97 'Rude 90 SPL Bent Skeg

[Jcrain]

A buddy took my glastron out to one of the area lakes and as he was backing down an unfamiliar ramp he snagged the skeg on a poorly repaired hole ( Skeg to ramp = 3 in., concrete bump, 4 in high) He said the boat runs like a scalded ape and didn't notice the bent skeg until after he pulled out of the water. It has a nice curve to the right. Can it be/how do I straighten it?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 97 'Rude 90 SPL Bent Skeg

Hi. We have a Kickapoo River in Wisconsin. Canoed it as a Boy Scout.<br /><br />You need two rather large hammers. My preferred tools are a 3 lb sledge and a plastic deadblow about the same size. Use the sledge as an anvil on the backside of the bend. Move it around strategically as you pound on the other side with the other hammer. Don't try to take it all out with one blow. Just a little at a time.<br /><br />Now here are the disclaimers...<br />If there is a crack in the skeg, it will break.<br />If the bend is too great, it will break.<br />If you don't use another hammer on the backside of the skeg, it will break.<br />If you try to take it all out with one blow, it will break.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[fast_c_class]

Re: 97 'Rude 90 SPL Bent Skeg

if its bent pretty good,or you've tried the above. bring it to a propshop or marina and have them heat it up with a torch and bend it back. having a bent skeg can actually be a dangerous thing. it can effect your steering in that it may cause the boat to pull hard to one side, especially at high speed

 

[Solittle]

Re: 97 'Rude 90 SPL Bent Skeg

I recommend that you leave it alone unless it effects your steering. If it breaks trying to bend it back you will end up turning your wallet upside down and shaking vigerously. One of mine is bent and has no effect.

 

[Jcrain]

Re: 97 'Rude 90 SPL Bent Skeg

I took it out on the lake and it ran great with no steering prob so I think I'll just leave it as is. Thanks for the responses

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 97 'Rude 90 SPL Bent Skeg

I agree with solittle.<br /> if it does not affect sterring leave it be. if it does, adjust the trim tab. skegs are over rated.<br /> most the time they only bend once.