repair to alum outboard..

[gshaw]

the base "fin" at the very bottom of the outboard leg has a section broken off, has anyone experience in the best way to repair this? weld in a new piece and grind to shape or can an epoxy be used? what about a two part aluminium filler? photo if needed to explain what i am on about if needed. it is not a structural piece but may get hard knocks due to it's location?

 

[VicS]

Skeg I assume you mean.
Welding on a new piece is the only way that is likey to be satisfactory.

Do you need it to protect the prop? .. if not don't bother but be careful when handling the engine.

Could possibly coble something up by bolting on something but it wont be pretty.

 

[GrahamHR]

I'm surprised that Outboard and Outdrive manufacturers don't design in a sacrificial skeg, one that can be simply replaced when damaged by unbolting it. It wouldn't even need to be metal.

In the US things like a "Skegard" are available; a shiny stainless skeg that is designed to slip over the damaged skeg, or what is left of it. They are bolted in place. The problem I can imagine is that they are tougher than the aluminium casting they are bolted to, so they could well cause more serious damage when hit by something.

 

[Neil]

You can build up the missing bit using HTS-2000 aluminium braising rods using a propane or mapp gas blow torch. You'd need to drop the leg to do it (well, you would have to to weld it anyway). But with HTS-200 rods, it could be a DIY job.

 

[gshaw]

Yep just found the HT-2000 rods on a UK web site. I will try them on a scrap unit first to see how they perform. I have the motor off the boat anyhow. Looking to build a stand for it and get it painted for next season. Thanks....

 

[Tremlett 15]

If its the skeg, you could use one of these

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj228/knarloid/2_Aug_2008013a.jpg

I know two guys that have used them & seem ok

one on a 70hp Johnson 2stroke, the other a 140hp Suzuki 4stroke.

 

[Roberto]

another repair

if I may, a slight thread drift, always about outboard repair though

my small yamaha 4hp propeller has a bent blade: starting from the hub, the first half is ok and the second half is bent by say 20°, 30° ?

I woiuld like to bend it back but I hesitate, it looks very fragile and I fear to find myself with a broken half blade in my hands: do these alu alloys accept some degree of bending back and forth ? It should be just once in my case..

thanks