Repairing dings and nicks on a lower unit

[Jgcrock99]

Good morning,

I am relatively new to the boating world so forgive me if this seems like an idiotic question. Can I use Bondo to repair the lead edge of my lower unit? I tried to search for answers before asking the question outright but one of the members names here happens to be Bondo which made the search very difficult. I have a 1996 Chaparral with 4.3 lx motor and an Alpha One Gen 2 and there are some dings and nicks on the front which I am sure are impacting peak performance. There is nothing mechanically wrong with the unit, no leaks of any kind, its just seen better days so I didn't want to purchase a replacement if it could be reshaped and repainted with Bondo or better suggestion from someone here. Thank you in advance.

 

[Jcris]

In my opinion,
I doubt that it's "impacting peak performance". I Have the exact same motor and drive. Like yours the drive is not perfect but functions just fine. Being new to boating I would suggest you just get used to the boat and see if it needs other repairs and then perhaps work on things that may more significantly impact performance.

 

[Jgcrock99]

Thank you, I was just planning to repaint the drive this coming winter and wanted to address it if I am going to be sanding it down anyway. I purchased it from the original owner and there are some scratches, nicks, dings and just more aluminum showing than probably should be.

 

[Bondo]

Thank you, I was just planning to repaint the drive this coming winter and wanted to address it if I am going to be sanding it down anyway. I purchased it from the original owner and there are some scratches, nicks, dings and just more aluminum showing than probably should be.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Perfection of lower unit surfaces doesn't come into play, til yer reachin' 75 or 80 mph,.....

For our boats, yer best option is to just lightly sand where yer gonna paint, then prime with an etchin' primer, then topcoat it when dried,....
I prefer to use a single quality supplier, for both primer, 'n topcoat,....
Rustoleum is great stuff, both their etchin' primer, 'n their industrial enamel topcoats,....

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Its pretty common to see skeg damage in lakes with rocky bottoms of varying depths -- and new boat drivers have been said to be at more risk of forgetting to raise the drive or wandering into high risk areas.


-- If the bottom or any major section of the Skeg is gone its easier to damage the propeller on those same hazards -- but other than that performance differences are rarely seen.


-- Any added hazard protection the skeg does offer is primarily at low speeds due to increased forces seen at higher speeds


Welding aluminum can be done for a proper fix but the drive is often disassembled to prevent problems from heat on the seals and repainted.

Bolt on Skeg-Gaurds can be a quick, easy & lower cost way for the do it your selfer -- I like the ones with a skid plate.


Body filler might restore the appearance but it will not restore the strength for ( Low speed ) hazard protection.




All that said: I do agree with Jchris & his suggestion that you get used to the boat and see if it needs other repairs and then perhaps work on things that may more significantly impact performance.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would use epoxy putty vs bondo, however either would work to fill in nicks before you hit it with a rattle can of rustoleum

 

[Jgcrock99]

Thank you all for your responses, I appreciate the information

 

[Mischief Managed]

JB Weld works great to fill pits and scratches before painting. Would not use it for anything structural.