I am talking to a broker about a 1981 37C. He tells me that the boat is taking on water around the rudder post and should be pulled for repair. My question is, Is this a common and easily fixed problem? What could it be and any idea what it would cost Are there adjustable packings around the post? Thanks in advance Jimmie
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Been There, Done That
I recently purchased a 1981 33C that had the same problem. There is a packing nut/lock nut on the shaft that can be adjusted if they are not fused together due to corrosion. Mine were. I had it hauled and the yard discovered that the stuffing box itself was leaking and the shaft was pitted. It's very likely that the stuffing box had never been serviced. They epoxied everything in sight and dropped it back into the lake. So far it's held. Cost? $780 bucks.
I recently purchased a 1981 33C that had the same problem. There is a packing nut/lock nut on the shaft that can be adjusted if they are not fused together due to corrosion. Mine were. I had it hauled and the yard discovered that the stuffing box itself was leaking and the shaft was pitted. It's very likely that the stuffing box had never been serviced. They epoxied everything in sight and dropped it back into the lake. So far it's held. Cost? $780 bucks.
Could be simple
Stuffing box, an easy fix if thats it. Make sure you have a full survey before you write the check.
Stuffing box, an easy fix if thats it. Make sure you have a full survey before you write the check.
Get that survey.
Peter is right, the survey is the key. Make sure he gets under those locker covers in the lazarette. It is really hard to see in there with the radial wheel blocking the view. This sounds suspicious. The top of the H37C rudder steering tube is above the waterline. I don't think mine goes below the waterline even under power. In the line drawing the top of the tube is just above the bootstripe I think. We need more input from some guys/gals who have worked on that part of the H37C. My '79 has never had a leak there.
Peter is right, the survey is the key. Make sure he gets under those locker covers in the lazarette. It is really hard to see in there with the radial wheel blocking the view. This sounds suspicious. The top of the H37C rudder steering tube is above the waterline. I don't think mine goes below the waterline even under power. In the line drawing the top of the tube is just above the bootstripe I think. We need more input from some guys/gals who have worked on that part of the H37C. My '79 has never had a leak there.
three possibilites I'm aware of
1. My h37 cutter has a stuffing box that is just a bronze top and bottom, the top bolts to the bottom with 3 bolts. Between is a big o ring that is squished bewteen them and against the rudder shaft. There isn't an adjustment. You can't really see it under the quadrent. This might be leaking, but is far above the water line. 2. This stuffing box is attached to a fiberglass tube with a short piece of hose and two hose clamps. It could be loose, letting water in there. It is about at the water line. 3. That tube is glassed to the hull and makes the bottom rudder bearing. It's not real substantial and mine was ozing water through the glass. With mirrors and lights you might just be able to see what is going on. There is one more possibility, but it is not the ruddershaft. The screws that hold on the flappers on the sides of the rudder might be rusted away or leaking. You should be able to see those pretty easily with a light. Oh, for sure get it surveyed, but don't trust the surveyer 100%. Make him show you or look for yourself.
1. My h37 cutter has a stuffing box that is just a bronze top and bottom, the top bolts to the bottom with 3 bolts. Between is a big o ring that is squished bewteen them and against the rudder shaft. There isn't an adjustment. You can't really see it under the quadrent. This might be leaking, but is far above the water line. 2. This stuffing box is attached to a fiberglass tube with a short piece of hose and two hose clamps. It could be loose, letting water in there. It is about at the water line. 3. That tube is glassed to the hull and makes the bottom rudder bearing. It's not real substantial and mine was ozing water through the glass. With mirrors and lights you might just be able to see what is going on. There is one more possibility, but it is not the ruddershaft. The screws that hold on the flappers on the sides of the rudder might be rusted away or leaking. You should be able to see those pretty easily with a light. Oh, for sure get it surveyed, but don't trust the surveyer 100%. Make him show you or look for yourself.
Flappers Gene?
I'm glad you saw this one Gene, I knew you would have been in there. But flappers?! I never heard them called that and I thought I was the only one still using them. But those screws definitely go into a void and will leak. Gene is talking about the deflectors that extend around the rudder stock. Most owners removed those and have filled those holes. I made new ones from heavy rubber, stair treads actually. But first I filled that void. I shaped a piece of 2"x6" and stuffed it in there. Then I poured lots of epoxy peanut butter down around it. By the way "radial wheel" and "quandrant", same thing. The big wheel on the rudder stock. It's a radial wheel in the Edson catalog though.
I'm glad you saw this one Gene, I knew you would have been in there. But flappers?! I never heard them called that and I thought I was the only one still using them. But those screws definitely go into a void and will leak. Gene is talking about the deflectors that extend around the rudder stock. Most owners removed those and have filled those holes. I made new ones from heavy rubber, stair treads actually. But first I filled that void. I shaped a piece of 2"x6" and stuffed it in there. Then I poured lots of epoxy peanut butter down around it. By the way "radial wheel" and "quandrant", same thing. The big wheel on the rudder stock. It's a radial wheel in the Edson catalog though.
Thanks
Thanks for the replys The flapper thing had me lost for a miniute...) So they are external? to improve water flow...
Thanks for the replys The flapper thing had me lost for a miniute...) So they are external? to improve water flow...
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