[Public-List] Rudder Post Leak

[crufone at comcast.net]

I always thought that the water helped to lubricate the upper bushing around the rudder stock.  I like the idea of flax cord being used as a packing material. Me thinks that silicone will scuff off and not prevent the seepage between the moving parts. 

Michael #133 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael J. Meinhold" <MICHAEL.J.MEINHOLD at saic.com> 
To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> 
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 9:23:56 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: [Public-List] Rudder Post Leak 

This spring I started seeing a slow leak from the exit of the rudder 
post in the cockpit. This only occurred when I was moving at least 5 
knots, under sail or power. 

My boat is #272, and has no stuffing box, the rudder stock passing 
through a glassed-in tube, then through a built-up pad on the cockpit 
deck. The stock has about 1/4 inch clearance in the tube, but passes 
through a collar screwed into the built-up pad. The clearance between 
the rudder stock and this collar is quite tight.  The collar is attached 
to the pad with three screws. 

I presume that at speed she can build up hydroynamic pressure sufficient 
to raise the water 2 feet or so, and only the collar prevents it from 
shooting up into the cockpit. Perhaps there was some sealant around the 
collar that has broken down. 

At our annual Maintenance Weekend this past weekend, a panel of experts 
examined the situation and reccomended injecting silicone sealant at the 
top of the tube and around the base of the collar. This we did and are 
letting it set up before testing. 

I may need to refill the screw holes with epoxy because I don't feel it 
the collar is secure enough. 

Anyone one else deal with this? 

Mike 


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