AS SEEN IN THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 ISSUE

Scrape the bottom a few too many times?
Don’t let skeg damage keep you off the water.

Photos courtesy Blackfin Skeg

Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. We’ve all done it. At one time or another, every boater has scraped the bottom or accidentally damaged the motor’s skeg by unintentionally hitting submerged debris. Maybe years of hard use and abuse have taken their toll and simply worn down the skeg to the point where it no longer provides directional stability.

Whatever the case; there is finally an affordable alternative for what used to be a costly repair. Designed to protect and perform, replacement skegs are the answer many boaters have been looking for. Manufactured of lightweight, high impact composite, today’s replacement skegs even outperform original equipment. With tapered wings on each side, replacement skegs provide structural reinforcement and extra lift at every angle of engine trim. Plus, a sacrificial node on the bottom of the replacement skeg is shaped to slightly turn the engine on side impacts - resulting in an increased level of lower unit and propeller protection.

Benefits of replacement skegs:
•Available in multiple sizes to fit nearly every application.
• Easy installation can be done at home, saving you time and money.
• Made from incredibly tough nylon composite that is stronger than steel.
• Applied with shock absorbing adhesive so there is no need for screws or bolts.
• Provides protection for your entire lower unit.
• Gets you on plane quicker and holds you on plane longer at reduced speeds.
• Added surface area helps improve stability and handling while decreasing chiming and walking.

Replacement skegs can be installed in an hour or less with these easy-to-follow directions. The tools you will need for a successful installation are:
-Sand Paper
-Pencil
-2'' Masking Tape
-Duct Tape
-Caulk Gun
-Utility Knife
-File
-Rubber Gloves

The composite replacement skeg, motor, and adhesive need to be warm with the outside air temperature at no less than 70 degrees to achieve best results. After installation, place your engine in direct sunlight for a minimum of 72 hours for the adhesive to cure properly.

	Step 1: Begin the installation process by sanding down the original, damaged or worn skeg. Use a file to smooth out any bent areas. Thoroughly wash and dry the skeg.
	Step 2: Temporarily fit the replacement skeg on the motor and rotate the prop to check for proper clearance. Use a pencil to mark where the skeg meets the motor on both sides. Also mark the location of the drain screw. Use a utility knife to trim out this area to allow access to the drain screw.
	Step 3: Apply tape over the drain screw so no adhesive gets on it later in the installation process. Tape just below the top edge of the replacement skeg on both sides. This will keep adhesive off the exterior of the skeg and will make clean-up much easier.
	Step 4: Apply adhesive to both sides of the existing skeg in a slight zigzag pattern. The spaces created by this pattern will create air pockets which will help the adhesive dry and set correctly. Don’t forget to apply a generous bead of adhesive where the replacement skeg meets both sides of the gear housing.
	Step 5: Carefully slide the replacement skeg into position. Once again, rotate the prop to check for proper clearance.
	Step 6: Remove the tape from the replacement skeg. Remove any excess adhesive off of the gear housing.
	Step 7: This is one of the most important steps in the installation process. Using your finger, create a smooth continuous bead all the way around the unit. If necessary, apply more adhesive to your seam to ensure a watertight seal.
	Step 8: Using duct tape, secure the replacement skeg to the gear housing while the adhesive sets. Once again, rotate the prop to check for proper clearance. Allow 72 hours in a warm area for the adhesive to properly cure.
	Step 9: Go Fishing!

Today’s innovative replacement skegs come in small, medium, and large to fit nearly every application. To determine the correct size for your particular engine, measure from the front of the propeller to the tip of the gear housing. That is the only measurement you will need.

Replacement skegs can be purchased from Cabela’s (www.Cabelas.com ) or directly from the manufacturer at www.BlackfinSkeg.com .

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