Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

[tmh]

I've been trying to trouble-shoot why I'm not getting up to proper WOT in the prop and engine forums. I THINK it's engine related, but it just occured to me that my skeg (I THINK that's what the rudder-like metal part at the bottom of the sterndrive is called) is slightly bent to the right. It's maybe 3/4 inch total off true I'd say.

I haven't noticed and pronounced "pull" to the boat when driving. Could that fairly small bend cause a fairly significant WOT reduction? Thanks.

Also, how do I straighten it? If I have the mechenic do it is it a big job or quick and inexpensive?

 

[QC]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

Pictures?

 

[tmh]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

No pictures for a while as the boat is in a slip for the summer. I'm sure I'll pull it sometime and then I can take a photo.

 

[QC]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

Well I'm up on your other thread sort of. I forgot if you ever checked your tach out? If the skeg is bent in a way to cause drag going forward then yes, it could be an issue, If it is only bent laterally and not messing it up directionally then I wouldn't guess too much. Does she list to one side underway? At rest?

 

[tmh]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

Yes, had my rpm confirmed by the marina mechanic. I'm new to this marina so I don't really know how far to trust them on trouble-shooting yet. I am going to GPS my speed then back-calculate approx rpm to verify I'm in the ballpark.

I don't notice it listing to either side but I'll take more note of that next time out.

it looks like to just needs to be straightened - no broken or chipped sections. Is it a fairly easy fix with the right tool? Seems a big vise with large flat plates would do the trick, but I don't have one big enough myself.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

don't try it yourself, is a job for the pro, who has experience. easily broken. heat cooks the seal in the lower unit. if it's not causing steering or control problems, i doubt it is your problem. do you have wet foam in the bilge? excess water weight would create that kind of problem. what boat and size are we talking about.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

The function of the skeg is to protect the prop not to serve as a trim tab. Both of mine are bent with no effect on performance or steering.

 

[tmh]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

Alright, thanks guys. Sounds like it's not the proplem, which I assumed already anyhow.

Tash, I took all the wet foam out over the winter so that's not the problem now. 19' deep-V. I have several other threads on this from various angles (engine, prop) so I don't want to double post those questionshere. This was a non-engine issue so I asked it in this forum.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Bent skeg - can it significantly impair performance?

I agree, if you try it yourself you will break it off, the bent skeg will cause drag and can cause cavitation ....