Trident 35 water ingress

[chasmoore]

Has anyone had a problem with water leaking inti the aft bilge on a Trident Warrior/Voyager/Challenger 35 or similar long keel yacht? It seems to be coming from right at the stern (inaccessible!) How is the aft end of the propellor tube sealed?
Thanks for any suggestions

 

[joha]

I had just this issue with my Voyager. The problem with mine and I assume all the others was that the cutlass bearing was through bolted and was relying on a mastic sealant at the bolts/ nuts and as you know access is difficult especially on the bottom bolt and nut where it was leaking because its nearly impossible to tighten.
The answer is to remove the cutlass bearing and the propshaft to allow access from the inside and epoxy in a steel plate then refix the cutlass bearing using self tappers. Note that you will need to mark things off so that you can align everything when you put it all back together! This worked for me and it is now leak free.
My understanding is this is how they were built and mine had a weep there from new.
John

 

[chasmoore]

I had just this issue with my Voyager. The problem with mine and I assume all the others was that the cutlass bearing was through bolted and was relying on a mastic sealant at the bolts/ nuts and as you know access is difficult especially on the bottom bolt and nut where it was leaking because its nearly impossible to tighten.
The answer is to remove the cutlass bearing and the propshaft to allow access from the inside and epoxy in a steel plate then refix the cutlass bearing using self tappers. Note that you will need to mark things off so that you can align everything when you put it all back together! This worked for me and it is now leak free.
My understanding is this is how they were built and mine had a weep there from new.
John

Many thanks for that John. I will pursue that line and let you know how I get on
Regards
Chas

 

[smb]

Its a long time since I looked at a 35, but our Voyager 38 had a drip from the same place bought about by a certain Hamble yard trying to lift her by the stern tube/cutlass bearing holder, damaging the gel and the seal in the process. I removed the bearing holder and repaired the gel with epoxy and resealed with sika.

To replace the bolts I made up some over long studding with Nylocs and lock nuts on the inside guided into position using another length of studding that had a nut half off the end held with another lock nut.

Steve