
Easily repair a broken skeg on your outboard or sterndrive. Removing the gear case, while not required, makes this job easier. Doing so requires basic tools like a socket, screwdriver and/or wrench set. Once removed, lay the lower unit on its side for a straighter cut on the damaged skeg.
How do you fix a broken skeg on an outboard?
Easily repair a broken skeg on your outboard or sterndrive. Removing the gear case, while not required, makes this job easier. Doing so requires basic tools like a socket, screwdriver and/or wrench set. Once removed, lay the lower unit on its side for a straighter cut on the damaged skeg.
Can I run my motor without the skeg?
There are many motors running just fine without the skeg. If you want it fixed call around to any of the local prop repair shops. Chances are they will be able to weld on a new one for you for about $100. Take the grinder to it to lop off the bent piece and smooth out the sharp edges.
What is a skeg on an outboard?
The skeg of an outboard or sterndrive gear case provides much directional stability and steering ease. Whether caused by running aground or due to some land-bound calamity, a broken or damaged skeg adversely affects handling.
How do you replace a skeg with skegguard?
Using a plastic or wooden mallet, or tapping with a hammer and a scrap of wood, tap the SkegGuard into place over the old skeg and check everything for a proper fit. Tap it firm enough to make sure it is well-seated on the stub of the original skeg.

Does a broken skeg affect performance?
Easily repair a broken skeg on your outboard or sterndrive. The skeg of an outboard or sterndrive gear case provides much directional stability and steering ease. Whether caused by running aground or due to some land-bound calamity, a broken or damaged skeg adversely affects handling.
How do you fix a broken boat skeg?
0:226:18Skeg Repair (Outboard Motor) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's also a good idea. When you're doing this to change the water pump. Save some labor. First thingMoreIt's also a good idea. When you're doing this to change the water pump. Save some labor. First thing I'm going to do is take the prop off so we can work with it a little better. Here.
How much does it cost to fix a skeg?
Some shops offer welding to fix a broken skeg, which has two inherent issues. First, the cost is usually over $300 out of your pocket. Secondly, many shops who do not specialize in lower units do not have the extensive experience to weld aluminum, which is a much more finicky metal to work with.
How do you fix a bent skeg on an outboard motor?
0:387:17How to Repair a Bent Skeg - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWithout trying to make a weak spot. It's going to bring it back a little bit more naturally. AndMoreWithout trying to make a weak spot. It's going to bring it back a little bit more naturally. And it's going to retain some of the majority of its strength this way.
Can you put a skeg guard on a broken skeg?
Megaware SkegGuard ® protect and prevent damage to your motor's skeg or repair and replace an already broken skeg.
How do you weld skeg?
1:1411:34How to fix an outboard motor skeg - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we take our replacement skeg normally if it was missing the whole skeg. This we just weld thisMoreSo we take our replacement skeg normally if it was missing the whole skeg. This we just weld this replacement. On sometimes we'll cut them in half like i drew a line.
Is a skeg necessary?
Skegs are used only to assist in the tracking of a kayak. When the skeg is no longer needed, it can be raised back up inside the boat and has no effect on the performance of the kayak.
What is the bottom of an outboard motor called?
When it comes to outboard motors, you'll often hear the terms skeg and tiller. The skeg is the lowest point on an outboard motor (pictured above).
What is the purpose of a skeg?
A “skeg” is an aftward extension of the keel intended to keep the boat moving straight and to protect the propeller and rudder from underwater obstructions.
How do you straighten a bent lower unit?
0:215:33How to straighten a bent outboard or inboard foot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't think main tools for this job use a hammer like this three pound hammer. And an eightMoreYou don't think main tools for this job use a hammer like this three pound hammer. And an eight pound mall. In the mall is going to be put. Right here to hold the hole. Try.
How do you straighten a bent metal plate?
The steel should be heated slowly to around 600/620°C and straightened at that temperature before being allowed to cool slowly and naturally. The heated area should extend well beyond the area to be straightened and, if a gas torch is used, a high heat output nozzle is required rather than a cutting nozzle.
Can you straighten a bent prop?
1:312:49Straighten Bent Prop Blade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut the clamp on it to keep it from splitting. And you don't need much at all just get it on thereMorePut the clamp on it to keep it from splitting. And you don't need much at all just get it on there look at the contour of the blade. And just give it a little bit of a bend.
How important is a skeg?
The Importance of Your Boat's Skeg With slower responsiveness and less accurate steering, you could be putting yourself and your passengers in danger by driving with a damaged skeg. Second, and this is the reason that skeg damage is so common, your skeg acts as a guard for your propeller.
What is the fin on the bottom of a boat motor called?
The skeg is the lowest point on an outboard motor (pictured above). It acts as a precise rudder, which allows your boat to turn safely and effectively. It also protects the propeller from getting caught in debris in the water or other hazards the boat may come in contact with.
What is skeg made of?
The skeg guard is made of stainless steel which makes the equipment even more reliable. Steel is resistant to water and the skeg guard will not get corroded when the boat comes in contact with salty waters of the sea.
What does skeg stand for?
Definition of skeg 1 : the stern of the keel of a ship near the sternpost especially : the part connecting the keel with the bottom of the rudderpost in a single-screw ship. 2 : a fin situated on the rear bottom of a surfboard that is used for steering and stability.
How to clean a skeg?
Wipe clean with a solvent-dampened rag. Using a plastic or wooden mallet, or tapping with a hammer and a scrap of wood, tap the SkegGuard into place over the old skeg and check everything for a proper fit. Tap it firm enough to make sure it is well-seated on the stub of the original skeg.
How much stub do you need for a skeg guard?
A SkegGuard requires at least 3 inches of stub remaining from the original skeg in order to be affixed. Don't cut off too much. Use a mill-bastard file and/or an abrasive Scotch-Brite pad to deburr the cut edges of the outboard or sterndrive's skeg stub. Use a stiff-wire brush to clean off metal bits and filings.
Can a welder repair a skeg?
Whether caused by running aground or due to some land-bound calamity, a broken or damaged skeg adversely affects handling. In some cases, a welder can repair your skeg.
Can you replace the water pump impeller on an outboard motor?
Removing the gear case also gives you a chance to replace the water-pump impeller, housing and gasket to ensure max cooling performance. It’s relatively easy on most outboards. Check your owner’s manual and do-it-yourself videos on the Web for your brand of motor. Be sure to keep the bolts and washers that connect the lower unit to the midrange section of your outboard engine in a safe place (like a large cup) so they don’t get lost prior to reassembly.
How much does it cost to fix a motor without a skeg?
If you want it fixed call around to any of the local prop repair shops. Chances are they will be able to weld on a new one for you for about $100.
What is the purpose of skegs?
That's what I was taught too. The skegs primary function is to protect the prop from minor impacts. It also acts as a rudder as well.
How to smooth out sharp edges of a bent piece?
Take the grinder to it to lop off the bent piece and smooth out the sharp edges.
When did Ole Evinrude outboards change?
From a former Evinrude exec in a Engineering History article: Back then we didn?t make many changes in the outboards. Infact, the model that Ole Evinrude sold in 1909 remained approximately the same until about 1912 when he added a skeg on the gearbox to ward off obstructions.
Can you straighten aluminum skegs?
The aluminum gets really soft fast and is easy to straighten, just don't try with out getting it really hot, ah...to hot and they will melt like butter. and to those that say a bent skeg won't hurt anything....go and turn your trim tab hard to one side or the other and see how this effects your performance. J.
