New to outboards

[trax]

Hi I just prchased a 15' side console sunbird (fixer upper) for fishing. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but have never worked on an outboard. first thing Inotice was a grease comming out around the prop I'm sure there must be a shaft seal ther wondering how hard it is to replace and if there are any special tools required? Also what is the pupose of the scag on the bottom of the lower unit, this one is broken not completly gone maybe 1/2, what affect will this have and is there a fix.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New to outboards

Actually there is 2 seals on the prop shaft,one facing in,one facing out.They do make a seal pulling tool.Check the lower for signs of water in the lube and hope the gears did not form rust.
The skeg will not affect performance. If one is chipped off i usually just grind it down and round it off if possible.

WELCOME TO IBOATS!!

Here you can look up a parts diagram http://www.crowleymarine.com/parts.cfm

 

[Xcusme]

Re: New to outboards

The purpose of the skeg is to protect the prop. You can buy a bolt-on skeg protector (stainless steel) . Google "skeg protector", look for River Runner....

 

[ezeke]

Re: New to outboards

You will also find a good selection of skeg repair options here at iboats:

http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Store/...submit.y.10--submit.x.32--search_type.keyword

You can mount the Skeggard easily yourself with a drill, rubber mallet and a pair of screwdrivers. It slips over the remaining skeg and bolts on. Looks good.

The odds are good that your leaking oil is normal, coming from the engine and not the gearcase. It drips down through the exhaust.

 

[dave11]

Re: New to outboards

Xcuseme

Do you have any experience with the River Runner? How does it affect the performance of the boat?

 

[DJ]

Re: New to outboards

We have Mac's River Runners on both our pontoons. Both have Merc. 75's. One 2-stroke, one four stroke.

We lost about two MPH. On a pontoon, that is no big deal but we haven't replaced a prop in six years. That is a BIG deal.

 

[JB]

Re: New to outboards

Mind telling us what motor you have?

I have used SkegGards on three engines. They work very well and survive hits that would have damaged the skeg.

 

[dave11]

Re: New to outboards

I have a 60HP four stroke Yamaha on an Alumaweld Talon. It has a 10 degree Mod V hull. I do a lot of exploring and there is a lot of shallow water here in Florida. A lot of sand and mud, some oyster beds, and some rock ledges and rocks sticking straight up.

 

[DJ]

Re: New to outboards

Dave,

We do al lot of exploring also, with both toons.

One is in a fresh water lake with a lot of shallow areas and back bayous.

The other is at Orange Beach, AL. That one is used on the intercoastal and surrounding back bays/tributaries.

As mentioned, they have saved a lot of props. They'll ride up and over an obstruction and keep debris away from the prop, including sand/gravel.