Rudder stock leak

[paul]

My Moody 36 seems to have developed a leak coning from the top of the rudder where it enters the hull. The rudder is a skeg hung type and and the boat is only 3 years old. Would the leak be coming through a bearing or is it a seal that's likely to have failed. Will I need to get the boat lifted and the rudder taken off or is there some clever way of re-tightening a seal/bearing whilst the boat is still in the water? Any advice
will be gratefully received.

 

[byron]

Hope this isn't a daft reply but I take it you have regularly packed and turned the Greaser ?

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[paul]

I think you're thinking about the shaft bearing. This is the one on the rudder stock which I don't believe needs greasing.

 

[mikenda - delete]

I understood that there is a adjustable gland like a stern gland on top of the rudder stock .

 

[oldsaltoz]

G’day Paul.
This sounds like the rudder stock tube has developed a leak, this could be due to a number of things, a hit, poor bonding, or the weight of the boat has been on the rudder come to mind. You first need to establish the actual location of the leak, try sprinkling some powder around the base of the runner stock, ensure you get some above the join or the last layer of fibreglass; this should give to an indication.
If this is the problem you will have to re-glass it, as this can not be done with water still leaking in you will have to consider lifting the boat or at least drying out and using a rapid set epoxy resin. It is not a job that requires a lot of expertise; just getting at to prepare the surface for new fibreglass is the biggest challenge.

Avagoodweekend Old Salt Oz.

 

[jfkal]

If it needs to come out. make sure that you have the spare bearings ready. I didn't so the yard charged me double for lifting up the boat twice. First to take out the rudder. Second to put it back in.

 

[billskip]

Dont know what boat you have ..mine a gibsea had a leak and it was the v ring seal in the tube..this is above the water line ..it is not easy(maybe not posible) to change while in water but when on hard you may have to dig a hole to drop your rudder into..however depending on other factors it may be posible to just drop rudder to ground to give enough clearence to remove seal....depending on type of boat (mine I could do between tides on a drying post now I know how) maybe it can be done without liftout....

Bill
www.aegeansailing.co.uk

www.macsyachting.com

 

[Carlito]

rudder post leak

hi There

Please help....I sail a Westerly 33 (1978). I have developed a leak coming from the rudder post...will I have to dry dock boat to repair or is there a flange I may tighten from the inside while in the water?
Thank you.
Carlito