H27 rudder packing gland replacement leaks

[dlsflorida]

We recently had to replace a rudder for our 1979 Hunter 27 that was not taken care of by the previous owner. Major overhaul top and bottom side. The rudder packing gland leaks profusely under way but not at the dock. The nuts are tightened all the way and we are assured that the correct packing was used. We are looking for information to remedy this problem as we did not have the issue pre replacement. We are also looking for a diagram of what the steering mechanism is supposed to look like as it seems that some alterations were made by the previous owners. The top part of the shaft just seems to be loose with much tension from the steering mechanism which pulls the shaft forward at the top. We also could use some information on hatch replacement sources.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

We are looking for information to remedy this problem as we did not have the issue pre replacement. We are also looking for a diagram of what the steering mechanism is supposed to look like as it seems that some alterations were made by the previous owners.

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[Alctel]

I have the same problem - gonna pull everything out and repack for the 3rd time in 6 months with a different packing material :<

 

[SailormanDan]

Mine leaked before but not now, sounds like something is missing at the top - a bushing or something - it shouldn't be loose. I didn't actually do the work, so I can't say off the top of my head, but sounds like a good excuse to go to the boat and get some photos.
Hatches are available here through SBO, but will take a little work to enlarge the opening to get them to fit. It's a fall project that I am working on.

 

[SailormanDan]

Hopefully these are of some value, not sure what you meant by "loose at the top", possibly the white HDPE piece at the top of the rudderpost was not installed? I didn't see anything else at the top that looked like a bushing or spacer, etc.