someone will tell me that i need one and its stupid to not repair..

 

[bluemarshboater]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

Thanks for the replies. I'm really pissed at myself for doing this, but now all I can do is have it fixed as i have never welded aluminum before.

I'll take it out this weekend for a day and then have it fixed.

Thanks
Dave

-----------------
92 Bayliner Capri
5.0 alpha 1 gen 2

 

[stonyloam]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

My nephew did the same thing, talked to the prop shop, told him that if he brought in the lower, would be $80, and would be ready in 2 days, if he brought in the boat the outdrive would have to be pulled, coat an extra $30 and could take a week. Just something to consider. If it is a Merc, and you do take off the lower, make sure you keep track of the lower shift shaft washer, easy to lose

 

[bluemarshboater]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

Yeah it's an alpha 1 gen II. I just really hope that the heat from welding it won't shorten the life of any internals. I would think that the welding temp of aluminum considerably lower than that of steel and aluminum will help in heat dissipation.

I really did't want to pull the lower off, as I just changed the fluid in it. Oh well, that's just how it goes I suppose. It's my fault anyway. LOL

Thanks for the info.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

Ayuh,.... For the welding, have the welder Wrap it with a wet towel...
Just bring 'im the Whole drive,... No reason to drain the fresh oil.. It'll help move the heat...
The Heat, will be a Non-issue...
Welding aluminum is not like doin' steel,... Have it done....

 

[bluemarshboater]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

Thanks a lot for the replies. I'll call around tomorrow and hopefully find a place that'll do it at a reasonable price. I called one place tonight, that is open late, they said around 140.00, and it takes a week, but you'll never know it was broken. I'm sure it'll be noticeable, but if they say that then I'm sure it'll look really good at the very least. That price of 140.00 probably isn't too bad.

Best
Dave

 

[45Auto]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

I don't claim to be any kind of welder, but I easily repaired my skeg and you literally cannot tell it's ever been repaired. You can see what I did on this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=282896&highlight=lucky

 

[stonyloam]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

If you go to a prop shop, they will probably do it for less, mine coat $90.

 

[bluemarshboater]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

Very nice job!! Mine didn't break as clean as yours. How did you create the recess for the skeg piece you added on?

 

[bluemarshboater]

Re: I broke my skeg, questions about welding it.....

Used to have a great prop shop in the area, but he's gone. Not sure we have one around here anymore. Most things get sent out to surrounding counties I suppose. I will check on the prop shop though.