Skag question

I am looking at a motor that a piece of the skag (the fin below the prop) is broken off. It still has most of it there and I was wondering does this affect the motors performance or motor in any way? Also, I am looking for opinions on if this would be worth getting. Thank you for your help in advance.

Not significantly. As long as what remains isn't significantly bent, it shouldn't be a problem. The main purpose of the skeg is to protect the propeller from rocks and stumps. It provides a slight rudder effect too.

If you are concerned, they sell slip-on skeg covers which would work in your situation.

Good luck!

Depending on what the engine is worth and how far away from home you go with it - it might be a good idea to put something else back on there. The skeg really does protect the prop and lower unit.

As you can tell - it already did that job once.....

You can also buy replacement skegs and have them welded on. I've seen motors that have had this done and you can't even tell it's not original. I've also owned a motor that appeared to have had the skeg broken and then welded the broken piece back on. It may have just been a new piece of aluminum that they welded on and then shaped to match the original. But there was no attempt to hide the weld job so that one was easy to see.

https://www.boatersplus.com/t-h-marine-replacement-skeg-omc-v6.html?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=cse&utm_content=EB-6201169&utm_campaign=shopzilla&gclid=CNSS4p6Y1cQCFVKAaQodX74Avg

A good prop shop could fix it. I've had it done to a Mercruiser Alpha One. Looked like new to me. Can't remember what is cost though.
Another option could be a skeg guard.

https://www.keelguard.com/skegguard.html