Lower Unit 'skeg' - Prop

[Hale]

The small skeg that comes off of the cavitation plate on the lower unit, what is that for? I see a lot of motors on the market that dont have it. What would happen if I took mine off (06 Mercury 2 stroke 90). I got my new prop on and since we went with a slightly bigger diameter it doesnt clear that 'skeg' (I would be grateful to the person who informs on what the real name of this). This is the prop I want on the boat (as directed by Mercury, Nitro and many other people). I want to see what everyone elses input on this is before I go calling Mercury.

Thanks

[cart7t]

That's a trim tab.  It's used to offset prop torque.  Taking it off can cause your boat to pull to one side.  I'm not sure how necessary they are on boats with hydraulic steering.  

[RatONaStick]

On some outboards the trim tab is made out of zinc and serves as a sacrificial anode to combat corrosion. If that's the case you won't want to remove it entirely.

I have read where people grind the actual tab or "fin" off of it. Maybe it's possible Mercury or someone makes one that will replace the trim tab with a plain zinc anode.?.?.

On my older Merc the trim tab is made of Zinc. I know some outboards don't even have trim tabs but I would imagine they have some sort of anode on it somewhere.  

[George Welcome]

Hale,

Remove it - It is a combination trim and sacrificial annode, but it it not needed unless you put that boat in salt water.

[HPBB]

I would trim it. I would not take it off. saying you don't need them if the boat is not in salt water is wrong. My family has 3 boats that sit on docks, in fresh water. they are in the water 5-6 months a year. every 3-4 years we have to change the Annodes because of corrosion.

[Al Wolbach]

Hale- Do not remove it however you can trim as necessary. And remember all props flex some under load(even SS) so trim more than just clearance while on the trailor.

You are first person that I have heard of that has torque steer with hydralic steering. I have it on a 225 Yamaha and never pulls in any direction. I can let go of my steering wheel at any speed and the boat continues straight. Not sure...................AL

[Hale]

Yeah Im going to trim it. I removed it this morning and now there is a big cavity under there on the cavitation plate. Im sure this would cause some sort of drag or issue. Ill be launching the boat tomorrow with the new setup and we will see how things are. Of course there will be a whole toolbag on board with spare prop and all (I think swim trunks should be with me as well).

This engine actually has two anodes mounted on the side of the lower unit for cathodic protection.

The pulling has been an issue since day one. Of course its like any dealership...they will hold onto it for a while to figure out the problem,,,Im not really interested in being landlocked right now. Its a nuisance and I know something is not right, but its not hurting anything. Besides I can make a hellacious starboard turn on a downplane with no effort....how cool is that  ;D

[Hale]

So im in Wal-Mart today picking up some line and what do I see on the shelf? The trim tab for my engine....what were the chances of that? So now 6 bucks later Im grinding and blending away.