Filing down a skeg?

[pkrrvr619]

So in a previous post I mentioned i hit a rock and did some minor skeg damage. It is not going to affect performance as it is very minor damage but it still bothers me.

Does anyone have a link on how to file down and smooth out the skeg? I tried the search but could not find anything.

Would like to get this thing filed and painted before next weekend.

Thanks!

 

[lbhsbz]

Link?

File it until you've removed the damage and the rework is mostly uniform side to side, then paint. What's your specific question?

 

[pkrrvr619]

Link?

File it until you've removed the damage and the rework is mostly uniform side to side, then paint. What's your specific question?

i suppose i am wondering if using a power grinder is the way to go or a hand file instead. Since the skeg is aluminum, i don't want to butcher the thing and make more of a mess for myself.

if a power grinder is the way to go, what grit on the disc is needed?

I don't want to fuck my out drive up so any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lbhsbz]

both accomplish the same task, all depends how hard you want to work. Post a picture of the damage

 

[240Hallett]

I used an angle grinder with an abrasive cut off disk to cut mine off and then just cleaned it up with a sanding disc and file.
Boat is a lot faster now since the prop looks bigger!

 

[pkrrvr619]

View attachment 585955 View attachment 585956

I used an angle grinder with an abrasive cut off disk to cut mine off and then just cleaned it up with a sanding disc and file.
Boat is a lot faster now since the prop looks bigger!

That's the type of tip I was looking for. Thanks for posting up the photos!

 

[spectras only]

You should have a welder with knowledge of welding aluminum, adding material and finish it off like the original shape.Like a trailing edge and tips of airfoils, it should always be sharp, not round

 

[NicPaus]

You need to weld a piece on then grind and smooth.

 

[spectras only]

^^^:thumbsup

the skeg needs the point to have minimal disturbance/drag under way. It doesn't need to be razor sharp, 0.5% blunt edge will have minimal drag.

 

[TBI]

Filing down a skeg?

Wasn't that a song by Tom Petty?

 

[Classic Daycruiser]

I took my lower unit with one of these ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-MerCruiser-Bravo-1-2-3-Skeg-Replacement-815632A02-/332182657497 ) to a prop repair shop. They had it 24 hours and I picked it up as if it was new. I've been running it for 17 years.

 

[240Hallett]

You should have a welder with knowledge of welding aluminum, adding material and finish it off like the original shape.Like a trailing edge and tips of airfoils, it should always be sharp, not round

You need to weld a piece on then grind and smooth.

^^^:thumbsup

the skeg needs the point to have minimal disturbance/drag under way. It doesn't need to be razor sharp, 0.5% blunt edge will have minimal drag.

Does all this really matter on a 60 mph boat?

 

[lbhsbz]

Does all this really matter on a 60 mph boat?

no

 

[rrrr]

.

Nope. Just contour the corners and remove material on the bottom edge so the repair area is blended.

Like a trailing edge and tips of airfoils, it should always be sharp, not round

Don't do this. The bottom edge should be radiused, not squared off or sharp. You don't want to have a safety hazard.

 

[TBI]

Does all this really matter on a 60 mph boat?

:tbi

 

[NicPaus]

I prefer my skeg hit instead of my prop. But yes you can grind of as much of it as you want and performance will not be affected.

 

[pkrrvr619]

Thanks guys.

This is very minimal damage, its more like the skeg is rough and needs a touch up, not surgery. So i think a hand file and quick grinder may do the job.

Appreciate the insight.

 

[nowski]

Thanks guys.

This is very minimal damage, its more like the skeg is rough and needs a touch up, not surgery. So i think a hand file and quick grinder may do the job.

Appreciate the insight.

I'd consider using a sanding block with maybe 100 grit emery cloth...