A damaged skeg can affect your boat’s handling, performance, and even fuel efficiency. Whether it’s from hitting a submerged object or years of wear and tear, a broken or bent skeg doesn’t mean the end of your lower unit. With professional aluminum skeg repair, you can restore its function and protect your boat’s propulsion system without the high cost of replacing the entire lower unit.
Why is the Skeg Important?
The skeg, located at the bottom of the outboard or sterndrive’s lower unit, serves multiple purposes:
- Protection: It shields the propeller from underwater impacts.
- Stability: It helps maintain directional control and reduces torque steer.
- Efficiency: A properly shaped skeg improves hydrodynamics, enhancing fuel efficiency.
Even minor damage can impact these functions, leading to handling issues and potential damage to other components.
Repair vs. Replacement
If the skeg is completely missing or severely damaged, replacement may be the best option. However, most skeg damage—such as chips, cracks, or partial breaks—can be repaired through expert aluminum welding and fabrication.
The Skeg Repair Process
- Assessment: The damaged area is inspected to determine if repair is possible. Minor bends and breaks can often be fixed, while extreme damage may require replacement.
- Preparation: The damaged section is trimmed and prepped for welding. This includes removing paint, cleaning the area, and ensuring a solid base for the repair.
- Aluminum Welding: Using TIG welding, new aluminum is fused to the skeg, carefully rebuilding the structure while maintaining strength and durability.
- Shaping & Grinding: Once welded, the skeg is shaped back to its original form to maintain proper hydrodynamics.
- Finishing: The repaired skeg is smoothed, primed, and repainted to match the lower unit, protecting it from corrosion and ensuring a seamless look.
Why Professional Repair Matters
Aluminum welding requires precision and experience to ensure a strong, lasting repair. A poorly repaired skeg can affect handling and break easily under stress. That’s why working with professionals, like Exit 74 Fabrication, ensures that your skeg is restored with expert craftsmanship, maintaining the integrity and performance of your boat.
Preventing Future Skeg Damage
- Use a Skeg Guard: A stainless steel skeg guard provides extra protection against impacts.
- Stay Aware: Avoid shallow waters and underwater obstacles when possible.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for damage after each outing to catch small issues before they worsen.
A damaged skeg doesn’t mean the end of your lower unit. With expert aluminum skeg repair, you can get back on the water with confidence. If your skeg needs attention, Exit 74 Fabrication is ready to restore it with precision and durability. Contact us today for a consultation!
