Skeg repair

[Simple_Man]

The Admiral found a stump the other day, and broke the skeg. I have looked at using a "skeg guard" to repair it. My problem is nobody has one for a 1987 85 HP. I called a couple of manufactures and they only go back to 1988. my question is will one for an 88 fit the 87?

 

[gm280]

SImple_Man, Post some pictures of your "broken" skeg and we can see what you are dealing with. I am sure if there is enough remaining that something can work. And it there is not enough, you can always have one welded on. Lots of folks have done that with great success. So post a picture or three so we can see yours and offer better ideas and suggestions.

 

[Simple_Man]

The boat is in the water for the weekend. will do as soon as i get it out. Most of the skeg is there.

 

[Jiggz]

I lost my skeg almost 5 years ago. So far it's still broken and doesn't seem to have any negative effect on performance. I wish I can weld or can pay someone to weld it but I can't find willing to do it for a reasonable price. The remaining part at its longest section is barely an inch long.

Hence a skeg guard will not work which requires at least 2 inches to bolt on to. If you can weld or have it welded, you can just make one from 1/4 inch aluminum. Or you can buy a skeg replacement online and just cut it to your desired size.

 

[Simple_Man]

i have plenty to attach a guard to, But I cant seem to find one for a 1987 85 hp. it seems that most are made for models after 1988. will one for that year fit?

 

[gm280]

i have plenty to attach a guard to, But I cant seem to find one for a 1987 85 hp. it seems that most are made for models after 1988. will one for that year fit?

I actually tried to check the difference online, but I don't know the engine model number and such. However, unless they made some serious changes from '87 to '88 in the same HP output model, I would think they would not be different. But that is just an uneducated guess on my part. You can look online for a break down parts view for the two years and see if they used the same part numbers for the lower foot sections. If so, then the '88 replacement skeg would work on the '87 model as well. JMHO

 

[Jiggz]

Well, If I were you to make sure the skeg guard fits I would ask the forum for anyone with an 87-85HP Force to give the dimensions of their skegs. The two critical dimensions will be the total width (forward and aft) of the upper section of the skeg and total length (top to bottom). From there you can make a decision which skeg guard model you will be using or that will fit yours.

 

[jerryjerry05]

The 87 and the 88 are the same skeg/ lower unit.

​It's there to protect the prop and keep the boat running straight(if the snout is adjusted right)

You ever see a surfboard without a skeg?
Maybe the way old ones but all newer boards have them.

 

[Simple_Man]

Thanks All

I am going to order the Skeg Guard brand. I will let you know how it fits.

 

[Simple_Man]

Well the Skeg Guard for the 1988 is to short front to back along the bullet for my 1987 lower. I have enough missing that I can modify the shape to make it work.
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[gm280]

Well the Skeg Guard for the 1988 is to short front to back along the bullet for my 1987 lower. I have enough missing that I can modify the shape to make it work.
​

Simple_Man, pop up some pictures of both the broken skeg and the replacement part as well. That way we can offer suggestions and ideas seeing what you are dealing with. JMHO

 

[Jiggz]

Well the Skeg Guard for the 1988 is to short front to back along the bullet for my 1987 lower. I have enough missing that I can modify the shape to make it work.
​

This should be OK as the skeg's main function is to protect the prop from hitting bottom. Although, in some respects it does keep the boat running straight.

 

[SkiDad]

maybe one of these will help - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...+skeg&_sacat=0

i know the current Lower unit I'm running has a welded on skeg - the weld is all the way up to top. Never been a problem this year - i have another lower unit that has the original and it's hard to tell unless you get close. anything form 1984-1988 (either 85 hp or 125) will all have the same skeg - at least that is what i've seen.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Those will work as long as the guy welding can weld it right??

​They sell one that bolts/ screws on that works well as long as there is enough left to weld it to.

 

[Simple_Man]

No Title

UGGGGG I hate uploading PICS files are always to big. As you can see with a small mod with my grinder i can make it work

 

[Jiggz]

You sure got enough left to bolt on that replacement one. Personally, I'll grind off or better yet hacksaw it off the forward part to make it fit. By doing this the forward bolt hole will be located with the section left with more material to bolt it on.

 

[Simple_Man]

That was my plan Jiggz.

 

[gm280]

That was my plan Jiggz.

Oh yes, I can see a very good fit with some minor grinding and sanding. You could make that look like it came from the factory with just some elbow grease. Just contour the parts together and it will look perfect. :thumb: