Question on broken skeg

[Xev]

Hey there all~

So I just got a 1988 Bayliner Capri - It came with a Force 125 hp outboard.
I am totally new to this and didn't notice the totally flush snapped off missing skeg. :-(
I was told it is for steering and without it the boat will navigate rather squirrely.
I have been reading through the forums and also saw that 'it is only to protect the propeller' (which I have to replace also).
Which is accurate?
We were going to buy a new one and have a welder weld it on.
But-
How necessary it is?
Does it affect steering?
Has anyone had one snapped completely off and had it welded back on ? If so any comments would be appreciated.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Question on broken skeg

as to wheather you need to have a new one welded on, depends on how much is missing. It does help stabilize the boat. I have had many missing a inch or so not needing repair, I recomend havihg a prop shop weld it should be between $300 and $600 depends on your shop.

 

[Xev]

Re: Question on broken skeg

It is completely broken off - flush. If you didn't know it was supposed to be there you'd have no clue

 

[1nebel0]

Re: Question on broken skeg

It is completely broken off - flush. If you didn't know it was supposed to be there you'd have no clue

You will not be able to weld one on..just had one done and there must be enought for them to weld replacement skeg on...The cost is much less than stated above... Prop shops will do it for $200 or so...you will need to get another lower unit.. I don't mean to be a spoiler but the motor you have isn't worth investing in unless you found a lower unit very cheap..Craigs list is a great venue for finding motors but you better bring someone with you to do a compression and electrical test to insure you got a solid motor....good luck

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question on broken skeg

iboats sells the replacement parts that can be welded on.

ebay is a good place and maybe replace the lower unit.

A quick trip to a welder who is good with aluminum will tell you if he/she can weld it or recommend someone that can. I have found the best people to ask are far away from marinas and weld everything else for a living.

Those are some HIGH prices above to weld one. The biggest concern about welding is to preseve the seals in the lower so a good welder will leave the oil in it.

Would I replace the skeg? YES I would have concerns and want my steering to be right and protect even the cheapest prop.

 

[Xev]

Re: Question on broken skeg

We have found a lower unit for about $350. This is much lower than I have seen on ebay.
Buying a new motor is out of the question at this point. They seem to cost more than my car

 

[Xev]

Re: Question on broken skeg

We have found a lower unit for about $350. This is much lower than I have seen on ebay.
Buying a new motor is out of the question at this point. They seem to cost more than my car

Also found a skeg for around 35 and a reference to a welder who will weld it on for around 80.
Sound good?

new skeg or new lower unit?

 

[wired247]

Re: Question on broken skeg

Look at local machine shops. They usually run $100 to weld a skeg

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Question on broken skeg

Prop protection only. Feel lucky?

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Question on broken skeg

Prop protection only X2! Unless, there is enough part of the skeg left that is skewed which can affect engine tracking. Otherwise, if the skeg is 80% gone it doesn't affect steering at all. And I can vouch that from experience since my skeg has been missing for the last two seasons and never affected steering or tracking in anyways at all. As soon as I can find a welder to do it for me for less than $80, I'll have it redone.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Question on broken skeg

It's there for both,protection and handling.
If it's snapped off completly take it to the welder and ask HIM if it's possible.
As you can see there are as many different answers as there are people who reply???
Look around for a replacement.Sometimes buying a whole motor can be cheaper than just the part you need.
Bought a running 125/88 for $200