Skeg construction for a marine propulsion unit

摘要

A skeg assembly for a marine propulsion unit includes a generally U-shaped saddle that is removably attached to the lower torpedo section of the gearcase of the propulsion unit, and a thin wedge-shaped skeg extends downwardly from the saddle. During planing conditions of the boat, the water line is slightly below the lower torpedo section so that the saddle is out of the water. The side surfaces of the skeg having opposed water intake openings each of which is bordered rearwardly by a laterally projecting shoulder that terminates in a sharp vertical edge and the intake openings are bordered forwardly by a curved surface that connects the side surfaces of the skeg. The water intake openings communicate with a water passage in the skeg which, in turn, communicates with a water passage in the torpedo section so that water can be delivered to the cooling system of the propulsion unit.