[Public-List] Stern tube

[David Fay]

Hi Gerard,

The "dark grey rubbery caulk" is called thiokol, https://polyspec.com/products/thiokol/thiokol-2235m/ <https://polyspec.com/products/thiokol/thiokol-2235m/>. It's also known as Satan's caulking, if you try to remove it (http://svcookie.blogspot.com/2011/10/thiokol-satans-caulking.html <http://svcookie.blogspot.com/2011/10/thiokol-satans-caulking.html>).

You need to determine where the water is coming from. One possibility is that it has found its way between the outside of the stern tube and the thiokol. This is a serious problem that may require replacement of the stern tube.

The other possibility is that your hose, which runs between the bronze stuffing box and the forward end of the stern tube, is not attached tightly enough to the stern tube. So the water is coming through the stern tube, which it should, but then leaking out the joint between the hose and the stern tube, which it shouldn't.  In this case, all you have to do is tighten the hose clamps sufficiently to stop the leak.

I had a similar leak on my boat and ended up having to replace the stern tube. I can provide some guidance on how to do that.

David
Blue Teal, #284



> On May 28, 2020, at 1:26 AM, Gerard Kuperus via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello Alberg 30 folks,
> 
> In the fall I hauled Skye Mist, redid the bottom and with the aid of the helpful guides on the Alberg 30 site I managed to successfully replace the cutless bearing. When I was back in the water I noticed some leaking. I assumed it was the rudder post. I forgot about it and the leak seemed to have disappeared. The last couple of weeks it has returned and I finally figured out the stern tube is leaking where it is connected to the hull. It is sealed with a dark grey rubbery caulk spread out liberally at the top, less so at the bottom, which is hard to reach. A couple of questions: what is this caulking? How should I fix the leak (in the water)? Any suggestions for getting better access to this area?
> Thank you!
> Gerard
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