This is a new to me Merc outboard. Its a 2003 50HP Bigfoot. I have not put it in the water yet, but I am trying to understand how the bent fin on the lower unit is going to affect operation. Obviously it is not a good thing, but the season here is just about over, so I cant take anything apart right now. I tried clamping the fin in the jaws of a 50lb bench vise, and I then pushed it very hard. It didn't move the metal. I was afraid I was going to break it off, or damage something else, so I stopped. I am considering options. I thought a 6x6 at about 8' long with a notch cut into it could let me slip the fin into it and maybe let me get enough leverage to bend it back, but not sure what would happen. Has anyone been here before and resolved this issue?
I believe the previous owner may have caused the bend when he went to the back of the boat while it was on the trailer, and it rocked backwards with his weight. Probably caused the motor to hit his driveway pretty hard, causing this. I see used housings, but seems like a big project to swap out the guts from this one to a new one. I know I ma have to go that route, but that's a wintertime project.
I believe the previous owner may have caused the bend when he went to the back of the boat while it was on the trailer, and it rocked backwards with his weight. Probably caused the motor to hit his driveway pretty hard, causing this. I see used housings, but seems like a big project to swap out the guts from this one to a new one. I know I ma have to go that route, but that's a wintertime project.
