convincor253

The back end of the skeg on my starboard Bravo I outdrive is slightly bent from right to left. It is like a gentle roll, not a hard bend. Can I add some heat and bend it back? Has anyone had any experience doing this? If yes, what is the best approach without possibly cracking the skeg? Thanks,
DL

GOODT

I usually use two hammers, one as a dolley no heat required have done many

Mr Gadgets

Like Joe said.. a big sludge hammer on one side, a buddy holding a piece of 2x4 on the other side (gloves recommended) and you with careful aim hitting the 2x4 with a 5 lb hammer... it will slowly come back into place. No garrantee it wont break, but I have done it before. If it isnt too far out of wack.. Good luck

Dick

convincor253

Thanks for the tips. I will give it a try today.
DL

GOODT

Dont hit it real hard tap it into submission

convincor253

I tried the hammer approach today and it came back a little but it still isn't straight. I did not hit it very hard. I also tried using two 2x4's one on either side compressing them together with c-clamps. I am going to leave it compressed with the wood and c-clamps for a couple of days. It looks straight with the clamps on but returns to the bent shape when I remove the set up. I thought if I left it longer it might work. If not, I will continue tapping with the hammer and block of wood. Thanks,
DL

GOODT

use two hammers or body shop dolley you need to have something solid on the back side wood is a little to soft

rich allen

GOODT is right, a block of wood on the backside isn't solid enough. Try it again, with another hammer instead of the wood. Don't smack it any harder than you were already doing before, and take your time, going back and forth along the bend. It takes a while, and a little at a time, till it works. Keep the backside hammer directly opposite side of where you will be striking. Clamping like you did will not work, and in my .01 opinion, it might actually be more likely to crack.