How important are skegs on outdrives?

[shaunx]

I bought a salvage/wreck Sea Ray 21', restored it, but the lower gear housing skeg is broken off, almost all the way up to the propeller shaft housing, just missing. Outdrive is OK, runs good, shifts, no leaks, but steers real bad at "No Wake" speed (power steering on the 7.4 engine is good). Just wanders all over and have to over steer, etc., I assume that is from the skeg gone. Obviously, the skeg protects the prop, but what else does it do?

[j_martin]

Without it you are rudderless, as you have noticed.

[WARLOCK]

I bought a salvage/wreck Sea Ray 21', restored it, but the lower gear housing skeg is broken off, almost all the way up to the propeller shaft housing, just missing. Outdrive is OK, runs good, shifts, no leaks, but steers real bad at "No Wake" speed (power steering on the 7.4 engine is good). Just wanders all over and have to over steer, etc., I assume that is from the skeg gone. Obviously, the skeg protects the prop, but what else does it do?

It helps you steer. Later, Dave

[Hottrucks]

you can have any Good welding shop add one back on..it shouldn't be a big deal...be sure to have it resealed afterwords the heat from the welding will more than likely burn the O ring on the carrier..
I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND OR IMPLY THIS SHOULD BE DONE ON ANY HIGH PERFORMANCE BOAT!!!!!!!!

[mackeral5]

I see tons of alphas here on lake harding that have skegs broken off. those customers buy a lot of $100 vortex replacement props but won't pay to have a skeg welded back on.....

[WATERWINGS]

I had a 23 foot cuddy cabin that had all of its skeg, but it would "wander" all over the place at "no wake" speeds too.

I wonder if that is just the way it goes with outdrives at idle speed ?

[Hottrucks]

what alot of people don't understand is the mass above water acts like a big sail......................but a missing Skeg just make is alot worse you have to steer it like a jet ski ...with thrust

[76baja18ft]

How about one of those bolt on replacement skegs?

i would think this not being a high performance application it might be ok....

[76baja18ft]

something like this.....

skegprotector (http://skegprotector.com/)

or this.......
skeggard (http://www.skeggard.com/)

[Boz]

All I/O's wander while idling along. Don't know why but they all do.

That's a big boat with big power (7.4). I would have one welded on.

[mackeral5]

the bravo3's/volvo duoprops are better at manuevering/backing down than the singles. also more expensive to maintain, lol... in a sub 50mph I/O personally I don't see much concern with a welded skeg nor a bolt on such as one of skeguard's products...jmho... most pleasure/bow rider I/O's in my area are only 40-45mph rigs.

[rjdubiel]

my uncles mariah wondered at idle speed brand new. its a pain in the ass to just idle around the lake. does anyone know why?:confused:

[Boz]

All I/O's wander like that. Perhaps due to the case being buried so deep?

[hsbob]

no all v hulls wander some more than others depending on the v depth. the skeg is important when you surfacing the prop. when it leaves the water you get duck walk. i doubt you getting taht type of preformance from a sea ray. get a weld shop to weld a replacement skeg.

[shaunx]

Thanks for the replies...I just do like that skiing is the best option...