How concerned should I be with skeg?

[Spartanfalcon]

Looking at buying a used 1997 60 hp ELPTO. About the only issue I see is that the back inch of the skeg is broke off. I'd say it's the back bottom triangle of the skeg (if that makes sense). Most of it is still there. It angles down to the lowest point then it's broke from there up to the back of the skeg.

Anyways, should I be concerned with that and not buy? It's a very good deal and everything else is about par. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Chrisjl]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Well if it's a good buy you can always replace the skeg for about $100

 

[Spartanfalcon]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Only problem with that is that it looks like the skeg and LU are all one piece for about $800

 

[Shallowman]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Look at skeg shields , guards ..... at this point you can see if you can mount one to whats left . At min. i would consider a shield over the way it is , and IF you hit something that caused this to happen once the shield is a valued investment imo .

 

[kvjimbo]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Some stainless skeg guards would hide most of the damage.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

The skeg is just there to protect the prop from damage.

 

[wired247]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

It makes it lot easier to steer when pulling into the dock if you have a full skeg.

The skeg is just there to protect the prop from damage.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

That small area of a loss and the location makes it a good candidate for a JB-Weld fix. First you use 80g sand paper to clean about an inch up on the affected area. Then you cut a piece of cardboard and wax it with parafin wax. Lay it up against one side of the remaining skeg and secure it with tape. Mix up a batch of JB-Weld and lay it in to fill up the area thats missing. I lay it in rather losely with the point being to over fill the area. When it sets up use a course file to shape it but leave enough so it can be sanded smooth. You can put a smooth coat over it after that if needed. Paint it up and it'll last a long time. It will break off just like the original if you hit something but at least you'll know how to fix it again.

Yes, I have done this and yes it works just fine and yes, in that area of the skeg it is perfectly safe.

P.S. It will cost you about 15.00 to fix it.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Diddo to Jlawsen ^^^ that JB-Weld is amazing stuff.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Pics?

 

[Spartanfalcon]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Pics?

No pictures... didnt think about that... I guess my biggest concern is if you hit something hard enough to break of any part of an outboard, is that effecting other areas? Compression is great, flows water just fine, and I do feel there is enough skeg left to "protect" the prop.

 

[duke33]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Sounds like it's time to go get it.

 

[hl]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

Chances are it was broken off while putting in or pulling out of the water. I broke one off while pulling out. It was on a 70hp elvinrude. I drove the boat for years and never noticed it was gone. If it is a good buy, get it.

 

[Spartanfalcon]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

outboard purchased! now time to take off the old and install the new!!

 

[chum1]

Re: How concerned should I be with skeg?

everytime i hit something the prop and shaft gets bent skeg or no skeg, check shaft for straightness, if straight your good to go.