Alpha 1 GEN 2 Skeg Damage

[aazeng]

Hi All,

Require some advise, Im here down under in Australia and just got back from my summer holiday. Each time I go away to our favaroite holiday place for Christmas,I seem to be having issues each year after year launching my 23 Searay Weekender down at the launching facilities.

I keep on taking a section out of the skeg on several ramps that I have tried on low tide.
Most boats that run stern drives have similar issues. Im proposing of instead of repairing the skeg each year, is to design and fabricate something out of teflon or poly carb that I could attach to the skeg for easier replacement.

Has anyone tried what Im proposing and what were the results?

 

[Dave S]

Stainless Steel Skeg Guards are readily available here in the states and I imagine down under as well. Many times people put these on because they break or damage a Skeg. I suppose you could fabricate one but it might be easier to buy one instead. Here is one source http://www.internetmarinesales.com/parts.php

 

[aazeng]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the reply. I will do some research here in Oz
Regards
Anthony

 

[Nehalennia]

Anthony,
What is happening that you keep damaging the skeg? When you trailer even in low tide are you not raising the leg before pulling out of the ramp?

 

[aazeng]

Hi Todd,
The leg is always raised before and after entering and leaving the ramp.
The problem for me is to launch the boat and retrieve the boat onto the trailer the leg
is in the the water enough so the I can leave the motor running to drive the boat on or off. I am also looking at modifiying the trailer to change the skids with teflon instead of carpet so that I may not to have to go so deep with the trailer.

 

[Nehalennia]

Got it.
Ok. What about buying an electric winch. There should never be a time where you risk damaging your skeg simply to get on and off. I know that waiting for the tide can be frustrating but if you either had rollers or smoother teflon bunks, it may be helpful.
I just purchased the King "Saltwater" Trailer it has "GLIDE KING" BUNK SYSTEM
Which promises me easier "ride-ons" than the carpet.
The issue for you it appears is that if you need to ride on everytime, you run the risk of damaging your skeg. With the electric winch you can simply rest the bow at the far tip of the trailer or roller set and pull it up leaving plenty of draft for the boat to come onto the trailer.
Best of luck.

 

[aazeng]

Hi Thanks for the advise.
I am currnetly looking at changing the carpet with teflon which will also enable the boat
to slide of with less friction and will not require me to back the trailer deeper into the water.