skeg bent on new motor i got off ebay

[rmr1000]

just got a 1998 mercury 60 hp bigfoot motor and the skeg is bent to the left if looking from behind.how can i fix this problem? i know you can get a cover for broken one but mine is just bent and a cover will not go on it. there is a little part missing on the back side"right infront of prop" do i cut off the bent part and put a skeg cover or can i fix or have it fixed by a shop?

 

[Nutron]

Re: skeg bent on new motor i got off ebay

I have heated these up befor with a torch and was able to fix. I wouldn't recommend unless you know how to control the heat. I have only done this once to my outboard from 4 years ago and it works well. You have to be careful not to put to much heat just enough to pourous the metal. Also I have cut a real bad skeg before and bought a new skeg and welded back on. Or yes you can put the cover on once it is straight.

 

[wired247]

Re: skeg bent on new motor i got off ebay

None of the 15 or so skegs Ive straightened out with a dead blow hammer have ever broken off so I suppose I'm 15 and 0 on the dead blow hammer straightening method which make it a viable method in my book. Others may and probably will disagree.


On the flip side every skeg I have personally welded or have paid to get welded has broken at the weld.

 

[emoney]

Re: skeg bent on new motor i got off ebay

+1 on the heat and a dead blow hammer. Do what you're comfortable doing, however, as there's no shame in paying someone to do a job that needs doing.

 

[Nutron]

Re: skeg bent on new motor i got off ebay

I agree, I have been welding for 20 years and if the weld does not penetrate properly it will break. Both methods will work.