MyFishFinder Forum

My Fish Finder Main => General Fishing Discussion => Topic started by: lowaccord66 on Sep 04, 2020, 08:46 AM

Title: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 04, 2020, 08:46 AM
Does anyone here use one?  I am recovering from a massive rock hit...I replaced my Raker H.O. prop last night and was delighted that my lower unit is not injured...however I have a nub of a skeg.  Normally I'd avoid bolting one of these on but I'm thinking with this little skeg left it may be a reasonable thing to add.  Would love any thoughts/opinions. 
(https://i.postimg.cc/1f94k1ZR/20200829-163920.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1f94k1ZR)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9w1Xmzjm/20200904-094521.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9w1Xmzjm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/141H2B5R/20200904-094545.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/141H2B5R)
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: 800stealth on Sep 04, 2020, 09:09 AM
I knocked the skeg off of my Optimax when the Nitro went down on Umbagog years ago, took a bunch of 3 foot rollers over the bow while tied up on the shoreline of our campsite during a nasty storm. I was going to put a new gear case on it but figured I'd slap a skeg guard on it till the following winter so not to have down time... That was 7 or 8 years ago now, still have the same stainless guard over the broken skeg with no issues. 150 bucks for a stainless guard or 1500 on a new gear case, they'll both perform the same...
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: 800stealth on Sep 04, 2020, 09:14 AM
Also thats an interesting vent setup on that prop... I usually just drill a hole in between each flute and open them up a 1/16" at a time until I'm happy with my holeshot. I'm partial to Stiletto stainless props myself.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jschumacher on Sep 04, 2020, 09:42 AM
Jon
 I had the same issue last year. I put the skeg guard on and it's been fine.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 04, 2020, 11:14 AM
Also thats an interesting vent setup on that prop... I usually just drill a hole in between each flute and open them up a 1/16" at a time until I'm happy with my holeshot. I'm partial to Stiletto stainless props myself.

Raker H.O has adjustable holeshot tuning.  The old rakers had 3 pre-drilled holes.  Regardless of how you do it, its great unless you make the holes too large.


Thanks for the feedback guys.  I need to add one. The only issue I had last night was a bit of additional blow out because that skeg nub is making some air bubbles.  I expect once I add the guard I'll be good to go. 

Second question is...skid plate or no?  I'm thinking yes because I am a savage...
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: SLAYERFISH on Sep 04, 2020, 11:45 AM
Any good prop shop can repair that skag as easily as reparing a prop. Not as easy as a Skeggard though!
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 04, 2020, 01:21 PM
Any good prop shop can repair that skag as easily as reparing a prop. Not as easy as a Skeggard though!

Good to know and honestly would be preferred to a bolt on but we lack quality shops of that nature in CT unfortunately.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 08, 2020, 08:57 AM
Good to hear your lower unit is mostly damage free.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 09, 2020, 08:14 AM
Good to hear your lower unit is mostly damage free.

Thanks man.  I wouldn't wish a hit like that on anyone.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: stripernut on Sep 15, 2020, 08:54 PM
The only downside I have heard about a Skeg guard (when I use to sell boats) is if you have another big strike you can be sure your lower unit will be gone... Me, I would put the skeg guard on.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 16, 2020, 02:00 PM
The only downside I have heard about a Skeg guard (when I use to sell boats) is if you have another big strike you can be sure your lower unit will be gone... Me, I would put the skeg guard on.

I have heard similar stories but not a single one was substantiated.  I can say with certainty that if I have another big strike without one my lower unit will be gone!  To me its inconceivable as the bolts provided would easily sheer. 
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: stripernut on Sep 16, 2020, 02:11 PM
As I said;  I would put the skeg guard on.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 17, 2020, 06:34 AM
As I said;  I would put the skeg guard on.

I'm going to...right after I replace the starter and solenoid for the second time this season.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 17, 2020, 01:02 PM
I'm going to...right after I replace the starter and solenoid for the second time this season.

What's that all about?
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 17, 2020, 02:30 PM
What's that all about?

Idk Jethro.  I bought a cheap OE replacement and I think it burned me.  60 bucks vs 240 for the starter.  She's frozen solid, jumping terminals wouldn't spin her!
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 18, 2020, 07:47 AM
Idk Jethro.  I bought a cheap OE replacement and I think it burned me.  60 bucks vs 240 for the starter.  She's frozen solid, jumping terminals wouldn't spin her!

I learned that lesson with a fuel pump on my Merc kicker. Hilarious story actually... if you aren't my accountant. When I first got my kicker motor it ran great for a few weeks then it started acting up. It would start fine and run for about 10 minutes, then it would die. Manually pumping the fuel line when it started to stall would keep it running for another 5 minutes. Ok, fuel pump, easy. Amazon had a off market brand ($65 vs $130 for OEM) and I bought it and installed it but the problem continued. So replaced the fuel tank hose and bulb. Took it off my main tank and used a portable tank. Replaced the fuel filter, all the hose clamps. Cleaned the carb then ended up REPLACING the carb- problem still there. Finally I replaced all the fuel lines with clear Tygon lines and could clearly see while running that air bubbles were coming in above the fuel pump, not below. I had replaced a broken fuel pump with a bad, brand new fuel pump. So trying to save 60 bucks actually cost me about $400 all said and done. 

Never again! I will pay whatever it takes for OEM from now on.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Mac Attack on Sep 18, 2020, 08:07 AM
I have seen problems with aftermarket electrical boat motor parts.
And you don't want to mess with this.

BOOM!
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 18, 2020, 08:14 AM
Noted.  We'll see how this one works out.  If it weren't for the terrova we would have needed a tow!
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 18, 2020, 10:10 AM
Id opt for a repair but we don't have the talent in my state to do it.  35mph right to a rock reef ya it was a nice hit.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 18, 2020, 01:15 PM
Id opt for a repair but we don't have the talent in my state to do it.  35mph right to a rock reef ya it was a nice hit.

Accutech in Dover will do it, but I guess that's still a ways from you. I have a buddy that did the skeg guard and it's been fine for him. Actually looks pretty slick too, especially if you are going to replace with a stainless prop again.

Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 19, 2020, 08:38 PM
Accutech in Dover will do it, but I guess that's still a ways from you. I have a buddy that did the skeg guard and it's been fine for him. Actually looks pretty slick too, especially if you are going to replace with a stainless prop again.

Props on there and working well.  Went with another raker ho.  Ironically this one is a little faster than the last one for being the same pitch. 

I haven't ordered the guard yet.  There's been talk of upgrading boats this spring so I may leave that project for the next owner.

Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 21, 2020, 07:16 AM
There's been talk of upgrading boats this spring

(https://media0.giphy.com/media/Qtpdtlk9rpb8PKK0ih/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47hzeic677pxjl805ba6fk69o2c57v0gxnl7nm25xo&rid=200.webp)
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 21, 2020, 12:40 PM
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/Qtpdtlk9rpb8PKK0ih/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47hzeic677pxjl805ba6fk69o2c57v0gxnl7nm25xo&rid=200.webp)

I can't let Mac have all the fun.  That and I desire faster over water speeds.  Although even with the skeg knub I hit 58 yesterday with a full tank of fuel.  Not bad.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 22, 2020, 07:18 AM
I can't let Mac have all the fun.  That and I desire faster over water speeds.  Although even with the skeg knub I hit 58 yesterday with a full tank of fuel.  Not bad.

Faster than 58?
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/aBfSGPDRDSdqw/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e477tdd1bx0qf1qs2a3pwne08vj3he3q35jhs0w0yj7&rid=200w.webp)
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 22, 2020, 05:03 PM
Faster than 58?
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/aBfSGPDRDSdqw/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e477tdd1bx0qf1qs2a3pwne08vj3he3q35jhs0w0yj7&rid=200w.webp)

Ya thankfully I have a windshield now so my gums stay put.  Issue I have is we don't get the cool walleye boats here they have in the Midwest and that's what I am after.  21ft, 250-300hp, windshield, kicker, ipilot, ya know a loan I'll be paying off forever but thats fine.  For the sake of fishing its worth it.  Plus I spend a lot of time jigging the big lakes for lakers so I need a bit more beam and length...and speed.  I never cared about speed but as my kid gets older and I have less time to fish...the faster I can hit a bunch of spots the better.  That and some of the reef jumping I do gets old fast going slower in the chop.

Anyone here that might be interested in a reasonably priced fish n ski with ipilot and panoptix should shoot me a pm.  Fresh prop, and skeg nub included!
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: filetandrelease on Sep 22, 2020, 05:09 PM
 All that stuff only makes it a little more comfortable , but doesn’t catch that many more fish Jon , it’s still about being 1 with your prey 😉
 At my age I’m thinking about down sizing
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Mac Attack on Sep 22, 2020, 07:10 PM
Ya thankfully I have a windshield now so my gums stay put.  Issue I have is we don't get the cool walleye boats here they have in the Midwest and that's what I am after.  21ft, 250-300hp, windshield, kicker, ipilot, ya know a loan I'll be paying off forever but thats fine.  For the sake of fishing its worth it.  Plus I spend a lot of time jigging the big lakes for lakers so I need a bit more beam and length...and speed.  I never cared about speed but as my kid gets older and I have less time to fish...the faster I can hit a bunch of spots the better.  That and some of the reef jumping I do gets old fast going slower in the chop.

Anyone here that might be interested in a reasonably priced fish n ski with ipilot and panoptix should shoot me a pm.  Fresh prop, and skeg nub included!

Great place to find a boat like you are interested in.
I have sold 2 boats there over the years.


https://www.walleye.com/boats-for-sale/ (https://www.walleye.com/boats-for-sale/)


And here's another but you need to register with the site -

https://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/forum/54-boats-for-sale/ (https://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/forum/54-boats-for-sale/)
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 24, 2020, 08:52 AM
Ya thankfully I have a windshield now so my gums stay put.  Issue I have is we don't get the cool walleye boats here they have in the Midwest and that's what I am after.  21ft, 250-300hp, windshield, kicker, ipilot, ya know a loan I'll be paying off forever but thats fine.  For the sake of fishing its worth it.  Plus I spend a lot of time jigging the big lakes for lakers so I need a bit more beam and length...and speed.  I never cared about speed but as my kid gets older and I have less time to fish...the faster I can hit a bunch of spots the better.  That and some of the reef jumping I do gets old fast going slower in the chop.

Anyone here that might be interested in a reasonably priced fish n ski with ipilot and panoptix should shoot me a pm.  Fresh prop, and skeg nub included!

58mph... what walleye boat will go faster than that?

You may be right about buying new, I struggled to find my very deep and beamy boat because everything I saw used was so underpowered. It seems all the big motors were on bass boats or fish and ski's like yours. If it was a pure fishing boat, it would be like a 19' Lund ProV with a 60hp on it. Finally found my 21' Sylvan that had a motor that met the 2/3rds rule of horsepower. It will go 44mph fully loaded which is pretty fast in a 21' boat with a 10' beam and 3 feet of freeboard. And even though it's not glass it's pretty seaworthy in big water. But I don't have a loan on it! Probably into this for $14k with the kicker, electric riggers, 36v Ulterra and 9" Helix, so it can be done. Ain't no 300hp though. I'm guessing you are looking for a glass boat then?

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Sports/Boats/i-jFxrpZ6/0/407fdc75/L/20190506_104219-L.jpg)

Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Mac Attack on Sep 24, 2020, 09:03 AM
Geoff
10’ beam???

Maybe 8’ or 8.5’
8.5’ is legal limit in pretty much all states without needing an over width permit.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 24, 2020, 11:22 AM
Thats a beauty.  Here's what I would consider to be ideal.  If one like this is available in the spring I am buying:

https://www.thayersmarine.com/Pre-owned-Inventory-2018-Ranger-Boats-Boat-621FS-9295484 (https://www.thayersmarine.com/Pre-owned-Inventory-2018-Ranger-Boats-Boat-621FS-9295484)
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 24, 2020, 01:37 PM
Geoff
10’ beam???

Maybe 8’ or 8.5’
8.5’ is legal limit in pretty much all states without needing an over width permit.

Oh yes, it can't be that wide then. It's as wide as I'd like to pull around though.

Thats a beauty.  Here's what I would consider to be ideal.  If one like this is available in the spring I am buying:

https://www.thayersmarine.com/Pre-owned-Inventory-2018-Ranger-Boats-Boat-621FS-9295484 (https://www.thayersmarine.com/Pre-owned-Inventory-2018-Ranger-Boats-Boat-621FS-9295484)

Yep, that will do it, for sure. Wow.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 24, 2020, 01:53 PM
Insane right?  Both the price and the capabilities.  Those solix units are not cheap.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: filetandrelease on Sep 24, 2020, 02:53 PM

 I have a couple buds that have 621s , great wave crushers ,
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 24, 2020, 03:03 PM
I have a couple buds that have 621s , great wave crushers ,

Thats kind of what I need.  Im sure you can relate.  You fish big water enough and regardless of careful weather planning you get caught with your pants down. 

That and this would be a boat I'd look to keep for 10 years or longer.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 25, 2020, 08:35 AM
Insane right?  Both the price and the capabilities.  Those solix units are not cheap.

I know, that's why I went with a Helix and even that wasn't cheap. And can someone tell me why a 10" Helix is $300 more than the 9" Helix? ***censored****?? You can buy a 65" TV for less than $300. It doesn't make any sense.

That boat is real nice. I don't know why I have such a bias towards aluminum. Something about it tells me it's better for overnight beaching, like when I remote camp at Richardson Lakes in Maine for a week, but I'm probably wrong. Plus I don't do much of that anymore. And my boat is huge but it's still light, so while it's very safe in any water while trolling or jigging, moving at speed in anything bigger than 2 footers isn't that comfortable.

Will that 621 go faster than 58mph with a 300 on it? My god that's fast.

Mac, you were right, I measured my beam last night, 100" on the money.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 25, 2020, 08:45 AM
The 621's with the 300 go 60 max.  The 2020 with a 400 verado goes 70!  I like aluminum too but I did that already.
Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: Jethro on Sep 25, 2020, 10:02 AM
The 621's with the 300 go 60 max.  The 2020 with a 400 verado goes 70!  I like aluminum too but I did that already.

SEVENTY?! My god.

Title: Re: Skeg Guards
Post by: lowaccord66 on Sep 25, 2020, 10:32 AM
SEVENTY?! My god.

Probably gets better economy than my 150 2 stroke!  Looking forward to being out on the water tomorrow.

https://youtu.be/NGTPM-FFcUQ (https://youtu.be/NGTPM-FFcUQ)