[Public-List] Rudder Post Bearing

[Glennb]

Hi Todd,

sounds like the packing gland material in your rudder post stuffing box is dried out or wasted.  First step is to try to tightened up the nut at the top of the bronze fitting surrounding the rudder post, located under the the cockpit floor, aft endow the cockpit.  Of the packing material is still good, tightening the nut will compress the packing material and stop the leak.  Probably the packing material is old and wasted, hence in need of replacement.  If so, you will need to back the nut off the top of the gland and dig out the old packing material, and replace with maybe 9" or a foot length of new square packing material.  Wrap three turns of material around the shaft, press it down into side the housing and tighten the nut back down.  You should crank it down so it fits snugly and compresses the gland material until it doesn't leak when underway.  You will probably be surprised how many turns you must turn down the nut to stop the water from coming up the shaft.   I certainly was when I replaced the material on my oat a few years ago.   If I remember correctly, you will need 1/4" square material- there are several different widths.   

Best,
Glenn Brooks
S/V Dolce #318

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 15, 2013, at 5:25 PM, j t wittbold <johnnywittbold at mac.com> wrote:

> Hi-
> 
> New to Alberg ownership and looking for advice.
> Need help with how the rudder post bearing on an older 1966 Alberg 30 should be repaired/replaced.
> The bearing seems to be missing on my boat Valholl (#207).
> 
> I recently encountered water coming up into the cockpit sole from the rudder post head while motoring for a long time.
> I did search a little on the site, but didn't seem to find the information on "how to repair/replace".
> Valholl is out of the water for some bottom work and I'd like to take care of this at the same time.
> 
> Any advice appreciated.
> 
> Todd Wittbold
> Valholl #207
> 
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