Hit Rock, damage to prop and skeg, what are my options?

[tdev]

I was hoping my first post would be a little more positive but I hit my first rock today and need some advice.<br /><br />It's an early 90's Force Outboard 90HP. When hit, the engine popped out of the water then down and kept running, however I lost about 5-6 mph from top speed. It took about 15 minutes to get back to the dock where I notice that the 3 fins of the prop were curled and carved up pretty good, but by far not the worst I've seen, and the skeg was basically sheared off. A jagged 1"-2" piece remains.<br /><br />So, I'm looking at my options. I believe the damage is confined to the skeg and the prop but if anyone has ideas of what else I should check on I'd appreciate it. <br /><br />Also, if it's only the skeg/prop damage what's the best option for me to get it fixed. I don't need to replace the lower-unit over something like this do I? Like I said, I've never hit a rock before but I've been in boats that have where we've been lucky to get "put" speed back to the dock. This time the boat, other than the collision, ran fine other than the slight loss of speed and more vibration.<br /><br />I'll likely be getting it to a marine shop this week but I would like some information that will help me make the best choice when dealing with the mechanics. That is, I don't want to be talked into a high priced job if a low or medium priced job will fit the bill.<br /><br />Any advice and insight would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[waterbill]

Re: Hit Rock, damage to prop and skeg, what are my options?

TOMMYD, <br /> Sorry to hear of your prop and skeg ordeal. Aluminum props are easier to get repaired than stainless, but both can usually be refurbished. I had an Evinrude 18 with no skeg which never gave me any problem, but you might be able to have the lower part of your gearcase removed and the skeg can be welded--or you could buy another lower half of the gearcase. Also, check to be sure the propshaft did not bend and that the propshaft seals are not letting water into your gearcase. Don't use it until you get that prop done, because the vibration can damage the pinion gears. Good luck.

 

[JB]

Re: Hit Rock, damage to prop and skeg, what are my options?

Howdy Tommy.<br /><br />As Bill says, you can get your prop refurbished.<br /><br />Don't run around with no skeg. It is there to protect the prop from light hits.<br /><br />You can get a new skeg welded on or you can bolt on one of the several replacements. I use a SkegGard on my engine.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[tdev]

Re: Hit Rock, damage to prop and skeg, what are my options?

Upon further inspection, it's cracked where the prop fits on to the lower-unit. That is, instead of a nice cylindrical shape it's fine all the way around until about the 8 o'clock position where there's a triangular crack (2"x2"x2") ... the triangular piece has been pulled away from the lower-unit about 1/2inch but is still aligned on the prop. It doesn't seem to be leaking oil or anything.<br /><br />So, my guess is a new lower-unit right? Or by some freak chance can all this be welded?<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Hit Rock, damage to prop and skeg, what are my options?

You are going to have to get it to a shop. They can tell you if it can be welded. Make sure they check the shaft for run out, before they start doing any welding and charging you for labor. The prop shafthas to be measured by the thousandths of inches. What may look straight, could be bent.