trim skeg??

[bgseib]

What does this little thing actually do? I have had 3 boats over the years, and not one of them still had this little thing still in tact - what exactly does it do, and is it worth replacing? And if so - where to purchase a replacement?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[ajgraz]

Re: trim skeg??

I am assuming you mean the anode. It is a sacrificial piece of zinc metal that corrodes instead of your lower unit. Sometimes it is shaped like a little skeg or fin, sometimes it's just a little lump, depends on the motor model.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: trim skeg??

Most of the time, the fin-style anode is on older Alphas which don't have power steering. The fin can be rotated to counteract the rotational effects of the spinning prop, thereby correcting steering from pulling one direction or the other.

 

[robert graham]

Re: trim skeg??

You can buy one for $10 or $15, you need it for it's sacrificial anode function, as well as it's steering trim function, to keep your steering wheel from pulling one way or the other under power. I keep mine set deflected all the way to the right(starboard) looking at the back of the motor, and it just about neutralizes the steering torque at most RPM's. Good Luck!

 

[bgseib]

Re: trim skeg??

ok - that one sounds more like what I am talking about. It is a little fin that sits right above the prop at the end of the lower unit. They have always been broken off when I come across buying a boat.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: trim skeg??

only real purpose is to keep your steering straight so you dont have to hold the wheel like a grandma going 30 down the interstate. unless you keep the boat in a marina in that case it helps keep the outdrive from turning into flakes.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: trim skeg??

I have been told if you have power steering there is no fin just the anode.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: trim skeg??

I have been told if you have power steering there is no fin just the anode.

Correct...on Mecruisers. They exist on others drives(cobras and others) as well and are not sacrificial.

 

[QC]

Re: trim skeg??

+1 ^^^^^^

What drive/OB Mr. OP?