Outdrive Skeg Repair

[DWester]

I broke off 2-3 inches of my skeg on a merc 260 outdrive. The prop was undamaged. What options do I have to repair this? If I need to weld on a new piece, will I have to remove the gears and seals first?

 

[Master mechanic]

Take a file to it smooth it paint it and forget it.

 

[DWester]

I have hit a few things over the years and I know that skeg took the beatin and saved my prop. ????

 

[Master mechanic]

Ok get a skeg guard.

 

[guyjg]

If you want to weld a new skeg to the LU turn the LU so the prop shaft is facing up (prop removed) and pack the hub area w/crushed ice. Don't cut off the entire skeg stub just cut the replacement to length to fit the stub.

 

[DWester]

Thanks guys. That gives me some options.

 

[papyson]

i did that many years ago to a 50 merc and as i remember the replacement was not that expensive...its not like you need a lower unit....i was running painted aluminum props back then and in one trip all the paint was gone...the boat ran ok but i knew that if i hit something i would in all probability break the prop shaft...and where i fish then and now popping a log is going to happen...

 

[Master mechanic]

No,no,no.

Seals are going to melt.

Remove the lower and then everything in the case.

Then weld what you want to weld.

Then reseal the lower new seals.

F that leave it alone. Smooth out the break.

When it's time to reseal after you get water in the drive then you do the welding.

Or after boating season.