help skeg broke off alpha 1 lower

[derekf]

Ok so my marina broke the skeg off my Alpha 1 lower while putting my neighbors boat away in their rack. :smt021

They said they are getting someone in to repair it this week.

Questions...

How do you think they will repair it? Is aluminum welding good enough to hold up?

What other potential damage could this have done? How much pressure was put on it to snap it off, and would that possibly ruin a seal or cause any other damage to the lower?

I just want to make sure it is repaired correctly. I like my marina, and believe they will do what it takes to make me happy. I just want to know what potential problems I could be looking at from this to make sure everything gets fixed properly.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[derekf]

Just to clarify the skeg broke straight along the housing at the thickest part, and I am aware of the potential heat damage to the bearing and seals.

 

[shore]

If that skeg is broken off too close to the gear casing(pumpkin) then it's a tough one to not overheat the case.

I'd let them try and then see what happens...used Alpha's are cheap for them and that's what I'd be wanting.

 

[midway]

They may even drop the lower unit, disassemble, weld, reassemble with new seals, a good welder knows what he can and can't do when welding on these units.

 

[derekf]

On the alpha 1, is the impeller accessable by taking apart the lower casing? I haven't done the replacement myself so I'm not sure.:huh:

If it is I can see if they will replace it while they have it torn down. Can't hurt...

 

[Lazy Daze]

On the alpha 1, is the impeller accessable by taking apart the lower casing? I haven't done the replacement myself so I'm not sure.:huh:

If it is I can see if they will replace it while they have it torn down. Can't hurt...

Yes, it is.

I believe the preferred way to weld in a new skeg is to use a 2" high zig-zag pattern, rather than a straight weld. Doing it that way drastically increases the strength. If the skeg is broken to close to the shaft housing, then that can't be done. Yet another reason to get a new foot.