billius wrote:Ive never had a motor with one of those guards on it. I have heard some say its a good idea. I have also heard some say that its not a good idea, as it makes the skeg too strong and wont allow it to break. Now I know, thats what its supposed to do. The downside, is that it may cause more damage to the rest of the engine, if the skeg doesnt break away or have a piece break off of it. I have no idea if thats a valid point, but, as I said…I have heard that given as a reason to not add one to a motor.Dont ask me how I know, but they will give way. It wont break like an aluminum skeg though. What happens is the front bolt will shear, the skeg guard will rotate and pivot on the rear bolt and split towards the front. I guess I was lucky and the thing didnt pivot into the prop but I could see it happening on a hard impact with a large solid object.
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