RUDDER POST STUFFING BOX

[AL PERKINS]

Our Cat30 #3698 has water spurting up between the lower flange of the stuffing box and the raised fiberglass collar . Before we pull the 3 bolts that hold the stuffing box together can anyone tell us what occures inside and below the box that could allow this area to leak .Thanks to one and all .

 

[Jack Bollinger]

RUDDER POST STUFFING BOX Fix

Hello Al,I had the same problem with my Catalina 30 about a year and a half ago. I got a lot of water in the bildge from it. I took the packing out and then pulled the flange the rest of the way out of the fiberglass post. After cleaning both the outside of the brass packing gland as well as the inside of the fiberglass I coated the flange with 5200(thick coating) and pushed it back down into the fiberglass post. I cleaned this up and let it sit for a week, I haven't had a problem with that one since. You may find some information in the archives.Best of luck,JackC30 #3155

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

Replace Packing

Al,You probably just need to replace the packing. I'd certainly do that before applying any 5200. 5200 is very permanent and if you need to disassemble or replace that part in the future it's going to be next to impossible to get it off.Try packing alone first. Catalina will tell you what size to get. If that doesn't work & you really want to try some caulk, try 4200. 4200 has similar sealing properties but won't permanently bond to surfaces like 5200.Good luck!Allen Schweitzers/v DrambuieC-30 Hull# 632