How to fix bent skeg

[presta24]

I bought a jon last year with a 8.0 Merc with a bent skeg. I am in the middle of replacing the transom so figured I would inquire how to fix this while the motor is off.

 

[fhhuber]

General advice is.. back it up with something heavy and whack it with a large rubber mallet.

 

[alldodge]

The pic posted doesn't show (to me) how much it's bent. Find your local prop shop or welding shop which has been there a while.

 

[StarTed]

There are 2 ways that I'm aware of.

First, is do what fhhuber suggests. A modification might be to back it up with a piece slightly bent the other way and pull it in with a C clamp.

When that fails, go to a marine shop that cuts them off and welds on a replacement.

Or, just live with it.

 

[Davetowz]

I had a slight bend on my skeg and just let it be.. really bothered my ocd to see it but figured it was safer than trying to straighten. The lower end ended up needing bearing work so I swapped in one from a donor boat. I gave the method fhhuber suggested a try, and the bend came out with minimal hammering. No cracks. Now to get the guts serviced someday.