Anyone ever fix a bent skeg? Probably an inch off of center or more.
Anyone ever fix a bent skeg? Probably an inch off of center or more.
Mine was bent at a 90 degree angle. I went to the local fiberglass shop. The owner cut it off and welded a new one on. I asked about ruining the seals and he said it was far enough down, that it shouldn't. It did, but I got skeg replaced and then the seals and back in business.
Mine had a slight bend near the tip from a light impact with floating tree limb. I took two small 2X4's and placed them on each side of the skeg. Then I attached two C clamps and added tension. At first I got it good and snug, then every day for the next week or so I would add more tension. After about a week or so I removed it and the majority of the bend was gone. I don't know if that will work in your case but you could give it a try.
Small piece of 2x4 on one side and hit with rubber hammer gently on opposite side. Repeat until straight. Good LuckOriginally Posted by dricha21
First question: Is it bothering you, other than appearance? If not, leave it alone. Be aware that some Yamaha's come with a kinked skeg as manufactured.
If it is causing some handling or performance issues, I've done a bunch of them with JR19 and Boatseller's method. They work. I'm impatient. I clamp 2 - 2 x 4's per JR19 and then beat on them. I have broken one off. Just said to heck with it and ran without it.
Depends on the boat and motor and the speed you attain. Obviously the faster you go, the more concern.
I had the same thing done to my lower unit except I did not have the seals replaced. Water got in and destroyed the lower unit. Don't underestimate how hot the metal gets when being welded.
The oil was burnt so badly it had a really strong burnt smell.
P01135809
Cut and weld is the method recommended by shops. I used the block of wood and mallet method before with great success. I figured if it broke then I would have it welded back on.
ciao,
Marc
Agree doesn't take alot of force, start with small blows and take your time. Have done this a couple of different times with success.Small piece of 2x4 on one side and hit with rubber hammer gently on opposite side. Repeat until straight. Good Luck
Hammer and Dolly, don't try to pry it over, just beat it back into place.
Heartland of America
2000 Ranger 520dvx
2000 Mercury Optimax 225 - 0T136160
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1997 Charger 395TF
1997 Evinrude Vindicator 200 - G04296981 (E200STLEUB)
What horse power we taking about and what speeds to you achieve? Exceed 40mph and loose the skeg = being like Ike or one of the others who sadly end up in the trees. Mercury would suggest a new case welding on as not recommended. Possibly insurance claim? Up to you, use this information to look into your options.
Mercury 250 proxs 2B115089
SAME HERE.....................
I had the same thing done to my lower unit except I did not have the seals replaced. Water got in and destroyed the lower unit. Don't underestimate how hot the metal gets when being welded.
The oil was burnt so badly it had a really strong burnt smell.
2006 Triton TR186, 175 Optimax,
Yes had it cut off and weld new one on. My local dealership knew a guy.
This is the best advice on here, welding can be fatal
If this risk was only you you, do what yo want however it could involve others, Would yo want this on your conscious
Thank You Leon Pugh
Where is it bent ? The whole skagg or just the bottom tip ? If it's far enough down that the majority is still straight, you can cut it off at the bend and install a Skagg Guard and it will work perfectly and not be visible.
Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
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they use to sell a tool just for that, I think there's some videos on YT.
Regarding would you want that on your conscience.....Good Lord....That's a little dramatic. It's a bent skeg...not a nuclear warhead.
2017 18trx, 200 proxs serial 2B401503
Would you drive a car with a welded or straightened front spindle at high speed, not at all dramatic, it is an unacceptable risk
Thank You Leon Pugh
I’m missing about half of mine and I can tell a bit of difference. Can you tell a difference in how it is handling??
Place a block of steel on each side.. mount a series of c-clamps down the blocks( 3) apply heat, slowly crank the clamps in sequence until it is straight. Seals can be kept cool with ice. Cut a slit in a towel .pull the slit over the skeg..fill with ice ..tie towel tight and use bungees to hold up. Place small tray below to catch what melts. Slow and steady wins the race.. same method with blocs parallel to get a twist out. This also may require two pipe wrenches on the steel blocks for leverage to “twist”.. don’t forget the ice
Place a block of steel on each side.. mount a series of c-clamps down the blocks( 3) apply heat, slowly crank the clamps in sequence until it is straight. Seals can be kept cool with ice. Cut a slit in a towel .pull the slit over the skeg..fill with ice ..tie towel tight and use bungees to hold up. Place small tray below to catch what melts. Slow and steady wins the race.. same method with blocs parallel to get a twist out. This also may require two pipe wrenches on the steel blocks for leverage to “twist”.. don’t forget the ice
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