Blackfin Replacement SKEG

Don’t let a damaged skeg
keep you off the water.
Introducing The Blackfin Skeg...the ultimate replacement
and enhancement skeg on the market today.
Blackfin Enhanced Design Features
Designed to protect and perform, the Blackfin
Skeg is made from a high impact composite
featuring two tapered wings on each side for
structural reinforcement and lift at every angle
of engine trim.
“While fishing in a FLW Redfish tournament we hit an oyster reef doing about
35 miles an hour. There could have been major damage to our entire lower unit.
But there wasn’t, thanks to our Blackfin Skeg.
We pushed ourselves off the reef and kept on fishing. ”
Barnie and Steve White
White Fishing Team
• The Blackfin is available in three sizes
to fit most any engine
• Easy to Install – Can be done at home,
saving you time and money
• Made from incredibly tough nylon
composite that is stronger than steel
• Applied with shock absorbing adhesive
– no need for bolts and screws
• The Blackfin protects your entire
lower unit
“Since installing the Blackfin Skeg on my boat, I have noticed my turning radius is a lot
tighter and smoother. You’ll see a difference in handling and performance
the first time you get on the water with a Blackfin.”
Benjamin Gross
River Region Guide Service, Inc.
A sacrificial node on the Blackfin’s bottom is
shaped to turn the engine slightly on side impacts
resulting in lower unit and prop protection.
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• Gets you on plane quicker and holds
you on plane longer at lower speeds
• The added surface area of the Blackfin
helps improve stability and handling
while decreasing chiming and walking
Find the Blackfin Model That’s Right For You.
To determine the Blackfin model for your engine, measure from
the front of the prop to the tip of the gear housing. Simply match
this measurement to one of the Blackfin sizes listed below.
Blackfin Large - 15.5'' and larger
Blackfin Medium - 12.5'' to 14.5''
Blackfin Small - 10.5'' and 11.5''
The MerCruiser Alpha One when measured falls into the medium category;
however, it will require a small Blackfin.
Step 1: Begin the installation process
by sanding down the original skeg.
Use a file to smooth any bent areas.
Wash and dry the skeg, and it will be
ready for receipt of the Blackfin.
Step 6 : Carefully slide the Blackfin
into position. Once again, rotate the prop
to check for proper clearance.
Step 2 : Fit part on motor and rotate
the prop to check for proper clearance.
Use a pencil to mark where the part
meets the motor on both sides. Also
mark the location of the drain screw.
Use a utility knife to trim out this area
to allow access to the drain screw.
Step 7 : Remone the tape from the
Blackfin. Clean any excess adhesive off
of the gear housing.
Fit part up to gear housing and
mark off the distance necessary
to allow for the bolt clearance
(roughly 1'' down, 1'' across) on
the back corner of the unit.
Step 3 : Apply tape over the drain screw
so no adhesive gets on it later in the
installation. Tape below the top edge of
the Blackfin on both sides. This will
keep adhesive off the Blackfin and will
make clean-up a little easier.
Step 8 : This is one of the most
important steps in the installation
process. Using your finger, create a
smooth continuous seal all the way
around the unit. If necessary, apply
more adhesive to your seam to ensure
a watertight seal.
Use a utility saw to carefully trim
out the marked off area.
Step 4 : Apply a generous bead of
adhesive along the line where the skeg
meets the gear housing on both sides.
Step 9 : Wrap duct tape around the
Blackfin to the gear housing to secure
the skeg in position while the adhesive
sets.
Fit unit on damaged skeg to
ensure clearance and fit. Tape off
the carrier bolt to avoid contact
with the adhesive during the
general installation steps.
Additional installation steps for engines with
carrier bearing bolts.
For engines that have a carrier bearing bolt (like the one pictured
below) you will need to make an alteration cut to your Blackfin
before starting the installation.
Blackfin Custom - 10.5'' and shorter
Please call 334-612-0859 to have your Blackfin custom trimmed.
The Blackfin Skeg can be installed in an hour or less using these
easy-to-follow directions. All the tools you will need for an
successful installation are: Sand Paper, Pencil, 2'' Masking
Tape, Duct Tape, Caulk Gun, Utility Knife, File, Rubber Gloves.
The Blackfin, your motor, and the adhesive need to be warm,
and the outside temperature should be at least 70 degrees for
a successful installation. After installation, place your engine
in the sun or a warm place for a minimum of 72 hours for the
adhesive to cure properly.
Now you are ready to
begin installation.
Step 5 : Apply adhesive to both sides
of the skeg in a slight zig-zig pattern.
The spaces created by this pattern will
create air pockets which will help the
adhesive dry and set correctly.
Step 10 : Once again, rotate the prop
to check for proper clearance.
When installation is complete, be
sure to completely seal the hole
created by your cut.
Allow 72 hours in a warm area for the
adhesive to cure.
If necessary apply more adhesive
to the hole to ensure a watertight
seal.