New Motor Skeg Question

[PoorBC300]

Hi, I'm new around here, so please be nice. I have the opportunity to purchase a new boat with a new motor at a significant discount because the boat is last year's model and because the skeg was apparently drug a significant distance. It appears about an inch of material is missing, and what's left has been filed to clean up a bit. I test drove the boat and could detect no problems, but I'm far from an expert in this area. Can someone knowledgeable tell me what problems I should be looking for? Would it be holding a course, turning, planing, or something else?

Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

[robert graham]

That skeg shouldn't be a problem. You could always add a Skeg Gard later if it would make you feel better. Ideally, a skeg should hang down below the lowest point on the prop to protect it from rocks, oyster beds, etc.

[JohnRennie]

I've heard of people cutting off their skegs to add speed… I certainly wouldn’t recommend that because your prop would be exposed to obstruction… but other than protecting the prop, I don’t think the skeg serves much purpose. If you’re boating in shallow areas or where there are a lot of underwater obstructions, I’d bolt on a skeg-guard just to protect the prop.

[PoorBC300]

Thanks, guys, those reponses make me feel better about it and I get to keep more of my cash!