Brown Rusty Stuff Coming From Rudder

[The Real Flipper]

Quick update: several days ago I drilled another hole on the very top and one higher on the rudder as suggested.
I then opened up the others a bit more. There haven't been any new drips in about a week so I think it's done. Pried a little out with a stick, seems all dry.

Sanded and Dremmeled around the rudder post to expose bare white fiberblass and it's clear there was another repair previously. But no fiberglass on the crack area, just epoxied over. I'm sure I can do better this time. Will post pics when I've got them.
Thanks again for all replies. The advice has been invaluable!

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

I applaud your attempt to downplay the evidence but to me the rust stain looks far more than would be generated by a bit of surface corrosion. Lowering the rudder for inspection of the shaft immediately above the rudder will take no more than an hour and involve no equipment other than a couple of spanners.

As I said in an earlier post, quite recently I saw photographs of a similar shaft from which the rudder was lost due to corrosion. I think it would be worth spending an hour to be certain that this was not imminent here.

In a previous case two identical Jeanneaux were berthed next to each other. The rudder shaft of one was deeply pitted, the other was untouched. Corrosion failures are very difficult to predict

As additional equipment I could recommend a "ton bag" or similar, with lines connecting it to winches on either side, so that when the top fixing is released it can be lowered to the ground in a controlled manner.

 

[The Real Flipper]

As additional equipment I could recommend a "ton bag" or similar, with lines connecting it to winches on either side, so that when the top fixing is released it can be lowered to the ground in a controlled manner.

That's actually a great idea! And could be easily rigged to winches.
I guess I got lucky with marinas that the local guys helped lower the rudder at no expense. Nice!
And will probably help me put it back up too.
Still a great suggestion to keep in mind. Thanks

 

[Daydream believer]

You do not need elaborate devices. A length of 4 * 2 on a block for a fulcrum is more than enough. although the trolley jack suggested earlier would be perfection, esp. for pushing back up.
Either way, there is no point in complicating a very simple operation.