BaitMonkey1984 Posted July 23, 2015 Posted July 23, 2015 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. Quote
lmoore Posted July 23, 2015 Posted July 23, 2015 It can be straightened, or they could look at a product like a Safe Skeg and just cut that bottom 4 inches off. Either way, won't be more than about $100 to fix it. Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted July 23, 2015 Super User Posted July 23, 2015 Mine has a small bend in it. Nowhere near as drastic as what it sounds like you're describing. They can get it fixed though. If they can't get it straight without breaking it, they can just cut it off and weld on a new one. Quote
RAMBLER Posted July 23, 2015 Posted July 23, 2015 It won't really bother anything as long as it is still below the prop. It's there to protect the prop. Must have done it's job. Mine is bent and it does not affect the boat tracking at even full throttle. Bending that metal back can be a disaster. I've heard of people getting it bent back straight and I've heard of people breaking it right off. Quote
Super User Further North Posted July 23, 2015 Super User Posted July 23, 2015 Bending that metal back can be a disaster. I've heard of people getting it bent back straight and I've heard of people breaking it right off. Agree - I can't recall the exact terminology, but aluminum that is bent quickly sort of "crystallizes" and is difficult to bend back without snapping. I recall something to the effect that very similar conditions to the original incident (which is nearly impossible to define) have to be recreated for a successful bend. I'm not an expert on this, so take it for what it's worth...but I left the slight bend in the skeg of that motor...never noticed any ill effects. Quote
Super User tomustang Posted July 23, 2015 Super User Posted July 23, 2015 Depends on how big the motor is. If it's a little motor repair it, if its a big motor get a new skeg Quote
breazy Posted July 24, 2015 Posted July 24, 2015 Agree - I can't recall the exact terminology, but aluminum that is bent quickly sort of "crystallizes" and is difficult to bend back without snapping. I recall something to the effect that very similar conditions to the original incident (which is nearly impossible to define) have to be recreated for a successful bend. I'm not an expert on this, so take it for what it's worth...but I left the slight bend in the skeg of that motor...never noticed any ill effects. The aluminum breaking when bent back likely has far more to do with the alloy composition than aanything else. 6061 aluminum doesnt bend well at all whereas 3003 aluminum handles bending very well. Quote
Super User Further North Posted July 24, 2015 Super User Posted July 24, 2015 The aluminum breaking when bent back likely has far more to do with the alloy composition than anything else. 6061 aluminum doesn't bend well at all whereas 3003 aluminum handles bending very well. That is great info to have - thanks. Quote
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