[mikeyt]

i dunno....installing a skeg guard doesn't help prevent prop damage any more than a proper skeg would. And if i was going to buy a boat that had one installed, i would be feeling the owner was trying to cover something up. I would be wanting proof as to exactly how much damage was done and if it was repaired properly. IMHO I think a proper repair job is the correct way to go.

Getting back to the original post, i think i would take it in to my boat mechanic & have him check it over for damages before i went and called the insurance company. The amount quoted by simpleaz is quite reasonable for a full repair job & not worth claiming on your insurance policy although in your case i dont think the prop is worth repairing. If the mechanic believes there is more serious damage then i would consider making an insurance claim depending on the repair costs. Once the claim is reported its on your record whether there is a pay out or not.

[simpleaz]

Hi mikeyt

If just a skeg repair about 180 to 200 for the physical stuff plus the labor for lower unit removal and reinstall. I expected to have some appearance of welding and repair but the prop shop I took it to did a great job. Looking at it would make you think the lower unit was replaced. I agree rjshelley's prop is a goner so replacement best. I am going to put on a 4 blade 20 and keep my reconditioned one as a backup.

I won't even consider a skegard until something happens. I did like the one I had since I beach the boat a lot in AZ and it made me feel better anchoring. For now, just the original hardware and hopefully no chunks down the road.

My deductible is $500 and everything checked out ok so no claim for me. I will save that for a bigger need.

[garyg]

A skeggard is than lower and saves a good skeg from being ground down from draging the concrete. I was going with my personal experiance as a skeggard has saved me more than once Gary G

[simpleaz]

yes yes garyg. I liked the one I had and I put it on due to a 2 inch chip off the bow side. It also saved a couple drags on the ramp.

I will think it over. Just hard to drill two holes in my repaired skeg.

[garyg]

I put my new Skeggard on perfecty good skeg. I didn't want to cry if i messed up two props on my Bravo 111 drive. Gary G

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

Once the claim is reported its on your record whether there is a pay out or not.

That must depend on the insurance company. As I noted earlier: Our insurance company demanded we get our boat properly evaluated following our mishap. When I expressed concern that, if the damages fell on or under our deductible, and we'd be as well-off paying it out-of-pocket, it'd still be on our "record," the adjuster said we didn't need to worry. If we decided to retract the claim, there'd be no record made of it.

Did I ever mention we really, really like our insurance company?

Jim

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by SEMIJim

That must depend on the insurance company. As I noted earlier: Our insurance company demanded we get our boat properly evaluated following our mishap. When I expressed concern that, if the damages fell on or under our deductible, and we'd be as well-off paying it out-of-pocket, it'd still be on our "record," the adjuster said we didn't need to worry. If we decided to retract the claim, there'd be no record made of it.

Did I ever mention we really, really like our insurance company?

Jim

I would too if they were all like that but its pretty much standard practice with all insurers to keep a record of the claim whether withdrawn or not for legal liability reasons. If withdrawn then it will have no effect on your future premiums but there is always a record of the claim being reported just in case something happens at a later date. Once reported then your adjuster did exactly what he is supposed to do: strongly recommend that you take it to a reputable boat mechanic for a full examination. It's what i do for a living too...that's why i suggested rjshelley take his to be checked out first & then decide if he wants to involve his insurer.

[rjshelley]

I got a guy that's going to check it this week for any internal damage. I really don't think he will find any. My main concern is how the boat ran with the Laser II 22 pitch prop, almost as if it was under strain while out of the hole & the engine was turning more RPMs than usual. I don't know enough about the sterndrive to know if internal damage would effect the boat performance that way.

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by rjshelley

I got a guy that's going to check it this week for any internal damage. I really don't think he will find any. My main concern is how the boat ran with the Laser II 22 pitch prop, almost as if it was under strain while out of the hole & the engine was turning more RPMs than usual. I don't know enough about the sterndrive to know if internal damage would effect the boat performance that way.

The Laser II has been around for a long time and is noted as a 'top speed' style prop. I believe it is a smaller diameter and also has the exhaust cut-outs which allow it to spin a little faster so that may explain why you laboured coming out of the hole & your rpms were higher.

[rjshelley]

Great news; I took the boat to a Marine Repair & Machine Shop today & the guy orderd the replacement skeg & will weld it on for $100.00. He had one there that he had done today & if it had been painted already, you couldn't have seen the weld on it. For that price, he dosen't paint it, but I think I can handle doing that. He also checked the prop shaft & said it wasn't bent bad enough to replace it. Now get me a prop & I'll be back on the water by the weekend. Any suggestions for the on-line ordering a prop?