Skeg Guard for MerCruiser Bravo I & III 1990+ (Replaces 27051)

This JLM Marine skeg guard (SKU 1900) is a bolt-on 316 stainless steel protector for MerCruiser Bravo One and Bravo Three sterndrives from 1990 onward, sold as an aftermarket alternative that cross-references Megaware SkegGuard 27051 and Panther Safe-Skeg 35-SS615. It does not fit Bravo Two drives or XR / Sport Master gearcases.

Product Video

A 45-second overview of the SKU 1900 skeg guard: the broken Bravo skeg it repairs, the Bravo One and Bravo Three fitment, the excluded gearcases, and what is included in the box.

Fitment Warning

"Bravo" alone is not enough to confirm fitment. The Bravo Two drive uses a much larger gear housing with a different skeg shape, and the high-performance XR and Sport Master gearcases use a different skeg profile, so this guard does not fit them. Identify your exact drive model (Bravo One, Two, or Three) and gearcase type on the drive's serial-number decal before ordering, and compare your skeg's shape with the product photos.

Compatible Models

This guard is sold as a replacement for two aftermarket reference numbers. Their published applications are listed separately below, exactly as each source states them.

Reference 27051 (Megaware SkegGuard)

Reference 35-SS615 (Panther Safe-Skeg)

Year ranges reflect the reference sources current at the time of writing (Megaware SkegGuard Model Guide, 9-2023 edition, and the Panther 35SS615 specification sheet). "Present" carries the meaning it had in those sources; always confirm your exact drive model, gearcase, and skeg shape before ordering.

Known Exclusions

This guard is not compatible with the following drives, which are easy to confuse with a standard Bravo One or Three:

• MerCruiser Bravo Two (II) — larger gear housing and a different skeg shape; not listed for 27051 or 35-SS615.
• Bravo One XR and XR Sport Master — high-performance gearcases with a different skeg profile; the 27051 model guide states "Not Compatible with XR or Sport Models".
• Alpha drives — Alpha One and Alpha One Gen II use different guards (Megaware references 27021 / 27031), not this model.

Before Ordering

Check the drive's serial-number decal to confirm whether it is a Bravo One, Two, or Three, and verify that the gearcase is not an XR or Sport Master variant. Make sure at least 2 to 3 inches (about 5–7.5 cm) of the upper skeg is intact, because the guard clamps over the remaining skeg. Finally, compare the outline of your skeg with the product photos; if the shape clearly differs, do not order even if your drive model appears in the table.

Technical Specifications

Package Contents

• 1 x 316 stainless steel skeg guard (Model 1900)
• Stainless steel mounting bolts, pre-coated with thread locker, with matching barrel nuts
• 2 x Allen (hex) wrenches
• 1 x installation instructions

Hardware shown in the product photos: four thread-locker-coated bolts and two barrel nuts. Contact us before ordering if you need an exact hardware count for your installation.

Installation

Installation is a DIY job with common tools and does not require a marine technician. The guard can also be fitted over an already broken skeg, as long as enough of the original skeg remains.

1. Confirm that at least 2 to 3 inches of the upper skeg remain to hold the guard securely.
2. Clean the skeg surface so it is free of debris and marine growth.
3. Slide the guard over the skeg and gently tap it with a mallet until fully seated.
4. Using the guard's two pre-drilled holes as pilots, drill through the skeg with a 1/4" drill bit.
5. Insert the supplied thread-locker-coated bolts and fit the barrel nuts.
6. Tighten securely with the supplied Allen wrenches.

Safety note: wear eye protection when drilling, and support the drive so it cannot move while you work. If you are unsure about drilling the gearcase skeg, have a technician fit the guard.

FAQ

Will this fit my drive?
It fits standard MerCruiser Bravo One and Bravo Three sterndrives from 1990 onward. It does not fit Bravo Two, XR, or Sport Master gearcases. Check your drive's serial-number decal and compare your skeg's shape with the product photos before ordering.

Can I install it on an already broken skeg?
Yes. The guard is designed both to protect an intact skeg and to repair a broken one, provided at least 2 to 3 inches of the original skeg remain for the mounting hardware to clamp onto.

Is 27051 a Mercury OEM part number?
No. Both 27051 (Megaware SkegGuard) and 35-SS615 (Panther Safe-Skeg) are aftermarket reference numbers. This JLM Marine guard is an aftermarket equivalent that covers the same Bravo One / Bravo Three application.

Do I need to weld anything?
No. The guard bolts on over the existing skeg. Bolting on a guard is a common alternative to welding or replacing the gearcase housing after skeg damage.

Important Notes

This is an aftermarket replacement part manufactured by JLM Marine. It is not an original equipment (OEM) component and is not endorsed by Mercury Marine, Megaware, or Panther. All brand and model names are used solely for fitment identification. Verify that the product photos and specifications match your original part before purchasing; if anything differs, contact us first even if your drive model is listed.