Anyone else experience a leak at rudder post tube?

[Jock Muir]

I am experiencing a leak from the rudder post tube. It appears to be a void in the original fiberglass in an area covered by the rudder bearing. I am curious if this might be a common problem on 33.5 or other Hunters. It appears to be a manufacturing flaw. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

 

[David]

33.5 Rudder Post

Jock, I do not have a problem with the rudder post at present on my 1988H33.5. I wonder if this might be the next problem I encounter. What clues did you note to indicate that the tube was defective? I want to inspect mine to make sure there isn't something developing. I just completed replacement of the compression post; I don't need more problems at this time! Suggest you check your compression post for deterioration---mine had completely disintegrated.

 

[Patrick Magers]

Rudder Post Leak

I had a similar situation develope on my 40.5. It started about 3 months after delivery. The boat was new so the problem was covered by warantly with Hunter. The boat was hualed out and the area around the base of the tube was reglassed. T he total cost was $950 and the bill was paid by Hunter without any questions. Its been over 5years without any further leaks.

 

[Guest]

RP Leak II

My '94 37.5 was damaged during Hurricane Georges in the FL Keys. When the rudder was removed for repair, the yard found a void in the glassing around the tube. By coincidence, they had a 40.5 in the yard at the same time that had the exact same problem. It does seem to be a manufacturing flaw, at least in boats from that era. BTW, I've always had a very slow leak into the bilge that absolutely, positively cannot be diagnosed by anybody. I've been wondering if the water isn't coming in from the area of the rudder tube, even after a repair was made/attempted. But it is impossible to see into that area on my boat without an endoscope, and none of my colleagues is willing to lend me a multi-thousand dollar device to poke into orifices on my boat. Robert Pancza

 

[Guest]

RP Leak III

Where does the water that leaks through the rudder post go to on the inside of your boat?JK

 

[Jamie]

Downwind Rudderpost Leak Prevails

Downwind at five to six knots, prettygood leakage in rudderpost with my 196227 foot Polaris as well.

 

[Glenn Baldwin]

Same problem on P42

In '97 I discovered th same problem on my 1990 P42. The top of the tube came completly away during moderate winds. Hunter paid for the defect. I sold the boat.