Skeg bent

[SkaterRace]

I bought my boat last year and a such I am still learning things about it. I noticed today when I was changing the lower unit oil that the skeg was bent to the left a bit. I knew it was broken off a bit but didn't know about the bend. Could this be the cause of my hard right steering issue? If so how should I fix it?

 

[Chinewalker]

No Title

Yes, it could produce handling issues. I have had some success bending them back by using two modest sized ball-peen hammers, one heavier than the other. Use larger one as a backer on the back side of the casting. Use the smaller hammer to tap on the front side (see pic). Start near the base of the skeg and work your way outward toward the top. Move the taps around in the general area as you work. The larger hammer absorbs the shock of the tap without letting the casting flex to the point of cracking. Knock on wood, to date I haven't broken one yet. If it does break, it likely needed replacement anyway... Use this technique at your own risk... Working with castings is always dicey as the crack easily.

 

[flyingscott]

Use heat to help it not break a good torch is a must

 

[SkaterRace]

What do you think of either of these two options?

http://www.iboats.com/Skeg-Protecti...04763848--session_id.437729490--view_id.39561

http://www.skegboot.com/index.htm

 

[StingrayMike]

How much is broken off?
like chinewalker said, it could cause the pull.
I guess straighten it out, if it breaks, then get a skegard. I had one on my previous boat. Easy to install, works good.
or
if a big chunk is missing, if there is enough after, cut off above the bend and put on the skegard

 

[redneck joe]

If using heat be careful not to overheat