How do you repair the skeg on a mercruiser alpha one sterndrive?

Question

We hit a rock with the boat last summer. It snapped the skeg off just below the gear housing. A new/used lower casting runs over $600. I see that you can buy a skeg protector from Overton's for about $100, but it's made of stainless steel which is harded than the aluminum casting and if there is another accidedt, the casting would break. That would require a whole new lower unit. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Mercury does make a replacement skeg for that unit. It has to be welded in place by a qualified welder.

What I would suggest is contacting your local prop repair shop. They have all the equipment needed to weld the housing and could look at it and give you a good idea as to whether it is repairable (If they get too close to the torpedo they can NOT be welded).

Answer 2

Any reputable prop repair shop can repair this for you.The lower unit needs to be removed and most shops insist the the unit be dismantled.That would have to be done at a Marine repair shop.Check with your local dealer for assistance.