Skeg repair or aftermarket guard

[Lightwin 3]

MerCruiser Alpha I Gen II.

I have about 1 1/2" of skeg left. I bought the boat this way.

I realize the skeg doesn't do much but protect the prop somewhat.

Opinions on adding an aftermarket skeg? At least to make it look a little better.

Issues with those?

Thanks

 

[achris]

I'm not a great fan of the aftermarket skeg guards... Merc sell a 'weld on' replacement skeg. Just find a tame welder to weld it on for you.

 

[Lightwin 3]

I didn't realize you could buy a replacement "weld on" skeg.

Since the drive is off, I can take it to a welder easy enough.

Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

most prop shops and marinas charge about $50-$100 to weld on a skeg. last one I had done took less than a half hour.

 

[thumpar]

If you want it to look good for for a weld on skeg. I think those skeg "guards" look worse than a broken skeg.

 

[Rick Stephens]

If you want it to look good for for a weld on skeg. I think those skeg "guards" look worse than a broken skeg.

I'd rather see a raw weld than one of those bolt on replacement skegs.

 

[Bondo]

I didn't realize you could buy a replacement "weld on" skeg.

Since the drive is off, I can take it to a welder easy enough.

Thanks.

Ayuh,.... A Welder will cut a piece outa a 1/4" plate, 'n weld it on, then blend, 'n sculpture it with an angle grinder,....

No need to buy a Merc branded chunk of aluminum plate,....

 

[achris]

The advantage of the Merc supplied part is that the aluminium is the same alloy as the base metal, and it's already the right shape ... Here's the Merc part number if you want it.... 90185A1

 

[QBhoy]

Agree that skeg guard things look terrible and would put me off any boat.
Merc do a oem replacement and if you take the drive off, leave the oil in to act as a coolant to protect bearings and gear...and give to a good welder who knows about Ally welding...you’ll have an almost good as new job at the end with some oem Merc drive paint.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Just curious -- Does the drive typically get hot enough to be concerned about the seals when welding ?

 

[achris]

When I have a skeg welded on, I pull the bearing carrier out. My welder prefers the box with no oil in it. It's not a difficult job and only takes 5 minutes. It also allows me to replace the propshaft seals if they need it. Once I have the bearing carrier out, I take the 'O' ring and reverse gear (and it's bearing) off and put it back in. That helps stop the housing from distorting due to the heating.

 

[Scott Danforth]

A good welder will use cold shield. No need to pull the lower apart

 

[Lightwin 3]

Thanks All!