How do I fix a bent skeg?
 

I hit something this last weekend and bent the rear portion of the skeg. it has a slight bend (about 3/8" for about 2 "in length on the rear end of the skeg.

Do I bend this back cold or hot?
I was thinking about heating the bent area up and putting 2 3/4 plates on each side an slowly pressing them together with clamps to make it straight again. Anybody have a plan or ideas??

has anybody done this or have a better fix? I WANT TO DO THIS ON THE BOAT IF POSSIBLE.

Thanks in advance

I would think Hot. Cast aluminum does not like to bend. You should be able to do it on the boat.

A buddy of mine did what you are planning to do. He did it cold as there was not much of a bend to it. It did not crack and went right back into shape.

my skeg HAD a slight bend to it------that was before some huge chunk of who knows what in the hudson river snapped it off cleanly about an inch or two under the drive belly area-----now im looking into a repacement skeg cone to weld onto the existing lower drive as a repair-----any advice or experience in this area would be a big help----glad to hear yours bent back with no problem and watch out for those damn underwater chunkies in the future----they ruined my day big time....

Just be careful with the heat. Aluminum transfers heat very quickly and the propshaft seal is right close to where you're working.