Skeg Repair

[panfried]

I was at the Boat dealer the other day and overheard a guy talking about a compound that comes in a jug or pail that you can do your own skeg and prop repairs with. It sounded like you just build up the area that is wrecked and let it dry then sand it down to form. Just wondering if anyone has ever used a product like this? Did it work? Was it cheaper than bringing it to a repair shop? How easy was it to use? Thanks for any info.

[IFallsRon]

I'd take a shot at a skeg chip with JB Weld or body filler but it'd be pretty tough to balance a prop after adding any amount of material.

[john.wells]

Have the pros do it. For the money to repair a prop, it is best to have it welded as the forces it is subjected to are immense, and any reputable shop will make sure the pitch is correct, which is of major importance. I am pretty sure that most places you find that do repairs will be under 50 bucks for an aluminum prop, if not around 25. It all depends on how much damage, size of prop, etc... Stainless will cost more, but all the more reason for a pro to do it. Even skeg repair is relatively inexpensive, especially for small chips. I had my entire skeg replaced for 120 bucks on a 90 horse merc. Peanuts.

[boatfixer]

I totally agree. Theres too much at stake with an unbalanced prop.

[Sandmannd]

I agree with John, that's not something I would want to do myself. I used Lance's Prop Shop last year to fix my prop and it looked like new for $50. I think he said a skeg was around 100-120. Well worth it for the type of work a pro does.

[davesfriend]

They also sell skeg gaurds. Kinda expensive, but you won't have to repair your skeg and it will protect against any further damage. Very easy to install.

[panfried]

Thanks guys. I had no intention of doing the prop myself. I am actually thinking of just buying a new one and keeping the beat up one for a spare. It isn't that bad. I just have a small chip out of the skeg that i was going to fix. It isn't really effecting the way the boat handles or anything more or less just a personal thing. I like my stuff to be in good working condition. How much do you think it would be to repair a small chip in the skeg? It is about the size of a silver dollar maybe 3/4 of that. Thanks.

[john.wells]

Any good aluminum welder should be able to fill it in and work it back to an original appearance for about 100 bucks or even much less depending on the location of the chip. I would suggest using someone who is used to doing lower unit work as they know how to protect your seals and what the skeg should look like. I go to Mark's Prop Shop in Stacy, he does good work.