Slightly bent skeg....

[87VIP]

If the skeg is slightly bent what will it hurt? It has also been drug a little on the loading ramp. let me know

 

[JB]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

Hi, Toby.<br /><br />The job of the skeg is to protect your prop. <br /><br />Unless it is twisted it will not affect performance.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[87VIP]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

Thank you for the info. It is curved from top to bottom?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

Curved top to bottom, is Proabably Why your boat Turns right or left Differently....... As Per your Other post.....<br />A Hammer,+ Block of Wood will do Wonders.....<br /><br />The Skeg does Much More than Protecting the Prop.... It Gives Directional Stability to the boat... A Rudder, if you wish... Bent, or Broken is Not Good....

 

[87VIP]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

Thanks Bondo that makes sense. I started to try to straighten it the other day however I got a little nervous about breakin it so I didnt attempt it. You mentioned a block of wood and a hammer, just a regular ball ping hammer and a 2x4 or do I need something different?<br />Thanks

 

[Fisher-of-Men]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

I wish I had thought about the 2x4 earlier. My skeg got a little bent and I tried to quick fix it with a pair of pliers. Wrong answer, broke a 1 inch piece off on the first try. One of my brighter moments :-O It is still slightly bent and the piece is still missing. This is a 200hp motor, how bad is it to still run it. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

Unless the skeg is really bent badly I would leave it alone. The skeg doesn't help to steer the boat, it doesn't act as a rudder. The force of the prop pushing through the water steers the boat, which ever way the prop is pointingg is going to be the way the back of the boat is moving. The only time it would act as a rudder would be if you are coasting then the whole outdrive acts as a rudder. Like JB said the skeg helps to protect the prop from hitting things in the water. Trying to bend aluminum will usually cause stress cracks in it and could break if off. A little curve in it isn't going to have much if any effect on the boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

At Less Than Planing Speeds, The Skeg,... Rudder Steers the Boat Much More Than You Think...... <br /><br />I use a 4lb hammer,+ a fair sized block of hardwood.....<br />If you break it off, Get a "Skeg-Guard"....<br /><br />Personally, I Want to be Able to Steer my boat... Dead Stick.....

 

[Fisher-of-Men]

Re: Slightly bent skeg....

I just ordered the skeggard from Cabelas. Searched all over the web and found them to be the best price. Its a hundred plus shipping but it beats worrying about messing up my gear case. I will report back with my experience once its installed. Thank you all for your help.