Crack on cutlass bearing skeg

[robbjd]

I'm three days from launch and just found a crack on the cutlass bearing skeg. Crack is only on the port side and approximately 3 inches long. Any suggestions for a quick repair would be appreciated. Is JB weld an option? What is the skeg material?

[Noah]

The strut is solid cast bronze and cannot be successfully glued. However, that crack may be only faring material. Grind down along the  crack and see when you reach bright metal.

[Jim Hardesty]

The strut is solid cast bronze and cannot be successfully glued. However, that crack may be only faring material. Grind down along the  crack and see when you reach bright metal.

I agree.  It's probably a casting mark.  Clean it up to smooth metal and use some penetrating dye if you can. Maybe you know someone that has the stuff.
FYI
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/testing-cracks-home-diy-dye-penetrants/

If you don't find a crack after cleaning it up, you could mark or document it and inspect at the end of each season.
I don't think this is an application for JBweld.
Jim

[Jim Hardesty]

The strut is solid cast bronze and cannot be successfully glued. However, that crack may be only faring material. Grind down along the  crack and see when you reach bright metal.

I agree.  It's probably a casting mark but I don't really see it in the picture.  Clean it up to smooth metal and use some penetrating dye if you can. Maybe you know someone that has the stuff.
FYI
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/testing-cracks-home-diy-dye-penetrants/

If you don't find a crack after cleaning it up, you could mark or document it and inspect at the end of each season.
Jim

[robbjd]

Thanks guys. It is just a crack in the fairing compound. I found it at the end of the day after dredging our entrance for the past month. My fatigue caused a panic reaction. Splashing Saturday!