Rudder Post leak

Status
Not open for further replies.

Don P

.
May 6, 2006
6
- - Haverstraw N.Y.
Rudder post leaks when under way . What will I find when I loosen fitting , packing or a washer etc. Can it be done in water? I am calling Catalinas Tech Dept. Monday. Any info appreciated . Don
 
May 25, 2004
173
Oday 25 Tampa Bay
Don

I have an 86 Catalina 27. I found by tightening the 3 bolts around the post it stopped leaking.{for now} Good luck, Jack p.s. I think its packing.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,081
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Fascinating how these ?s repeat

...none for two years then two in a week! http://www.c34.org/faq-pages/techdata-rudder-packing-gland.html Go to Catalina Direct, they make a complete replacement gland.
 
M

Melody Miller

More on Rudder Post Leak

Jack: How did you discover that the rudder post was leaking? Melody s/v Spice of Life
 

Don P

.
May 6, 2006
6
- - Haverstraw N.Y.
Melody: Had water in the bilge. Checked stuffing box first.OK. Saw water flowing around muffler said oh oh.That was okay. Looked further, at Rudder packing gland saw watercoming in thru fitting on top of rudder post , only while underway.
 
D

Don

Rudder Post

Assuming this is a wheel steering boat, first turn the wheel and make sure that the stuffing box is not turning along with the shaft. If that is good, tighten the 3 bolts. If it does not stop leaking, remove the 3 bolts and the top plate. Replace the flax with one ring of 3/8inch packing. It will be above water line, but just barely. Don't have 3 heavy friends back there helping. If you change the flax, only snug the 3 bolts. Too tight can cause the stuffing box to break loose from the fiberglass tube-big problem. If you have an 85 or newer boat, you can remove the bulkhead in the port locker, get inside, and stick your head and shoulders into the lazerette to gain access to the stuffing box.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.