Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

[Searay87]

OK, so I'm new to boating. I purchased a 18 ft 1987 SeaRay bowrider. Third time out I hit a rock and destroy my prop and rip off 90% of the skeg. I replaced the prop and it worked well for 2 outings, no vibrations and good control.

On the advice of experienced boaters I had a local machine shop weld on a replacement skeg. I notice the leading edge is not bevelled but is flat and about 1/4" wide. I also notice when I get the boat up to cruising speed (25-30mi/h) that the wake looks thin and the boat doesn't appear to be displacing enough water. Motor doesn't sound right either. I look over the stern and the prop drive looks to be riding too high in the water.

Is this my imagination? Is it possible that the new skeg is "plowing" water and raising the rear of the boat? Would a skeg cover be better than trying to file it down and get the right pitch?

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

got photos?

 

[Searay87]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

Sorry, no photos of the repair. I've been doing some more research and it appears that Skegs are designed and shaped specifically with the stern drive. Mine's a 1987 3.0 litre Mercruiser Alpha One (130 HP). Are replacement skegs any good? The Blackfin seems to be popular. HELP!!

 

[45Auto]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

I doubt if the skeg is making any difference, but it wouldn't hurt anything to take a belt sander (use coarse sandpaper) and round the leading edge, and taper the trailing edge.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

Is this my imagination?

Yes...

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

Might be your imagination.

I did a home-built skeg when my last lower unit had too much snapped off and what was left was contaminated metal (from a previous weld job) for a good welded replacement.

I went overboard and put on a double-size skeg. Sure steered well at low speeds No real effect at higher speeds.

If you're sure your boat is behaving differently, I suggest checking the prop shaft for runout... it's possible you hit hard enough to bend the shaft a little, which would affect your performance quite a bit.

Additionally check your trim cylinders... if they were damaged, the rear of the boat could well be at the wrong angle when under power.

The skeg is mostly there to protect the prop, and unless it's obviously causing problems (by being 90 degrees away from the normal position, for instance) it's not going to be causing what you think you see.

Erik

 

[Searay87]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

Thanks to all for the replies. I keep getting the same message, the home- made skeg is not my problem. That's good news. As for checking the trim cylinders, what do I look for? Obvious signs of misalignment? Should there be any noise coming from the power trim system while adjusting it at cruising speed? It definitely sounds different than when the boat is at rest.

 

[myoldboat2]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

Searay87> Should there be any noise coming from the power trim system while adjusting it at cruising speed? It definitely sounds different than when the boat is at rest.

Maybe the pump is working harder?


erikgreen> I went overboard and put on a double-size skeg. Sure steered well at low speeds

Got a photo? Is it double size vertically, horizontally or both? I'd like better low speed steering. Not sure I want to go to a prop protector (cylindrical housing) so maybe a bigger skeg would do. Don't want to add too much vertically, though. Maybe this should be in a different thread?

 

[myoldboat2]

Re: Skeg Repair Causing Problems?

bump