H33 rudder post

[Richard Oliver]

In tighting the packing gland for the rudder shaft, I noticed that the pipe that is glassed into the hull turned. This pipe is where the rudder shaft goes through the hull and the packing gland is threaded to the upper end. I have not seen any leakage from the seam but it does raise a certain amount of concern. Any suggestions or comments.?????

 

[Terry Arnold]

Rudder tube bearing pipe shouldn't turn

That pipe you reference serves as the rudder shaft bearing and definitely should be glassed solid into the boat structure. If it moves or turns, may have been knocked loose in the boat's earlier history, perhaps in a grounding. The bearing tube is imbedded in a solid block as it goes down through the skeg and it might be possible to extend this block upward to add additional strength if there is any exposed pipe above the block before you get to your packing glad nut. To remove the tube for rebuilding or reanchoring the pipe in the existing block will require dropping the rudder.

 

[Sam Lust]

My Guess? Not so good.

I think this is the first time we've heard this one. Can you post full details, year of the boat and such? It may be relatively easy to fix, but I'd play with it with the boat out of the water. Don't worry about the rudder falling out because, as I'm sure you,ve seen it's supported from above. The main concern with the boat in the water is leakage, which you say it doesn't. Once the boat's out for the season I'd pull the rudder and see if the tube will come out. If it does I'd look at epoxying it back in place after a thorough inspection if the surrounding area, maybe even taking the opportuntiy to replace the tube, possibly even designing a better replacement. I'll be fascinated to hear what Hunter has to say about this one! My bet is they have no tube and no drawings left to help you make one.Please keep us posted on this one!