Leaking rudder post

[Torpointer]

I have a weeping top rudder fitting on my Nicholson 38. This is not enough to cause alarm but does make the locker under the after sink unit damp and nasty. I have undone the locking nut and screwed down the bearing (it goes easily by hand) a bit but it is still leaking, though not as much. How far can I safely screw it down? Perhaps it all needs re-stuffing (presumably an out-of-water job). If so, what should I use?

 

[dovekie]

You will get more fulsome replies than this I think, but for what it's worth, I have restuffed both prop and rudder stern glands whilst afloat. Just packed the new stuffing into the gap then recompressed with the nut. Checked again a few days later. Worked well, no drips. Used stuff sold for the purpose at a chandlers, blister pack I think - graphite impregnated material. Does the gland have a grease nipple?

 

[Tradewinds]

You'll get lots of useful C&N related replies if you join the C&N forum here. You'll have register with Yahoo before you can post though.

 

[Torpointer]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not sure about the grease nipple. Will have to have a look next time I'm on board. I have a grease gun on board and some waterproof grease.