Blackfin Replacement Skeg - 2 years later

[John Jones]

In May of '07 I posted this thread about the Blackfin Replacement Skeg.
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2080

I know this is 3 years later but I have been too lazy to make the post.  I was satisfied with the installation and performance.  Then last spring I was in an unfamiliar area and hit an oyster bar running at a fast idle.  I had scraped a few oysters before with nothing but scratches to show for it.  I must have hit this one just right.

This side just shows old scratches.



This side did not fare so well.




It's still in place and does it's job but I'm sure it's causing some drag.  I can't really blame this on the Blackfin.  I'm the one that hit the oyster bar but I do think a standard skeg or even the Skeg Guard SS unit would have survived the hit.  I have not decided yet whether to replace it or just have the skeg welded.

Everyone needs to watch the video whether you are interested in one of these or not.    
http://www.blackfinskeg.com/home/

[flkeysaqua]

Agreed on the video not sure what it has to do with the skeg but...

Would you buy it again? Now knowing everything you do about it I need to do something to my skeg as well that's why i ask.

[RickK]

It is some kind of composite, not metal right? Maybe it is sun damaged over the 3 years and is degraded to where it doesn't take much to break now?  Does it seem brittle?

[John Jones]

No, it's not brittle.  It feels just as flexible as the day I put it on.  Where my boat is parked it never sees direct sun.  It sits with the stern facing north and it's between my house on one side and the shed and trees on the other.

I have been tossing the options around in my head.  Cost difference is not enough to make a difference.

-weld it up like original with aluminum and paint to match motor - $100 - 125  I would probably have to leave my boat somewhere for a week.  Trusting the welder to not burn up the seals and o-rings in the lower unit.  Trusting the welder to do a good welding job and not have it fall off the first time it rubs something.  It's going to look like crap after the first fishing trip.  I don't abuse my boat but I'm going to fish where the fish are.  It's going to get scratched and the paint rubbed off.

-install the polished SS Skeg Guard.  $100 and drill holes and mount with screws.  I'm not really thrilled with drilling and weakening the skeg.  Four small screws don't provide much holding power.  I think the polished SS looks tacky like some plastic chrome do-dad people stick on their cars.  What will it look like after it bumps a few oyster bars?

-Blackfin again. - $90 -  Installs easily.  Mine held up to uncountable oyster bar bumps at idle speed or on the trolling motor when I forget to raise the motor with no issues other than the surface scratches seen in the picture.  The scratches are not noticeable unless one gets really close.  The adhesive they provide feels like 3M 5200 or similar.  The Blackfin is still firmly attached to the short remnant of the aluminum skeg just as securely as the day it was installed.

I have nothing against the Blackfin.  I can't say the Blackfin "failed".  It was me and the oysters that did the damage.  Yes I would buy it again and probably will just replace this one with another.

[Aswaff400]

your in south tampa, give bobs machine a call, im pretty sure they can do skeg replacement... if you do have one welded back on, see how other shops weld it back on. i recommend cutting the old skeg in zig-zag instead of straight across, more surface area to weld creating a stronger weld

[John Jones]

I'm amazed the Blackfin stayed on with as little as I have to work with.

[gran398]

Wow....that skeg been any where near Marco?

 

[flkeysaqua]

Like I said I have to do the same sooner or later and the problem with welding a new one on is lower units are cast aluminum and cast is very unperdictable I know a few welding shops down here that will not weld on them for that reason and the fact of damaging your seals.  And for me i can't  justify spending hundereds of dollars on a new or used lower unit when eventually replacing the motor anyways so for me this thread is a life saver thanks JJ.

[John Jones]

Wow....that skeg been any where near Marco?

 

Actually yes.  Before I got the boat.

[John Jones]

Like I said I have to do the same sooner or later and the problem with welding a new one on is lower units are cast aluminum and cast is very unperdictable I know a few welding shops down here that will not weld on them for that reason and the fact of damaging your seals.  And for me i can't  justify spending hundereds of dollars on a new or used lower unit when eventually replacing the motor anyways so for me this thread is a life saver thanks JJ.

 

My feelings as well.  
If you get one, just prepare the old skeg like the instructions say and be prepared with tape, big zip ties, etc. to hold it in place until cured.  I went into a mild panic mode when the duct tape was not holding it in place very well.  I was worried the adhesive would start to cure before I could come up with something to hold it in place.  Do a dry fit first.  If I remember correctly, I had to trim the upper edges slightly with a utility knife to get a good even fit all the way around before I applied the sealant.

[flkeysaqua]

Cool thanks yeah I can see myself running aroun looking for something as its kicking off