Just got off a local lake. At the only boat ramp, three guys were loading a boat. I didn't want to cause any more stress/anxiety so I fished for 10 minutes as they went about their business. 10 minutes later they still have the boat in the water and I can still hear cranking. I go to lend a hand and see if I can help them.
Turns out this guy just bought a boat- this was his maiden voyage. Boat was 6 years old but looked immaculate. I helped them and they got the boat outfof the water and into the parking lot where they got the boat all tied down. I was impressed with their boat etiquette for novice boaters.
I load up my boat and check to make sure they are ok before I take off. They say they are but they tell me they hit a rock and asked about engine repair. The skeg had lost some paint but otherwise looked fine to me. Then they point out the bend of the skeg. I have never seen the bottom four inches of a skeg bend before. It was curved to the right quite noticeably with the motor trimmed up. I have never seen anything like it. I have seen scratches, dents, cracks but never a bend.
Has anyone else seen this, and if so is their any possible repair short of a new lower unit. I am wondering if the next time they are out and they get it on plane, it drifts to the right because of the bend. They were very nice people but appeared to be new batting and would like be able to offer some sound advice if I see them around the lake again.
Thanks. I got skunked but felt like my day wasn't that bad. After all my boat went back on the trailer without any damage.
