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I have a 98 Horizon 180 RS and looking for advice, Anyone tried to straight-n a bent skeg. I think I can clamp it and slowly straight-n it
Curves to the right at the tip. Bent the prop too, 14 1/2 x 23 (Don't know if that is what it had stock)
Boat gets on plain quick but I top out around 35 mph. Was happy with the performance, so will probably replace with same prop.
But open to opinions.
New to the boating world.

4.3 volvo/penta out

Correction the Prop is 14 1/4 x 23

Just curious how far out of true it's bent?

The c-clamp is an excellent idea to straighten something provided you have another structure that's massively more rigid to clamp against. Usually one has to "over bend" past the straight/level/square point due to get it back to nominal dimension because of springback in the metal.

I've never tried this on a stern drive but bent many other things back into alignment successfully, although aluminum is very bad if it starts cracking as that's the end of its ductility and its bound to break a piece or chunk off where the cracks are. That's why I ask above, if its a gentle, long radius bend, the degree of success goes up a lot farther than with a sharp bend.

Due caution urged since the cast gearcase above has its own set of alignments machined into the casting for the spiral bevel gearsets.

Good luck.

According to Four Winns Fast Facts the stock prop is 14 1/4 dia. x 21 pitch". You said you had a 14 1/2 diameter. If so that may have a minor effect on your performance. You are saying 35 mph top end. Fast facts lists top end at 47 or 50 depending on the 4.3 engine installed (190 hp or 205hp). Are you trimming the out drive up for top speed? This can make more than 10 mph difference. Depending on the boat the trim gauge may show trim in the mid range or even higher at top speed. Just a thought......

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

You might be able to work the bend in the skeg. Some careful blocking and clamping might do it. Just try to avoid inducing any stress into the bullet around the prop shaft.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I'll try and post some pics, If I figure it out
I have the 190 HP 4.3
The Bend is a slight curve not a harsh bend

A 23 pitch prop only getting 35mph... Sound like you must not be getting much RPM due to having too much pitch. Too low of an RPM (due to high prop pitch) means you are not able to get full horsepower. It is also dangerous for your engine...can damage valves (google "tuliped valves marine engine" or similar).

I would try the 14-1/4 x 21 that is recommended in the fast facts. The fast facts are usually pretty close.

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

By the way, what did ya hit to bend it? I ask, because a solid hit might do other damage that is unseen from the outside.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I was on a lake and think it was tree stump related. A friend told me to drain some lower gear oil out and see if there is moisture, to check and see if a seal is now bad after impact. I did not run it long just enough to get back to the ramp.